The 33rd annual Bell Lexus North Scottsdale Copperstate 1000, presented by the Men’s Art Council of Phoenix, is back in the Valley. Taking place in April, this is one of North America’s most celebrated vintage car road rallies. The event highlights the finest working examples of vintage, sports, racing, classic and grand touring automobiles all manufactured before the 1974 model year.
“Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking for family entertainment, you won’t want to miss this event. There is absolutely nothing like it,” says Men’s Arts Council President Joel Coen. “The cars that participate in this event come from around the world and many have a multi-million-dollar price tag.”
Every year a new 1,000 mile route is picked for the approximate 90 vintage cars that participate in the journey. The drivers and co-drivers from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe all get to enjoy the breathtaking desert terrain, river verdant valley and mountain scenery that Arizona offers. The bonds formed at these rallies often grow into lifelong friendships and many attendees return each year.
The Copperstate 1000 always includes iconic vintage cars such as a 1952 Cunningham C2 Lemans race car, 1953 Studebaker Commander, 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano, 1960 Aston Martin DB4, 1964 Alfa Romeo TZ1 Zagato, 1965 Shelby Cobra and 1978 Porsche 911 Carrera RS.
“We have been running this event since 1990 in support of the Phoenix Art Museum, and it has always been a great success,” says Copperstate 1000 Chairman Doug Hodges. “We have devoted fanatics who have supported us for years, and we also see new enthusiasts participating in the event every year, so we are extremely interested to see the crowd that turns up this year.”
Bell Lexus North Scottsdale is vital in the success of the Copperstate 1000 by being the title sponsor for over 20 years. The luxury car dealership lends the event five brand new vehicles in case a rally car is unable to finish the 1,000-mile expedition.
Open to the public, fans of all ages can see the cars participating in the Copperstate 1000 before the road trip begins at the Copperstate send-off event that will take place at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Sunday, April 16 starting at 7:30 a.m. All vehicles will be lined up around the outfield and announced as they depart at 10 a.m.
Another local car show will be hosted in the west lot of the stadium starting at 7:30 a.m., where local car enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their own cars for display. Coffee and donuts will be available for purchase.
The 33rd Annual Copperstate 1000 runs from Sunday, April 16 through Wednesday, April 19, 2023. For more information visit mensartscouncil.com/copperstate-1000.
Photos: Tom Leigh
