CONCORSO WHO? There are still cool cars at the Quail on Friday.(News)

Byline: MARK VAUGHN

When the wild party that is Concorso Italiano moved from the Quail Lodge last year, many wondered if that would be the end of fun car stuff at this quaint and sprawling hotel. We're here to say, "No way, paesano.''

2003 was the first year of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, now in its second "annual'' phase, held in place of Concorso.

Last year's event was notable because of what was not there-crowds. While the number of cars on hand was small (compared to what used to jam the fairways for Concorso), the quality was impressive. Attendees could stroll comfortably among the cars. And a very nice lunch was thrown into the deal.

This year will see 125 sports and race cars, including Chip Connor's 1931 Alfa Romeo 8C2300, Bruce Meyer's ex-Johnny von Neumann Ferrari 625TRC and the Louis Dubos Bugatti Type 51 from the Nethercutt Collection. There will be Hispano-Suizas from the 1930s, '40s and '50s, as well as a selection of motorcycles.

By special arrangement with the Monterey Historics, a convoy of about 15 cars will drive from the track at Laguna Seca over the nearby Laureles Grade under California Highway Patrol escort and onto the grounds of the Quail.

This being a big Ferrari weekend in Monterey, there should be at least 20 Ferraris on display, too.