Palo Verde's Concourse
Written by Keith Fudge

Last September, Dennis Gage and the crew from My Classic Car had the chance to visit one of the up and coming car shows in the country: the Acura Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance. Held in Palos Verdes , California , at the Donald J. Trump Ocean Trails Golf Club, this year's show saluted Ford's 100 th Anniversary and a member of Ford's extended family, Aston Martin.

The festivities for the three-day event began on Friday with a golf tournament at this beautiful facility and culminated with an awards ceremony on Sunday. Dennis spoke with Ed Beall, Event Co-Director, who told him about some of the particulars of the event. Ed told Dennis that this was the eleventh year for the show and the fourth year at this location. He also said that there were 175 vehicles registered and on display that would compete in twenty-three classes. Of course there were Ferraris and Bugattis, but perhaps one of the most enjoyable categories to peruse was the “Big Chrome and Big Fins” division that featured some great street rods. Ed also told Dennis that proceeds from the event were designated to a couple of notable charity organizations. First, there is The Rotary Club of the Palos Verdes Peninsula who has provided support form programs such as Habitat for Humanity, Hospice Trinity Kids Care, and H.E.L.P. (a health and eldercare program). Another of the beneficiaries from the event is the Palos Verdes Art Center which sponsors “Art At Your Fingertips,” a program that sends volunteers into the community schools teach art to students. They also sponsor an “Art for Educators” program that instructs teachers how to incorporate art education into regular curriculum. Needless to say, the event benefits some fabulous causes.

With all these beautiful vehicles in this gorgeous location, Dennis could no longer wait to “mix and mingle” with the owners of some of these great cars. First, Dennis found Mike Regalia and his 1931 Type 51 Bugatti. This custom-built “Aero Car” featured a fin running down the back and is basically a street version of the Bugatti Grand Prix car. With a gorgeous interior lined in leather, sycamore maple, and engine-turned metals, this car was simply spectacular! Mike told Dennis that the body was constructed from steel and aluminum, and that the car was powered by a 2.3 liter, twin-cam “straight eight.” Complete with supercharger this car makes around 190 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. What a car! Mike, thanks for sharing your car with us. Next, Dennis found a rarity: a 1956 Pegaso Z102. Owned by Karl Baker, this car is a Spanish chassis with an Italian body! Karl told Dennis that this vehicle was basically designed to be a two-seat, high-speed touring car. In fact, it was guaranteed to exceed 150 miles per hour from the factory in 1956! After Karl popped the hood, Dennis understood just what the fuss was all about. Powered by a four cam, Hemi V-8 with dual four-barrel Weber carburetors, Karl told Dennis that this bad boy would make horsepower all the way to 9,000 rpm! When Dennis asked what the car would have sold for when it was new, Karl told him that it sold for approximately $23,000 in 1956! Wow! That's some special car! Thanks, Karl!

To put it simply, the Acura Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance was a fabulous event held in a spectacular setting. If you would like to learn more about this event, visit them on the web at www.pvconcours.com . So, until our next road trip, remember, “Honor the timeless classics. Happy Motoring!”