By D. Brian Smith
Photography: D. Brian Smith & Ha Quang Smith
Published in Monterey Car Week (2015 Concorso Italiano)
My usual car event articles are for honoring all those auto enthusiasts around the world who couldn't make it to the show. I had a special guest for the 2015 Concorso Italiano, so that makes this show exceptional. My new wife and I, yes you heard that right. My bride, Ha Quang Hoang Le Smith, and I made our way to Monterey for the 2015 Concorso Italiano on Saturday of Monterey Car Week.
Held at the Black Horse Golf Club in Monterey Bay California, the event is a celebration of all things Italian. Italian food, beverages, fashion, architecture, style and especially automotive -- all of these elements combine to create an Italian themed party in Monterey Bay during the greatest automotive week of each year.
Throughout our drive up to Monterey, my wife, our canine daughter Samantha and I were looking forward to showing Ha Quang the magically mystical Monterey Bay, Pebble Beach and Carmel for the first time. I already knew that Ha's not as into automobiles as I am. Yet I also was aware that she would be as captivated by this part of California as I am.
For Ha the cars were a nice bonus, while for me the cars make Monterey even more magical than it already is.
I'm over the moon that the 2015 Concorso Italiano takes place once again at the Black Horse Golf Club in Monterey Bay and on the Saturday just prior to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It's a perfect location to host the 800 to 1,000 vehicles, the vendors and the Italian ambiance. Equally important, having this epic event on Saturday unfetters the rest of MCW, what with all the other auto-extraordinary activities going on each day.
It was a sunny and warmer than typical day in Monterey Bay. As you can imagine the Italian cars were the belles of the ball. Though my bride was the Queen of this event. She had a great time, because I was enjoying my favorite car week of the year.
Now If we could figure out a way to live in Monterey Bay, Pebble Beach or Carmel year-round, my wife, Samantha and I would be on a perpetual honeymoon as opposed to just wedded bliss.
Next year please join us on Saturday at the Black Horse Golf Club for the 2016 Concorso Italiano. It's scheduled for August 20. Look for a beautiful Vietnamese bride and her gearhead giant of a husband, the guy with the huge grin and the Canon DSLR hanging off his southpaw shoulder. Until then, check out what we were most captivated by at the 2015 Concorso Italiano. Enjoy!
