When the sun rises over the beautiful desert setting of Palm Springs Friday morning, owners of some equally spectacular classic cars will be preparing to drive them in the Tour Classique. It's the curtain opener for the inaugural Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance at the O'Donnell Golf Club, Palm Spring's historic golf course. The Tour is reminiscent of a similar event held during the Pebble Beach concours and is much appreciated by spectators who get to see (and hear!) great vintage automobiles in their natural environment. Saturday's Concours will include the famous Nissan 300ZX as raced by Paul Newman, winner of an SCCA National Championship in 1984; the first-ever Ferrari, chassis number 01C, making its initial western appearance; a 1941 custom Packard designed by "Dutch" Darrin; and a host of Maseratis, it being the featured marque. I'm betting that the Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance will someday take its place among the world's best, so remember these words, friends. Contributor Mel Satok will be taking photos: watch this space in coming days.