13th Annual Italian Concours D’Elegance at South Lake Union Park

The 13th Annual Italian Concours D’Elegance took place in Seattle once again this year on Sunday, September 4, 2005, at Seattle’s South Lake Union Park. This was the first time at this new location. The good news is that even with the location change – this year’s Concours D’Elegance event generated one of it’s best overall attendance records, according to event officials.

This year’s featured marque at Concours D’Elegance was Maserati. As one entered through the main gate, you could not help but notice a truly wonderful sight - a circle of Maseratis located right inside the main entrance. The circle was comprised of both new and vintage Maserati beauties alike. Some of them included: Al Lancaster’s stunning Ghibli SS, Miles Crawford’s fabulous Series I Sebring, Mike Wilson’s recently revived 4Porte (please read Mike’s article in the upcoming Viale Ciro Menotti # 88 to read the complete story regarding his 15 year restoration project), and John Kane’s remarkable un-restored 3500 GT, which still has the original shipping sticker attached to the window. Other Club Members that attended were Colin Craig, his wife Joan, and their dog Pirate, making the trip south from Vancouver, B.C. in their beautiful dark blue 3500 GTi. Larry Ruben from Gold Hills, Oregon and friend, Steve Case (from Portland), and is also a new Maserati Club International member, traveled north in Steve’s recently acquired and very nice looking white Mistral Coupe. Mark and Karen McLean brought their incredibly sharp-looking red Merak, and Scott McGill displayed his very impressive red Ghibli. This year’s turn out, with respect to the number of Maseratis on display at the Concours D’Elegance, was exceptional - as we had over a dozen cars attend the function, compared to just eight Masers at the last event.

In addition to our beloved marque, there were lots of Ferraris on hand, several Lamborghinis, and a few Panteras on display. Other Italian cars present at this year’s show were Alfas, Fiats, and several sleek and very fast looking Ducati motorcycles.

For most of the event it was a perfect day in Seattle as the sun was shinning and the temperature throughout most of the day was in the mid 70s. However, right before the awards ceremony started, a slight rain drizzle began, which soon turned into a major downpour. Fortunately, the Concours D’Elegance staff was prepared for all types of foul weather conditions. Remember, we do live in Seattle! So once the rainstorm began, Concours D’Elegance officials simply moved the crowd of attendees into a large tent area for the awards presentations, as the show must go on!

Congratulations to these 2005 Concours D’Elegance Award Winners:

*Courtesy of Sports Car Magazine

Everyone who attended the Concours D’Elegance had a wonderful time. Next year, we hope even more Maserati car owners attend this local Northwest event.

Mike Latsis
Maserati Club International