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Photo of the Day

2004 Concours on Rodeo
By: Drew Phillips
Photos by the author
June 23, 2004

Article Images


There are so many times when I feel blessed to live in Los Angeles. As a diehard fan of all things fast on four wheels, there's no place I'd rather be. Take, for instance, the Concours on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. I drive in my car just half an hour, and I am in the presence of greatness. In what has become a much-anticipated event every Father's Day, three blocks of downtown Beverly Hills are closed down, and some of the fastest, most beautiful classic and modern cars in the world are put on display. Cars in attendance ranged from brand new supercars like the Porsche Carrera GT and Mercedes McLaren SLR to old British classics, racing cars, and American muscle like the Mustang, Corvette, GT40, and Shelby Cobra.

This year was especially fantastic because the show honored Ferrari's fifty year presence in the United States. To commemorate the anniversary, a Ferrari from every year from 1953 to present was on display. One of the more notable models included an elegant 250 GT California Spyder. Other 250 Ferraris on display included a 250 GT SWB along with a racing 250 GT Berlinetta that won the GT class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1961, and a gorgeous silver 1957 250 Testarossa. A pair of 275 GTB/4's rounded off my list of favorite classic Ferraris. Modern examples of Enzo's creations were in abundance as well, at least more than usual on a typical Beverly Hills day. Soon-to-be-classics like the 360 Stradale, 575M Maranello, and Enzo all attracted much attention.

It all seemed ironic, though, to see so many of the stereotypical show-goers drooling over the Modenas, Maranellos, or the carbon fiber body of the Enzo, when they could have seen two or three examples of the same car in dealerships within walking distance of the show. If they knew where to look, they could see these cars any time they wanted to. They didn't seem to realize that many of the classics are so much more rare and coveted than the newer models, and that this might just be there only chance to ever see them.

Just like the Ferraris, the other classic cars in the show were absolutely stunning. A pair of elegant reproduction Bugattis (1936 Type 57SC and 1931 Type 51) captured the attention of nearly everyone, and the Type 51 won best of show. There was a particularly nice collection of British cars, which included two Jaguar XK120's: a beautiful blue coupe and a gray roadster. A trio of three Aston Martins (DB4 GT Zagato, DB4 GT, DB5), two Morgans, and a Jaguar E-Type rounded off the best of the British machinery.

American cars were in full force as well, including a nice collection from Ford. Ford Motor Company gladly provided a new GT supercar to go along with a street-legal MkIII GT40 from the Peterson Automotive Museum that was at Pebble Beach last year, and a very nice MkII replica with the same Gulf racing paint scheme as the 1968 and 1969 Le Mans-winning car. A 1968 Mustang Bullitt GT was also proudly displayed along with the modern-day rendition of the classic pony car.

Walking through all the classic cars was quite enjoyable, but the best was yet to come. At the end of the street was a section of cars as remarkable as I've ever seen. Lined up in a row was a brand new Mercedes SLR McLaren, Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing, Ferrari Enzo, Ferrari F40, and Porsche Carrera GT. Other surrounding cars included a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Bentley Continental GT, a stunning Porsche 911 GT2, a V12 Vanquish, and yet another Carrera GT. It was a collection of supercars rivaled by none I've witnessed in person. The crowds around the cars were occasionally rewarded with a beautiful symphony of exhaust notes from the Carrera GT and SLR.

The Concours on Rodeo is really one of the most enjoyable car shows I've ever been to. The weather was fantastic; there is the typical smog-fog in the morning, providing soft lighting for fantastic photos, and then the California sunshine breaks through just after noon that makes for an excellent day to be outside. The setting is pleasant and relaxed with music in the background and the smell of barbeque in the air. There's plenty of free parking, and it's not too crowded if you get to the show early enough. If you live in the L.A. area, it's really a show you can't miss. Just don't forget to bring your dad to make it a memorable Father's Day.