A grand day for touring

MONTROSE—Automobile enthusiasts were in for a treat yesterday as approximately 75 vintage sports and racing cars participating in the 20th Annual Colorado Grand touring rally traveled through Montrose enroute to Durango.

The 1,000-mile world class event started in Vail yesterday morning, then proceeded to Paonia and the North Rim of the Black Canyon, down Cerro Summit, through Montrose and on to Durango over Red Mountain Pass. From there the scheduled route goes through Lake City, Crested Butte, Hotchkiss, Grand Junction, Meeker and back to Vail on Friday.

Bystanders at the intersection of Townsend and Main yesterday spotted Ferraris, Austin Healeys, Mercedes Benzs, Bugattis and a Hudson, among other cars. Some drivers sported retro leather caps and goggles. Colorado State Patrol staffers escorted the group, who appeared to be enjoying the beautiful, sunny day.

According to organizers, all participating automobiles are “cars of distinction” built before 1961. Automotive event sponsor is Mercedes Benz. The rally attracts owners from throughout Colorado, the U.S., and several foreign countries. Founded by the late Robert D. Sutherland of Sutherland Lumber, the Colorado Grand has raised more than $2 million for Colorado nonprofits and charitable causes. According to a piece written by his son on the Robert D. Sutherland Memorial Foundation’s Web site, the elder Sutherland’s passions included art, old cars and philanthropy. He founded several charities including the Colorado Grand. More information on the Colorado Grand is available at www.coloradogrand.org.