2016 Copperstate 1000

As I've mentioned in the past, one of the benefits of living in the southwest is getting to see the cars leave for the Copperstate 1000 vintage rally. Now in its 26th year, the event is run by the Men's Art Council from the Phoenix Art Museum. The following are a few photos of this year's entrants - always an interesting group of cars. Enjoy.

This Cunningham C2R was at Pebble Beach last year.

I believe this Cristalia has run the Copperstate previously.

A rally-ready Renault Alpine

A Ferrari SWB 250 Berlinetta

Something out of the ordinary - a Rolls-Royce PII

A Zagato bodied Alfa Romeo

A Iso Grifo

I've had the pleasure of driving this Pantera - it will keep up with anything in this field!

The only Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing on the rally this year.

This Aston Martin DB2/4 looked ready for battle.

This Lincoln made a great sound upon take-off.

A Lancia Stratos

A car you don't see often, the Fiat Dino coupe

1908 American Underslung Roadsters

Another image from the cashe of American Motor Car Company factory photos, shows a 1908 40hp underslung roadster. I'm guessing the photo was taken outside the plant on Meridian Street in Indianapolis and on the back it states that this is the first 40hp underslung roadster. 

Check out where the gas tank is located! I wonder if the car went into production that way - before someone realized how dangerous that could be.

Here's the 50hp underslung roadster - below.

Noted as the first 50hp underslung roadster (1908), the gas tank is in the same position. You can see the difference in the chase length between the two photos. I'm guessing this might have been taken somewhere in Indianapolis' Riverside park.