Concorso Italiano has a specific kind of magic. You walk through the gates and you’re immediately surrounded by more Ferraris than should reasonably exist in one place. But what makes the event so memorable isn’t just the metal — it’s the mix. A collector in driving gloves here, a couple in Aperol-toned linens there, dogs on leashes, prosciutto sandwiches in hand. It’s elegant, but not too precious. Serious, but not self-serious.
This was my second year attending, and these were the cars — and moments — I couldn’t stop thinking about.
A Ferrari Flashback
It’s hard not to be pulled straight into the sea of Ferraris. The lineup felt like a greatest hits playlist — 550 Maranellos, F12s in wild paint jobs, a full orchestra of V12s lined up under the Monterey clouds. I lingered longest at the silver-and-yellow striped F12 Berlinetta. It looked fast just sitting there, a little smug next to the more demure Rosso Corsa siblings.
Ferraris took center stage this year, both in numbers and in the way they were spotlighted throughout the event. Between the debut of the Pininfarina Classiche Certification Program and the introduction of the new Best in Show trophy designed by Walter De Silva, it was clear the organizers were leaning into heritage, design, and storytelling more than ever. The level of curation — from rare vintage entries to cutting-edge Battista hypercars — felt like a quiet flex.
The Alfisti Know How to Picnic
I always end up gravitating to the Alfa Romeo section, not just for the cars but for the vibe. These are the people who bring folding chairs, full picnic spreads, proper espresso setups. One table had striped linen, fresh-cut roses, and silver chargers — a wedding reception for two, held beside a vintage Spider.
The cars were as lovely as the setting: black, red, and burgundy Spiders lined up in a perfect curve. A reminder that Italian style is sometimes best when it’s a little faded, soft-topped, and still running beautifully.
The Unexpected Favourites
The De Tomaso Pantera with a very relaxed husky in the shade of its quarter panel might’ve been the happiest car-dog pairing I saw all week.
There was also a polished gray Lancia with an interior that looked like an old Milanese study — warm wood, original gauges, and just enough patina to make you lean in closer. Nearby, a silver Maserati sat with quiet confidence, its trident glinting in the sun like a badge of honor.
And tucked near the back: a Ferrari with a “ROBIN-1” plate from Hawaii — a reference to Magnum, P.I. if you know, you know.
The Diablo, Obviously
Let’s not pretend anything topped the 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster.
It drew a crowd from the moment it rolled in — gleaming in classic red, doors up, with its original leather luggage displayed on a tartan blanket like a concours picnic. The details were impeccable: factory-correct Pirelli P-Zeros, a laminated spec board outlining every nuance, and a license plate that simply read “PDTOY.” It was both over-the-top and totally correct.
I kept coming back to it. There was something almost emotional about it — a car that felt like a time capsule, but also like it had lived. I was quietly rooting for it to win.
Thinking of going? Here’s what I’d tell a friend before their first Concorso Italiano.
When & Where
Held each August during Monterey Car Week — in 2024, it was on the 17th — Concorso takes place at the Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course in Seaside, California. Think rolling greens, ocean air, and a lot of Ferraris.
Tickets
General admission starts around $195, but there are tiers. The CI Club gets you shaded seating and better food access, while the Chairman’s Club (limited to 100 people) is full VIP — lounges, private bars, and a quieter experience.
Getting There
General parking is off-site with shuttles, and traffic clogs fast — aim for early. If you’re VIP, parking is much smoother.
What to Wear
Dress is “casual concours,” which really just means stylish but sensible. Think linen shirts, sundresses, driving loafers, or flats — and absolutely bring a hat and sunscreen. There’s very little shade on the fairways.
The Vibe
It’s less intimidating than some of the other shows during Car Week — people are there to enjoy the cars, share stories, and yes, people-watch. You’ll see collectors in tailored suits, but also families with strollers and dog lovers with vintage Fiat 500s.
Final Thoughts
There’s something singular about Concorso Italiano. It brings together the most storied marques in Italian automotive history with a setting that invites you to slow down and see them — to linger at the angles, to listen to the owners’ stories, to remember why these cars became icons in the first place.
This year marked a thoughtful shift. With new partnerships, first-time showcases, and a beautifully designed Best in Show trophy by Walter De Silva, you could feel the event leaning into both its roots and its future. And for me, the Diablo said it all: dramatic, lovingly presented, and impossible to ignore.
If you’re planning your own Monterey Car Week itinerary, my full guide is here. But if you’re looking for the soul of Italian automotive culture — this is where you’ll find it.
