Don Murray, a successful executive and entrepreneur, has combined his lifelong passion for cars with his desire to help fellow enthusiasts achieve their ultimate automotive experience through his company Mesa Concours Cars. His business expertise, rooted in 30 years of accounting and financial experience, has allowed him to evaluate and acquire a collection of iconic cars over the years.
Don’s passion for cars started early in life when his preference for car magazines overtook that of comic books. His first purchase was a 1972 Porsche 911E while he was in college. Over the years, he continued to save and acquire more Porsches, and in the late 1990s, he stepped up his acquisitions.
Don’s belief that integrity is vital to any business, along with his 20-plus years of experience in evaluating and acquiring collectible cars, is the driving force behind his company. Whether it is finding a single dream machine’ or building an entire collection, Don’s expertise can help fellow car enthusiasts realise their ultimate automotive experience.
Here are some of the most notable vehicles in his personal collection:
Porsche 901
The Porsche 901 was a historic sports car that laid the foundation for the legendary Porsche 911. Introduced in 1964, the Porsche 901 was initially showcased at the Paris Motor Show in October of that year. However, due to a trademark dispute with Peugeot, Porsche had to rename the model and it became widely known as the Porsche 911. Only 82 units of the Porsche 901 were produced before the name change.
Designed by Ferdinand ‘Butzi’ Porsche, the 901 featured a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, offering a perfect balance and exceptional handling. It was powered by an air-cooled, flat-six engine, which evolved over time to become a hallmark of Porsche sports cars.
The Porsche 901 had a sleek and iconic design that has stood the test of time, influencing subsequent Porsche models for decades to come. Its timeless aesthetics, coupled with its outstanding performance, made it an instant classic.
With the name change to Porsche 911, the car officially entered production in 1964 and its popularity soared. The Porsche 911 has since become one of the most recognisable and sought-after sports cars in automotive history, representing the essence of Porsche’s engineering excellence and performance heritage.
Cunningham C3
The Cunningham C3 was a classic American sports car produced by the Cunningham Motor Car Company in the early 1950s. Launched in 1952, the C3 made its debut at the Paris Motor Show. The Cunningham Motor Car Company was founded by Briggs Cunningham, an American entrepreneur, sportsman and racing enthusiast.
Designed as a high-performance luxury sports car with a focus on racing capabilities, it was powered by a Chrysler Hemi V8 engine, providing impressive power and performance. The C3 featured a lightweight aluminium body, independent suspension and advanced engineering, making it a competitive and sought-after sports car of its era.
One of the special features of the Cunningham C3 was its unique and distinctive design. The car was elegant and aerodynamic, showcasing a long front hood, fenders with integrated headlights and a graceful rear-end design.
Briggs Cunningham had a passion for racing and he intended for the C3 to participate in prestigious racing events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1953, three Cunningham C3s were entered in the Le Mans race and one of them managed to finish in a respectable 18th place overall, solidifying its racing pedigree.
Despite its impressive engineering and racing ambitions, the Cunningham C3 faced challenges in terms of production costs and limited sales. Subsequently, only a limited number of C3s were built. Making it a rare and coveted collectible among automotive enthusiasts and collectors in today’s market.
ISO Grifo Series I
The ISO Grifo Series I was a remarkable Italian sports car produced by ISO Automoveicoli S.p.A during the 1960s. Launched in 1965, the Series I made its debut at the Turin Motor Show. The car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who later became a renowned automotive designer.
Renowned for being an exquisite blend of Italian styling and American V8 power, it featured a sleek and aerodynamic body, characterised by its long hood and elegant curves. The car’s design offered a perfect harmony of aesthetics and performance.
Under the hood, the ISO Grifo Series I was powered by a range of powerful V8 engines, sourced from various American manufacturers. The most common engine choice was the Chevrolet Corvette’s 5.4-litre V8, which delivered impressive performance and a thrilling driving experience.
The Series I had a luxurious and well-appointed interior, offering comfort and style to its occupants. It was a true grand tourer, ideal for long-distance cruising in both speed and comfort.
ISO produced the Grifo Series I in limited numbers, adding to its exclusivity and desirability among collectors. The car’s exquisite design and remarkable performance make it a highly sought-after classic today.
ISO continued to produce subsequent Series II and Series III Grifo models, each with its own distinct design and engineering improvements, but it was the Series I that laid the foundation for the car’s legacy as an iconic and collectible sports car from the 1960s.
Ferrari 340 America Touring Berlinetta
The Ferrari 340 America Touring Berlinetta was a significant sports car designed and produced by Ferrari in the early 1950s. It was first showcased at the Paris Motor Show in 1950 and was the initial model in the 340 series.
This car was designed by Carrozzeria Touring, an Italian coachbuilding company known for its lightweight and aerodynamic designs. The Berlinetta body style featured a sleek and elegant design with a sloping roofline and a distinctive front grille, adding to its classic and timeless appeal.
The 340 America was notable for its racing features, with some models purpose-built for competition and participating in prestigious motorsport events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Mille Miglia. Its combination of speed, agility and durability made it a formidable competitor on the race track.
Due to its limited production, the Ferrari 340 America Touring Berlinetta is a rare and highly sought-after classic among collectors. Its historical significance, beautiful design, and racing heritage continue to contribute to its desirability and enduring appeal in the world of vintage sports cars.
Ferrari 166 Inter Touring Berlinetta
The Ferrari 166 Inter Touring Berlinetta was a notable model produced by Ferrari during the late 1940s and early 1950s. It was among the initial cars to be introduced in the Ferrari 166 series, which marked the start of the company’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance sports cars.
