On April 29th and 30th, 14 cars and 28 people join in on a 270-mile overnight tour to Cottonwood, Arizona. A joint RROC and CCCA event, there were a mix of Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, Packards, Cadillacs, a LaSalle, and a 1931 Studebaker President Convertible Roadster. Starting in Scottsdale, the 155-mile journey took participants up the mountains to Payson before heading to Cottonwood. This is a very scenic drive starting with gorgeous desert landscape and transitioning into Alpine pine forests interwoven through beautiful painted rock formations.
This route, while beautiful, can be challenging for older cars. The peak elevation was just over 7,100 feet with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 degrees, a perfect scenario for vapor lock and overheating. Most of the cars did fine with just three of the cars turning around, switching to modern alternatives.
Once we were settled in Cottonwood the cars were parked and the group met for lunch at the Tavern Grille. It was a pleasure meeting new friends while catching up with longtime friends. Later in the afternoon many of us had a relaxing wine tasting at Arizona Stronghold and then met at Nic’s Italian Steak & Crab House for dinner. Alan and Mary Travis won an award for the oldest car on the tour, their rare and stunning 1931 Studebaker President. After dinner, most of the group sat outside the hotel around a fire pit swapping stories and just having fun.
The next morning included a casual breakfast before making our way back down to the valley. A wonderful way to end the touring season here in Arizona!