Classic cars tour through Sisters

The throaty roar of exhaust from powerful engines guided by goggled pilots signaled lunch at Aspen Lakes Golf Course last Thursday.

Thirty classy cars from yesterday were traveling from Kirkland, Washington, (a Seattle suburb) to Pebble Beach, California, for the 59th annual Concours d'Elegance on Sunday, August 16.

Bugattis, Alfa Romeos, Packards and a rare Lamborghini were on hand, many with open-air cockpits. Drivers and passengers sported period caps and scarves.

The caravan takes eight days to travel 1,500 miles between the coastal states, usually off the freeways. Thursday's route included a stop at Cottage Grove for the night. Other places on the tour include Mt. Hood, the Oregon Coast, Redwoods and Sonoma.

Marty and Molly Moore arrived in a 1966 Lamborghini, one of only 23 that were made. They have owned the car for one year. It had only 11,000 miles when purchased. The car has a V-12 engine, with a top speed of 160 mph, Moore said.

Three brothers from Holland were part of the entourage. Jack, 58, Alexander, 57 and Harald, 51, Braam Ruben shipped a 1932 Alfa Romeo to the U.S. for the event. The model 8C 2300 is a former Le Mans Race Car. It has a top speed of between 110 and 115.

People from Belgium, England and Australia were also on the tour.

David Madeira arrived in a 1930 Dusenberg, a beautiful roadster with a rumble seat. The car was made in Indiana and called a Murphy J, after its coach maker. The car is owned by the Le May Museum. Madeira is the president and Chief Executive Officer.

The museum is building a facility in Tacoma, Washington, that will house the largest auto collection in the U.S. It will be located next to Interstate 5 near the Tacoma Dome. The museum is the sponsor of the driving event.

When the vehicles arrive at Pebble Beach, they will be cleaned up and made ready to compete against a total of 175 entrants in the prestigious event. The famed 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Course is the backdrop for the event, attended by thousands who pay $150 each to view the rare automobiles. Much of the proceeds go to charities, with over $12 million donated to date. The legendary golf course is closed for the day.