Copperstate 1000 Rallies Through the Western United States

The Copperstate 1000 is an annual vintage car road rally that attracts some of the finest automobiles from all over the world. Now in its 23rd year, this four-day event sets off from the Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, each spring. From there, rally participants enjoy 1000 miles of the best roads in the western United States. Some of this year’s destinations included places like the Grand Canyon and the historic Route 66.

The roster of participating vehicles for this year’s rally included such gems as a 1953 Ferrari 340 MM Le Mans Vignale Spider, a 1965 Ford GT40 Mk. I Road Car, two Jaguar D-Types, an Aston Martin DB3S and many, many others. Approximately 80 cars take part in the rally every year.  

As fantastic as the rally cars are, perhaps the most significant point of this event is the fact that the cars are really being driven and enjoyed as they were meant to be. Sadly, automobiles of the this caliber often fall into the category of garage queens. Seeing, hearing, and even smelling these historic vehicles as they take off for their extended journey is a must-see experience for any car enthusiast.

Photography by Otis Blank