There is no doubt in my mind that places of exceptional beauty make for exceptional concours. California is blessed in that regard and so the 15th annual Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance, commencing Friday evening, September 19 with a charity gala at a private Tuscan Villa Estate, promises to be exceptional, indeed. On Saturday the participants have the fun of participating in the Tour d'Epicure Road Rallye, meandering through the Palos Verdes Peninsula and arriving for lunch at the Trump National Golf Club. On Sunday the judged Concours is presented, with the promise of nearly 200 collector and exotic classic cars on display, celebrating 100 years of GM Design and in particular, Cadillac. Of course, modern concours events are about the past, but among the special features planned is a look at the future with an alternative fuel display. (I'll confess that before writing this I had to use Google Maps to learn where the Palos Verdes Peninsula is located. By the ocean cliffs south of Long Beach, a lovely area, indeed.)

[Photo: 1931 Cadillac V-16. Owners: Sharon and Valerie Weiss]