Historics - The Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance To Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

Palm Springs, Feb. 4, 2012: The Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance celebrates its fifth anniversary this month with a new host venue and another headline-grabbing spectacle: vintage cars owned by members of the elite Checkered Flag 200 club, which supports the mission and initiatives of Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

“Our focus this year is on the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Checkered Flag [200] club,” says Desert Classic organizer Paul Merrigan, who won the 1998 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the Postwar GT Italian Coachwork Class with his Maserati A6. “These stalwart car enthusiasts support the goals and vision of the museum, which allows almost unlimited access to cars of a historic nature.”

The Checkered Flag 200 consists of the museum’s top-tier members, who will bring some of the world’s most beautiful vintage cars to the Desert Classic. “We believe that it is our duty not only to preserve these works of automotive art, but also to share them with the public in order to keep the passion alive for our car heritage,” says Bruce Meyer, the group’s president. “We’re privileged to represent the Petersen Museum at such a prestigious event.”

Generally, the Desert Classic invites owners to bring their automobiles; others apply for acceptance. All provide a brief history of their vehicles for spectators to peruse during the event. And all will face judges in their respective classes, which range from Pre- and Post-War American and European to American Heritage Racing and International Competition. Special awards will go to the best classic race car and the most significant open and closed cars, most unusual vehicle, and the People’s Choice Award, Motor Trend Classic Award, and Best in Show.

The nonprofit Desert Classic benefits local charities, including ACT for MS, Loving All Animals, FIND food bank, and Desert Classic Scholarship Fund (in association with College of the Desert).

Event Schedule Friday, Feb. 24

Track Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center Saturday, Feb. 25

The Desert Classic Tour 8-9:30 a.m. — View more than 100 spectacular vintage automobiles in a festive atmosphere. Free and open to the public. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Watch the cars depart for a driving tour through the Coachella Valley — from Rancho Mirage to the Salton Sea and back. View the route map and schedule at www.desertconcours.com. 12:30-2:30 p.m. — The tour concludes at Cuistot restaurant in Palm Desert, where the cars will again be on display.

The Desert Classic Vintage Car Auction 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa hosts the Vintage Car Auction presented by Auction Group International. The auction, which is open to the public, offers an impressive selection of classic cars focusing on influential automotive design through the decades. Sunday, Feb. 26

The Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance More than 200 classic cars will be on display at Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa. Don’t miss the Checkered Flag 200 club from the Petersen Automotive Museum. Enjoy music, specialty vendors, and exceptional food and beverages. 10 a.m. — Gates open 12:30-1:30 p.m. — Presentation of significant cars and interviews 1:30 p.m. — Awards presentation begins 4 p.m. — Best in Show presentation, event concludes

Tickets: Advance $30/person; gate $35/person; children 10 and younger and active/reserve military personnel enter free.

Information: www.desertconcours.com