Classic European sports cars and rare American-made hot rods were on display in Dolores during a stopover of the Colorado Grand tour Sept. 14.
Spectators turned out to marvel at the stylish Alfa Romeos, Porsches, Jaguars, Ferraris, Maseratis, and rare U.S.-made Bocar and Scarab models parked in front of the Galloping Goose railroad museum.
Most of the cars were from the 1960s and earlier and have racing pedigrees. Their owners were on a 1,000-mile road rally of Western Colorado that raises money for local organizations and charities. The Galloping Goose museum hosted a coffee break for the 95 drivers, and received a $1,500 donation.
Jim Weddle, of St. Louis, drove his 1959 Bocar, which was built in Colorado, and is one of 15 made. His XT model tears up the road with a Ford 289 V8, and tops out at 150 mph.
“It drives beautifully, fast and lightweight,” Weddle said.
Nearby, Hans Abraham’s 1955 Austin Healey growled at a low rumble in anticipation of sprint to Ridgway for lunch.
“It is the quintessential post-war British sports car,” he said. “I love the way it drives, and especially the way it sounds.”
A 1924 Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix drew a lot of attention. Owner David Duthu said is was driven by Grand Prix legend Louis Chiron and won a lot of races.
“It is quite a technical car, which suits an engineer like me,” Duthu said. “I love the gadgetry and the elegant design.”
The straight-8 cylinder gives it a lot of power, and Bugatti used compressed leather for parts, such as for the shock absorbers. The drive belts for the dynamo and tachometer are stitched leather.
“On turns, it tracks like it’s on rails, with no body roll and lock-solid to the ground,” Duthu said. “I’m very lucky to own this car, and it’s fun to share by taking people for rides and letting kids get their picture taken inside.”
Car enthusiast Kaela Walton, 15, of Dolores, was in heaven at the event, snapping pictures of her favorite Ferrari models and talking cars with owners.
“They are such masterpieces,” she said. “I love how they treat their cars with respect, take care of them, and drive them out here to share with the public.”
She wants to become a mechanic specializing in classic cars.
A 1958 Scarab was another very special and rare sports car on this year’s tour. Owner John Mozart explained that just a handful were made.
“They were revolutionary, built by a bunch of hot-rodders from LA. It dominated a lot of races,” Mozart said, as his son Forrest happily climbed in to take over driving duties.
The Scarab was the invention of competitive racer Lance Reventlow, who decided to build a car that would challenge the European models, according to The Revs Institute. Its Chevy V-8 is combined with a Corvette four-speed gearbox all mounted on a lightweight frame.
“It drives fabulous, handles even better,” Mozart said.
All the drivers said they were having a fun time, and enjoyed the friendly reception of the small towns in Colorado.
“People are cheering these cars when they drive away,” said Lew Matis, of the Galloping Goose Society. “We love hosting this event, and so does the town.”
jmimiaga@the-journal.com
