The very first Ferrari that was ever built, Chassis Number 01C, will debut for the first time in its first-ever appearance in the western United States during the Inaugural Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance, at the famous  O'Donnell Golf Club in Palm Springs, Calif.

"This is the first time in 20 years this pristine automobile has made a public appearance," said Paul Merrigan, event organizer. "Ferrari has a unique history in Palm Springs, by recording its first western U.S. win here in 1951, and we're bringing that excitement back with another historic Ferrari."

The event begins on Friday, February 29, with the Tour Classique. The event starts at the O'Donnell Golf Club at 11 a.m., people that are interested in seeing the car are invited to view of many of the cars as they drive through the middle of Palm Springs and  Coachella Valley cities.

On Saturday, March 1, the gates to the O'Donnell Golf Course will be open to the public from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. This is an unprecedented change for car enthusiasts to see some of the finest and most glamorous cars ever made. In addition to the Ferrari, the featured marquee car  is the Maserati, with other people and cars  from  Austin-Healey, Ferrari, and Alfa Romeo clubs, the Classic Car Club of America, in addition to members from Maserati and Packard clubs. Many of these cars are being shown in the western half of the United States for the first time. These cars provide the public with their first and only chances in most cases to get up close looks at cars that have been surrounded by a mystique that is unmatched by today's newer cars.

Other entries of note include a 1930 Rally ABC, a 1956 Alfa Villedeste, a 1955 Jaguar D-type, a 1926 Studebaker, and a precious 1941 Packard, custom-designed by Howard "Dutch" Darrin. The cars being shown at the Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance aren't shown at most car shows, giving attendees the chance to get close to cars that are generally kept housed in temperature controlled garages.

"One of just a limited few built, the 1941 Packard is a perfect match for our event, because of its association with Darrin, who crafted many of his cars for the same celebrities that brought worldwide attention to Palm Springs in the early 1940s," said Merrigan, who won first prize in the Post-war GT Italian Coachwork class at the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1998.

General grounds admission tickets are $20; clubhouse tickets are $40; clubhouse admission and food/beverage inclusive VIP tickets are $150. Children under 10 and active duty or reserve military and seniors over 80 are free. For details and other information call them at (760) 346-1810 or visit the web site at www.desertconcours.com/.

Proceeds from the car show will benefit several non-profit organizations including the Lucy Curci Cancer Center, the College of the Desert, the Animal Samaritans and the Angel Light Academy's Leadership Training Institute.