Concours cruise

Bentley, Rolls-Royce, MGs, Jaguars and Aston Martins shone brightly in the Sunday sun for the seventh annual Niello Concours at Serrano.

?The British are Coming? was this year's theme which was evident with the gleaming display of vintage vehicles.

Zac Perryman, of Gold Country Auto Restoration in Murphy, entered a 1961 Daimler two-seater convertible that had been restored from the ground up.

?This car meant a lot to the owner (Jim Tree) and he put a lot of money into it,? Perryman said. ?This car is pretty rare.?

Under the hood the rather small sports car boasts a 2.5 liter Hemi engine.

?There are 150 horses in there,? Perryman said.

Although the British were well represented, some brought their American made vintage vehicles to the show.

Mike Jewell's 1968 1/2 Mustang GT California Special is one of roughly 418 made, he said.

The 390 V8 four-speed classic was Jewell's first car.

?I worked my butt off in an apple orchard all summer to pay for it,? he said.

When Jewell bought it the Ford was in a sad state of disrepair. He eventually sold it, only to get it back again 20 years later.

?This tine I restored it as if it was just off the assembly line,? Jewell said.

Every car has a story, but so do those checking them out.

?One of the best parts of showing a car is hearing the memories that they bring back to people,? said Dale Peterson of Grass Valley. ?You hear about first dates, first kisses and babies. It's great.?

Dirk Compstock, of El Dorado Hills, roamed among the gleaming chrome, sipping an adult beverage and hanging with his buddies.

?This is a day for the guys,? he said. ?We could go to Vegas, but why not enjoy the day right here in our own backyard.?

The Niello Concours at Serrano showcases some of the best motorcars in the country. A portion of the event's proceeds benefit the Concours Foundation that provides grants and funding to Sacramento area charities.