The vehicle made its debut in 1948 at the Turin Motor Show. It was designed by the Italian coachbuilding company, Carrozzeria Touring, renowned for its lightweight and aerodynamic designs.
Defined by its striking and sleek Berlinetta body style, it featured smooth lines and a distinctive front grille that reflected the classic aesthetics of its era. Its lightweight construction and powerful engine made it a capable performer on both the road and track.
The 166 Inter Touring Berlinetta was powered by a 2.0-litre V12 engine, named the ‘Colombo’ engine after its designer Gioachino Colombo. Its engine generated roughly 110 to 140 horsepower, depending on the model and tuning, offering an exhilarating performance for its time.
Inside, the 166 Inter Touring Berlinetta was elegantly designed with comfort and luxury in mind, offering an enjoyable driving experience for its occupants.
Overall, its significance in history, beautiful design and place as one of Ferrari’s earliest models make it a highly sought-after classic car today, representing the start of Ferrari’s rich automotive heritage.
Ferrari 400 Superamerica
The Ferrari 400 Superamerica was an exceptional grand touring car produced by Ferrari during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Launched in 1959, the 400 Superamerica made its debut at the Brussels Motor Show. It was the successor to the 410 Superamerica and was the top-of-the-line model in Ferrari’s road car lineup at that time.
A limited-production model, each car was custom-built to the owner’s specifications, adding to its exclusivity and allure. The car was available in different body styles, including coupe and cabriolet, and it was often equipped with bespoke coachwork from renowned Italian coachbuilders like Pininfarina, Touring, and Scaglietti.
One of the most distinctive features of the 400 Superamerica was its powerful engine. The car was powered by a 4.0-litre Colombo V12 engine, which produced around 340 to 400 horsepower, depending on the model and tuning. This engine, coupled with the car’s lightweight construction, offered impressive performance and smooth power delivery.
Appreciated for its blend of elegant design, exceptional performance, and exclusivity, the car remains an iconic classic representing the pinnacle of Ferrari’s road car offerings during the early 1960s.
Ferrari 275 GTB Series I
The Ferrari 275 GTB Series I was an outstanding grand touring car manufactured by Ferrari between 1964 and 1965. It was initially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1964, succeeding the legendary 250 GT and becoming the first model in the 275 series.
Boasting a stunning and aerodynamic design, it was crafted by Pininfarina, the renowned Italian company specialising in coachbuilding. The car’s elegant contours, elongated hood, and unique front grille exuded a timeless and classic allure.
Beneath the hood, the 275 GTB Series I was equipped with a 3.3-litre Colombo V12 engine that produced approximately 280 to 300 horsepower. The engine was placed lengthwise in the chassis, providing the car with exceptional handling and a well-balanced weight distribution.
One of the standout features of the 275 GTB Series I was its innovative rear suspension. The car introduced a transaxle layout, combining the transmission and differential into a single unit. This design contributed to improved handling characteristics and weight distribution. The vehicle was also available in both steel and lightweight alloy body versions, with the latter being highly sought after for its performance-oriented focus.
Collectors and enthusiasts hold the Ferrari 275 GTB Series I in high esteem, and it remains a coveted classic car for its historical significance, exquisite design, and exceptional performance capabilities, representing the pinnacle of Ferrari’s GT cars from the mid-1960s.
Porsche 904 GTS
The Porsche 904 GTS was a remarkable sports car manufactured by Porsche in the mid-1960s. Launched at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, it was specifically designed for racing and homologation purposes and became well-known for its success on the track.
An elegant and lightweight coupe with a timeless design, it was built using a combination of fibreglass and steel, contributing to its agility and performance. The car’s low-slung profile and unique headlights distinguished it from others.
Beneath the bonnet, the vehicle was powered by either a flat-four or flat-six engine, depending on the model and racing regulations. The engine was situated in the middle of the car for optimal weight distribution, providing excellent power and handling capabilities.
Impressively, the car won several motorsport events, including the Targa Florio, the Nürburgring 1000 km and numerous hill climb races. Hence the vehicle played a vital role in solidifying Porsche’s reputation as a dominant force in motorsport.
Because of its racing pedigree and limited production numbers, the Porsche Carrera GTS is now a highly sought-after and prized classic car among collectors. Its historical significance, exquisite design and success on the track make it an iconic and timeless piece of Porsche’s racing heritage.
Porsche 550 Spyder
The Porsche 550 Spyder was an iconic sports car produced by Porsche in the 1950s. Launched in 1953, the 550 Spyder was designed for racing and quickly gained fame as a successful competition car.
As a lightweight, aerodynamic open-top roadster, the vehicle featured a minimalist design with a low-slung profile and distinctive twin humps behind the driver’s seat. The car’s sleek appearance and innovative engineering contributed to its exceptional performance on the track.
Powered by a 1.5-litre air-cooled flat-four engine, the engine produced around 110 to 135 horsepower, depending on the model and tuning – which was impressive for its size and weight. The car’s mid-engine layout and lightweight construction provided excellent handling and agility.
One of the special features of the Porsche 550 Spyder was its racing success. It achieved numerous victories in both European and American motorsport events, including class wins at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana.
The Porsche 550 Spyder is perhaps most famous for being the car in which Hollywood actor James Dean tragically lost his life in a fatal accident in 1955. Despite this tragic event, the vehicle’s reputation as a formidable racing machine and its association with the legendary actor have contributed to its status as an iconic and sought-after classic car among collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
