Where Engineering Meets Artistry
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
While other children read comic books, Don Murray immersed himself in car magazines. That early fascination has evolved into one of Arizona’s most significant automotive collections, spanning from the 22nd Ferrari ever built to rare Porsches that command both the track and collectors’ attention.
“These cars are like art,” Murray explains, gesturing toward his 1963 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. “It’s all hand-built, every one different and bespoke to whoever the owner was. The details of how beautifully they are built cannot be duplicated today.”
That Superamerica holds special significance as Murray’s first Ferrari acquisition. Originally ordered by Nelson Rockefeller in silver with a red interior, the car arrived in a rich shade called Amarone — a happy accident that began Murray’s journey into the upper echelons of car collecting.
Murray’s path to becoming one of Arizona’s premier collectors began with a modest purchase in 1970 — a ‘55 Chevy with a small V8 and manual transmission. His passion for high-performance vehicles soon led him to Porsche, starting with a 1960 912. That first German sports car sparked a succession of purchases: another 912, then a 911, followed by the 1972 911E Targa that would cement his love for the marque.
That early passion for Porsche evolved into one of the most significant private collections in the Southwest. At its heart is a 1950 Ferrari 166, the 22nd road car ever produced by the legendary automaker.
“The dark blue one is Touring-bodied,” Murray explains, pointing out its historical significance, before gesturing to a 1951 model beside it that showcases Ferrari’s rapid evolution. “That car has maybe 110 horsepower. This car had 265 horsepower when it raced. And this one, even though it’s bigger, is actually lighter.”
When Murray relocated from Laguna Beach in 2019, he brought 45 cars to Arizona, settling in North Scottsdale’s exclusive Whisper Rock community. The collection has grown since then, flourishing in the state’s dry climate and vibrant car culture. The Valley’s automotive scene keeps collectors engaged, with multiple shows happening most weekends.
Among the collection’s crown jewels is a 1955 Porsche RS Spyder, still wearing its original French racing blue paint.
“This was a Paris show car,” Murray notes. “After the show was over, it was a race car for about 2 1/2 to three years. It did very well. It won a Formula Two race and placed in about 25% of the races it entered — which is really good back then because they broke down a lot in the early ‘50s.”
Each car in Murray’s collection tells its own story. A diminutive Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite speaks of racing glory, having been piloted by legendary driver Bruce McLaren. A 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Speciale, one of only four built that year, was created for a member of the Agnelli family as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” featuring Tour de France running gear beneath its elegant Pininfarina coachwork.
This January, several pieces from Murray’s collection will grace the Arizona Concours d’Elegance at the newly renovated Scottsdale Civic Center. Chuck Stanford Jr., co-chairman of the event, sees the concours as more than just a car show.
“The concours was formed in 2013 when three car enthusiasts got together and decided Arizona needed one,” Stanford explains. “We were determined to create an opportunity to showcase extraordinary cars in a beautiful environment, allowing people to see vehicles they’d never encountered before.”
The event’s partnership with Scottsdale Arts has transformed the traditional car show format into something extraordinary.
“We’re not just displaying cars in rows,” Stanford emphasizes. “We create artistic configurations that allow people to appreciate each vehicle in relation to the venue’s artistic nature. These aren’t just cars — they’re rolling works of art.”
Murray sees these mechanical masterpieces as more than just vehicles.
“In 2019, the Phoenix Art Museum had a fabulous ‘Cars as Art’ show,” he notes. “The first fine art museum to do this was in Boston, featuring Ralph Lauren’s collection. When that exhibition finished, the Louvre requested it.”
This artistic appreciation extends to Murray’s philosophy about collecting.
“People generally collect cars they loved as children,” he observes. “As they become more sophisticated, they start liking other cars because they’re so beautiful.”
He points to changing tastes across generations: “In the ‘90s, Duesenbergs weren’t worth much, but today they’re skyrocketing because that generation of collectors is now interested in them.”
Murray’s advice for aspiring collectors reflects years of experience.
“Read as much as you can about what you’re interested in collecting,” he says. “Talk to knowledgeable, honest people — that’s the most important thing. Always do a pre-purchase inspection with a knowledgeable expert before you buy anything with big money.”
Most importantly, Murray believes in sharing these mechanical masterpieces.
“These cars are meant to be shared,” he insists. “It’s like someone buying a unique piece of art and sticking it in a safe where nobody can see it. When I’m gone, these cars will still be around, owned by people who appreciate, love and cherish them.”
The Arizona Concours d’Elegance provides the perfect venue for such sharing. As a nonprofit event, it benefits both the arts and Make-A-Wish Arizona.
“We share proceeds with Scottsdale Arts to support local artists and arts programs,” Stanford notes. “In our first four years alone, we helped Make-A-Wish raise approximately $300,000.”
For both Murray and Stanford, the future of car collecting in Arizona looks bright.
“The concours has potential to become even more significant,” Murray suggests. “Like the Amelia Island Concours that Bill Warner started — when you’re there, you hear so many different languages being spoken, with Europeans flocking to it every year. Scottsdale has the opportunity to develop into something similar.”
The journey to that international recognition is already well underway. Stanford notes that orchestrating such a prestigious event comes with unique challenges.
“We need vehicles people have never seen before — like prewar European cars or early Ferraris. For perspective, we have the 47th Ferrari ever built and the 18th Porsche ever produced.”
Murray’s collection helps meet that high standard. His 1969 Ferrari Dino, considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made, exemplifies the perfect proportions that defined an era. Nearby sits an unrestored 1969 Daytona, its original paint showing the patina of time.
“We want to keep it that way,” Murray explains. “We like it unrestored.”
Murray’s collection also includes unexpected treasures, like a DKW delivery van powered by a humble three-cylinder, two-stroke motorcycle engine generating just 28 horsepower.
“Alois Ruf said he remembers these coming up the hill toward their shop,” Murray recalls with a smile. “He said you’d hear putt, putt, putt, putt, putt. But they were very usable back then.”
Such diversity reflects Murray’s appreciation for automotive history in all its forms. Through Mesa Concours Cars, his Deer Valley-based company in North Phoenix, he helps others build their own collections.
“Integrity is vital in this business,” he emphasizes. “Whether acquiring cars for clients or ourselves, we’re driven by a passion for exquisite automobiles.”
The Arizona Concours d’Elegance shares that commitment to excellence.
“We maintain a pool of 100 judges worldwide, matching experts to specific marques,” Stanford explains. “You need someone who understands that a particular model from 1955 might be worth $6 million and knows exactly why.”
This attention to detail extends to the event’s presentation. With just 1 1/2 hours on Sunday morning to position 100 cars in their precise locations, the setup requires careful choreography.
“It’s not just about getting the cars in place,” Stanford notes. “It’s about creating an experience that celebrates both automotive and artistic excellence.”
That celebration of excellence has found its natural home in Arizona, where the climate preserves these mechanical masterpieces as perfectly as any museum.
“The dry climate here is easy on metal,” Murray observes. “We have an infatuation for automobiles here in Arizona, both new and old. I really believe that we have some of the best cars in the entire country.”
Arizona Concours d’Elegance
Jan. 18–20 // 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. // Scottsdale Civic Center // 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale // $95+ // arizonaconcours.org
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