Ironstone 2026

By Morris Garagian

0715 hours: Green Goblin & Morris are waiting at the morning rendezvous for Martin, Jay, and Nick to arrive to start our adventure to Ironstone Concours de Elegant in Murphys, CA on Sept. 27. For the past number of years, a small contingent of VBACers have traveled up the California Gold Route (also known as Golden Chain Highway) CA-49, to experience a great auto concourse in California, probably the 3rd best behind Pebble Beach and La Jolla.

As the road start time neared, Morris was enlightened to hear the twin 4 cylinder sounds of Jay & copilot Nick’s MGA and Martin’s Jenny (MGB). While Martin was gathering an amount of ‘motion lotion’ for the journey, Goblin was energized and it was ‘clutches out’ up the CA 168 hill to Auberry for our first pit stop and to gather Richard and navigator Carolyn in Kitty, their Sunbeam Alpine.

Leaving Auberry, the plan was to travel the back foothill roads of Power House Rd., Road 222, Teaford Saddle Rd. and Crane Valley Rd., coming in the back side of Oakhurst to get breakfast at Bee’s, a popular breakfast restaurant. Here we hoping to meet with another VBAC guy -Bernie with his BRG MG Midget. Traveling through the foothills of eastern Fresno County, we know we were climbing in elevation due to the cooler temperatures and the sight of pine trees replacing valley oaks. Also, the scent of pine intermingled with that of our unregulated hydrocarbons.

Pulling into Bee’s, everyone was glad to see the familiar Midget. Entering, we found Bernie, got our meals, and proceeded to converse about the upcoming journey. Soon it was time for motoring and we proceeded northbound on CA-49. It was shortly after leaving Oakhurst and proceeding toward Mariposa when we experienced an almost disastrous event. This moment was related by Bro. Martin after our next stop at the Mariposa Visitor’s Center. It seems that behind Jenny was a white GMC SUV that was very anxious to pass Martin. Now, dear readers, Martin is known for not really enjoying tailgaters passing him, however, on this occasion he slowed, drifted to the right, and allowed the Jimmy to go around him. Shortly afterward, Martin saw a young deer pop up from the right ditch and dart immediately in front of the SUV. The driver had no time to brake or swerve and hit the deer, spinning it directly in front of Jenny. Martin’s reactions took over instantly and he was able to brake and maneuver around the stricken deer. Martin figured that if he had not allowed the SUV to pass him, the deer would have wound up beside him, through the MGB’s windscreen! I’m not sure about Martin, but if this event had happened to Morris, the pit stop at Mariposa would have had been a requirement for personal clean up!

The caravan continued past Bear Valley toward Coulterville. This section of 49 is great for our LBCs – a fun, roller coaster ride all the way to Moccasin. Our route continued on to Rawhide Rd., then to Parrot’s Ferry Rd. and, finally, reaching CA-4 to Main Street in Murphys.

At the Pour House Brewery Works, the VBACers met with more of our group for the upcoming events: Prior VBAC President, Warren, was there to greet us as well as our hosts Dean & Sandie with brother Joe, in-laws of Jay & Nick. The Pour House turned out to be a great place to de-compress after our travels as we had lots of general road stories and frivolity. Later that evening we enjoyed a great dinner (thanks to Sandie’s organization) at the historic Murphys Hotel that was established during the gold rush days.

After a night’s sleep, the gang headed out to the event at the Ironstone Winery location, a terrific venue for a car show. Upon arrival, we ran into more VBAC guys – Dennis (the Double D) had driven his MGB from Madera that morning and was in the process of trying to thaw out from his drive on CA-99. Also, it was great seeing Paul and his XK-120 - ‘Wickedly Wonderful Wanda’.

After catching up events with everyone, it was time for donuts and coffee and checking out the various vehicles throughout the grounds. Besides all the fantastic Pierce-Arrows, a Bugatti or two, classic Packards, and so many other outstanding examples of automotive technology (check out the Ironstone website), there were also some great examples of well restored and original ‘plain jane’ vehicles. Morris’ favorite was a 1952 Plymouth station wagon that invoked fond memories of Midwest summer nights of a bygone era. As the day proceeded, it was determined that the best of show was a 1924 Isotta Fraschini Le Baron Tourer. For our LBCs, Bernie took home honors for Best in Class and Martin picked up Honorable Mention. Congratulations, Gentlemen!

Every year at Ironstone, there is one specialty auto, either extremely rare or one of a kind. This year that auto was a Phantom Corsair. This vehicle was designed by Rust Heinz, an heir to the Heinz fortune, in 1938 and built by Bohman & Schwartz in Pasadena. Only one was built with plans for limited production when Heinz was killed in an auto accident. (Check out details on Jay Leno’s Garage and National Auto Museum websites).

Being in Murphys, the VBAC had to make a pilgrimage to Brice Station Winery, about 5 miles east of town on the Ebbitt’s Pass highway. Stuart Mast, the owner, operator, and wine master, has been a great friend of the VBAC since Morris met him at NAMGAR GT-45 in Colorado Springs. Stuart has always helped out Barney Gaylord, the MGA Guru, whenever Barney comes to the west coast and Stuart always has some good stories concerning Barney, as well as making great wines!

The following morning was ‘get out of town’ day and Sandie again worked her magic and was able to get reservations for our group at Grounds, a terrific breakfast venue. We got there early and had the place to ourselves for about 15 minutes before it really got crowded. After breakfast, it was ‘clutches out’ and back to the valley.

The ride was great. No mechanical problems for any of the LBCs. The weather gods were with us. Great thanks to Jay & Nick’s family for getting the accommodations for us in Murphys.

Until next time,

Safety fast!