Balzars Take People’s Choice Awards at Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance

LA QUINTA – Hailed as one of the “Top Ten Classic Car Shows in the World,” The Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance returned for its 60th year to the Desert Princess Country Club and Resort in Cathedral City on Sunday, Feb. 24.

Among the many winners of the more than 180 cars shown, were Eric and Belva Balzar of Palm Desert for their 1959 Rolls Royce, even though it suffered some major damage the night before the show in a crash near the resort. Other local residents whose classic cars took prizes were: Mike Arcaro of Palm Springs for 1st Place for his 1967 Corvette in the Corvette category and 2nd Place for his 1967 Chevelle in the Post War U.S. category; and La Quinta residents Mike Bagley for his 1954 Vincent Black Shadow in the Best Motorcycle category, Dick Boberg for 3rd Place for his 1934 Bentley 3.5 Ltr, Park Ward in the Pre-War European category; and Tom Hollfelder for 1st Place for his 1932 Cadillac Pheaton in the Pre-War U.S. category and 3rd Place for his 1970 Ferrari 512 in the Competition Cars category.

Best in Show went to Chuck Swimmer of San Diego for his 1931 Chrysler Imperial. “This car has just over six miles on it since restoration,” Swimmer said after being awarded the big prize. “This was the first of 100 LeBaron-bodied Imperials, and what makes it unique is there are no running boards,” Swimmer said. The car is powered by a 385-cubic-inch straight-eight fitted with a three-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Next stop for the big Chrysler is the Amelia Island Concours on Mar. 10.

For full list of the winner from the The Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and the charities benefiting from this year’s show, Loving All Animals Super Pet Adoption Fair, Armed Services YMCA, 29 Palms Marine Corps Base Charities: Wounded Warrior Project, go to www.desertconcours.com.

Shortlink: