Classic Cars and a Tribute in the Desert  Report and images from Bob Segui. Click to view the gallery

During the weekend of 25-27 February 2011 The La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, California played host to The Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance. Heralded as: ‘One of the top ten Classic Car Shows in the World’ by Der Spiegel, this three-day motor sport event started on Friday with a preview of 75 restored automobiles that would be auctioned off on Sunday at The Desert Classic Vintage Car Auction. The auction was held in conjunction with The Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance.

Saturday saw a driving tour through the Coachella Valley, with an Opening Reception that evening.

On Sunday the Concours d’Elegance and Vintage Car Auction were both held on the Mountain Golf Course at the La Quinta Resort & Club. One special addition was a tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, with original race cars on display. Another highlight of the day was a fly-over of five Chinese Nanchang CJ6a aircrafts, flying in formation.

Over 200 of the finest automobiles from California and Arizona were on the grass on Sunday. Nineteen 1st Place Class Awards were given along with eight Design Team and Special Awards. Best of Show was a beautiful Black-over-Gray 1929 Auburn 8-120 Boattail Speedster owned by Aaron and Valerie Weiss from San Marino, CA.

The weather was great, the location was excellent and everyone had a fantastic time. If you are ever in the Southern California area in late February, take a drive out to the Coachella Valley and just South of Palm Springs you will find one of the best automotive events around.