Reviving Automobile Excellence: Concorso Ferrari roars back to life after a 5-year hiatus | Feature Stories

After a five-year break, the highly anticipated Concorso Ferrari 2024 has returned, bringing a stunning display of luxury and automotive excellence to the heart of Pasadena. The event, now in its 12th year, has not been held since 2018 due to a pause in 2019, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the community gears up for this extraordinary showcase of automotive history on Sunday, May 5, Concorso Ferrari 2024 is a testament to the enduring allure and cultural significance of one of the most iconic brands in automotive history. The event is free and open to the public.

This year, the event takes over two blocks of Colorado Boulevard between Pasadena and Fair Oaks avenue, a location selected for its historical significance and vibrant local atmosphere, according to Jim Bindman, president of the Ferrari Club of America Southwest Region, which hosts the event. Besides Concorso Ferrari, Colorado Boulevard only closes down for one other major event, the Rose Parade.

Dubbed “Ferraris on Colorado,” this iconic gathering, organized by the Ferrari Club of America Southwest Region, anticipates attracting a crowd of 5,000 to 10,000 owners, enthusiasts and onlookers. Visitors are encouraged to leisurely walk amidst the impressive lineup of vehicles, engage with passionate owners, enjoy live interviews on-site and delve into the atmosphere of Old Pasadena.

“We wanted a car show open to the public. Old Pasadena is such a prestigious location and has such a diverse group of people who are there on a typical Sunday, so it just was the perfect venue,” said Jim Bindman, president of the Ferrari Club of America, Southwest Region. “We’re super excited about being back, and all the merchants along the two blocks are really enthusiastic about our event.”

Visitors to the event can expect a lineup of nearly 100 Ferraris showcasing over 70 years of the marque’s history. These range from meticulously hand-built models from the 1950s to the cutting-edge 2024 Ferraris, some valued at over a million dollars. These cars are not just displays; they are symbols of achievement and aspiration, provided by members of the Ferrari Club of America, who use the event not only to share their passion but also to engage in charitable activities supporting local law enforcement and military bases.

“We like to talk to children about how achieving something like owning a Ferrari starts with education, setting goals and saving money,” Bindman said. “Children love Ferraris because they’re not just black and white and silver like every other car; they’re just cool.” This approach aims to inspire the next generation through real-life examples of success and perseverance.

The event also promises some significant models for enthusiasts, including the Enzo and several Daytonas. It will also introduce the 296 GTB hybrid model, which represents a shift toward environmental consciousness. Equipped with 700 horsepower, it proves that performance need not be sacrificed for efficiency.

Other iconic models include the 250 Lusso, 250 Europa, 250 GTE, 250 Lusso and 275 GTB4. Ferraris dating back to 2014 and earlier will undergo judging according to FCA National Guidelines and the International Advisory Council for the Preservation of Ferrari Automobiles. Following the judging, awards in 10 categories will be presented by a distinguished panel of Ferrari experts. Renowned voice-over actor Rino Romano will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event.

The Ferrari Club of America Southwest Region, founded in 1994, commemorates its 30th anniversary this year. It boasts a membership of 700 individuals across Southern California and Hawaii. As one of 16 FCA chapters across North America, the FCA Southwest Region maintains a robust calendar of events throughout the year, featuring concours, weekend excursions, tours and thrilling track events. The club supports the LAPD, the Highway Patrol, Vandenberg Space Force Base and Edwards Air Force Base and does car shows for the military.

“We try to use our cars for many worthwhile purposes,” Bindman explained. “Ferraris are very aspirational. They’re an item that usually illustrates that someone set goals and had some strategic elements to try to become successful. It’s not just a car, it’s a lifestyle. Probably 99% of our owners said this was something they strived for throughout their lives and ultimately a goal that they achieved.”