Frank Mandarano’s ’59 Maserati 3500GT was once owned by Adolfo Lopez Mateos, President of Mexico, top, stunning Tucker, above.
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of America’s Sports Car, Corvette, there was a special tribute to the marque. Some of the racers and racecar fabricators responsible for the Corvette’s competition reputation were at the Concours. Legendary Corvette racer Dick Guldstrand, who worked for Roger Penske on the legendary Grand Sport, was both a judge and honoree. Dave Wolin’s Corvette Grand Sport, below, was an IMSA GTO racecar, now competes in West Coast Corvette Challenge. Engine is 640-horsepower, 415-inch small-block.
This year the Concours worked with the Peterson Museum and its Checkered Flag 200 Club to present some of the most iconic classics and sports cars, ’61 Cooper-Climax T54, top, ’57 Mercedes-Benz 300SL roadster, above. More than just a show, the Concours is part of a number of events, including vintage and historic races, Tour Classique Road Tour and special receptions. This year they supported the Armed Services YMCA and Wounded Warriors.
NOTE: Photos by Jim Palam, http://www.jimpalam.com/
Check out the Desert Classic website for more information, http://www.desertconcours.com/
Doug Hammer, owner of the ’40 Kenworth fire truck, is CEO of the Fire Memories Museum, http://www.firememories.org/