2024 Ironstone Concours d'Elegance
Ironstone 2024
By Morris Garagian
Once again, this time of the year called for a visit to a perennial favorite of some members of the VBAC-The Ironstone Concourse d’ Elegance in Murphys, CA. As in past years, the word was put out and members Jay & son Nick (MGA), Rich (Sunbeam Alpine), Peter (MGB) and Morris (absent MGA) responded. Peter had extended an invitation to experience the driving qualities of his recently installed Mazda Miata 5sp in his MG and Morris couldn’t resist the experience. A little later, it was found that Dan & grandson Daniel (Jaguar 420) would be joining the festivities on the road.
After a quick little jaunt up the hill to Auberry to meet Rich, we were off on the way to Oakhurst via some excellent roadster roads. Morris was becoming extremely spoiled enjoying the MGB’s roll up windows and, wait for it, heated seats! At Mickey Ds, we met the 420 and got on the California Gold Route (CA-49) heading to Murphys.
Continuing northbound we experienced the only FTP on our trek. Jay’s MGA experienced a starter motor issue that had us in thought for a moment. Of course, Dan had to record the experience pictorially. Continuing onward we eventually made our destination: The Pour House in Murphys, an ideal place to grab a cold craft beer. Here we met more LBC afficionados: Warren & Rebecca (the infamous E-type FrankenJag), Scott & Cathy (MGA Twin Cam Tinkerbell), and Joe & Sue (MG-TD) as well as some of Jay’s relatives; Dean, Sandy, and Joe, who also enjoy British Iron. Later that evening we enjoyed a great meal at the historic Murphys Motel that has survived from California’s Gold Rush days.
The following day was the Concourse d’ Elegance with 300-350 of beautiful domestic and foreign automobiles. As in times past, there were too many stories of people restoring barn finds or a prized vehicle that had been in the family for decades. The LBCs were well represented with plenty of MGs, Triumphs, Jaguars, and Austin-Healeys (no Minis, however!) in attendance. Once again, Rich and another Sunbeam owner (Tiger) suffered the ignobility of being placed in the same class as a 240Z, Volvo 1800, and (ugh) a Peugeot.
After the show, we had to make a trip on the Ebbett’s Pass Road to visit our old friend Stuart Mast, the owner operator of Brice Station Winery. Stuart has a provided a ‘home away from home’ for MGA Guru Barney Gaylord on Barney’s travels to the west coast. In turn, Barney has helped Stu restore one of his MGAs. After providing us with a glass of one his prize-winning Merlots, Stu showed us the work progression on the car.
All too soon, it was time to head back the ~100miles to Fresno and look forward to the next outing.
Safety Fast!