The 27th edition of Concoso Italiano, held on Friday August 17th, 2012, was an epic success. Under sunny, vividly blue skies, the greens at the picturesque Laguna Seca Golf Ranch were packed with classic and modern automobiles from fabled Italian marques. Even the Horacio Pagani, owner and founder of Pagani and CEO Stephan Winkelmann of Lamborghini made personal appearances this year! As it does every year, the show attracted thousands of visitors from around the globe in a celebration of passion and enthusiasm for exotic, rare, and interesting automobiles from Italy and beyond.
The shows centerpiece honored the 100th anniversary of Bertone, the fabled Italian styling and design company that specializes in custom coachbuilding and manufacturing. On display was the 2012 Bertone Nuccio concept car, along with the company’s storied collaborations such as a 1970 Lamborghini Miura S, 1968 Lamborghini Espada, and 1976 Maserati Kamsin.
Perennial presenting sponsor Fiat observed its 55th anniversary by unveiling a special edition 500 Turbo, aimed between the standard 500 and the hardcore Abarth model. The new entry into the lineup was displayed alongside numerous other historical models in the iconic Cinquecento series.
This year’s Concorso Italiano also commemorated the upcoming 50th anniversary of Lamborghini and featured models from every era of the legendary Italian manufacturer’s back catalogue.
What Italian automobile gathering would be complete without Ferrari? Over 100 examples were on display, including a rare 458 Challenge Racecar promoting the FOG Charity Rally that intermittently revved-up and reminding the gathered crowds that the Ferrari Challenge Races were happening a stones throw away at Laguna Seca Raceway.
The 2012 edition of Concorso Italiano provided awestruck attendees a chance to get close to beloved legends in automotive history and featured an enchanting and powerful display of timeless Italian design and engineering – here’s to next year, Viva Italia!
Photography Credit: David Bush Photo
