Ventura Farms Inaugural Concours Invitational doesn't disappoint

Countless vintage automobile events are held all around the world on any given day, but few are able to match the caliber of exclusive machinery displayed at the Ventura Farms Inaugural Concours Invitational. The event, held last month on the private 2,200-acre ranch estate of billionaire David H. Murdock (the Chairman and CEO of Dole and Castle and Cooke) just north of Los Angeles, CA, offered guests a look at dozens of classic automobiles set among beautifully manicured gardens, ponds and Thai sculptural boulders mined from the River Kwai in Thailand. With the weather near perfect, and the cars in equal state, some were arguing that the venue was every bit as spectacular as Pebble Beach.

While it would have been easy to feast on the savory foods, premium beer and wine, we forced our camera to our face and shot a gallery for everyone outside the secured gates to enjoy. The 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Streamline Saloon, a Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Winner, was spectacular, but our eyes were drawn to the bright green 1947 Delahaye 135MS (shown above) with its clear acrylic steering wheel and matching knobs and buttons. The 1929 Auburn 8-120 Boattail Speedster was also a favorite, with its sleek... stern.

As expected, tickets to the event were pricey ($100 each) but every single penny generated went to raise money for a local park and YMCA. Look for next year's event to take place in March, and be sure to get your tickets early as this inaugural concours sold out weeks in advance.