The convertible automobile almost went extinct a couple of decades ago. However, the renaissance of driving for pleasure rather than just going from Point A to Point B has seen many options for driving rooflessly across the landscape.  Few of those options, though, come close to a Maserati experience.  What better place for a top-down driving excursion than sunny Southern California?  And what better top to put down than the one on a sporty Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo?  In LA, where a person’s existence is closely tied to its automobile culture, every effort is made to be seen behind the wheel of the most flattering vehicle.  The sleek contours of the GranCabrio Trofeo are certainly flattering; unlike those of some less aesthetically designed convertibles that are simply sedans with their roofs chopped off, the lines of the Maserati maintain a beautiful silhouette whether the top is up or down.

Of all the many appealing destinations for a short road trip from LA, Palm Springs stands out as one of the most beautiful.  Few places in the world can afford the panorama of palm trees backed by snowcapped mountains, but here, it is a regular sight in the cooler months in the California desert.  Like convertible cars, Palm Springs has also enjoyed a renaissance in recent decades, bringing glamour back to the Coachella Valley with luxurious hotels, gourmet restaurants, and special events to attract the sophisticated traveller.  Foremost among the latter is the semiannual Modernism Week.  In February and October, Modernism Week celebrates the exceptional architecture of Palm Springs. Visitors are keen to see the eclectic homes designed in the Mid-Century Modern style that open their doors to the public.  It is common to see vintage automobiles of the era parked in the driveways of houses, participating in the tours available to visitors.

Today’s modern Maserati is a long way from those vehicles from the 1950s and 60s in style and technology.  The GranCabrio Trofeo is chock full of gadgets and gizmos to keep the 21st-century driver informed and in control of everything with the touch of a button or slide of a finger on the touchscreen panel.  It is all so easy now; opening and closing the roof is completely automated with its own control set.  Once the car is customised to the driver’s preferences, it is likely to encourage staying behind the steering wheel as long as possible.

Another significant event near Palm Springs is happening in a self-sloganed tennis paradise this week.  One of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, the Indian Wells Open sees the top names in the sport converge on the stunning venue that is the Indian Wells Tennis Garden; no doubt a few of the players have Maseratis in their garages at home in Monaco.  Palm Springs has several attractions open throughout the year outside Modernism Week and the tennis tournament.  The Palm Springs Art Museum has an extensive collection of outstanding works exhibited in an impressive building approached down a promenade presided over by a giant statue of Marilyn Monroe.  Adjacent to the museum building is the popular Annenberg Theater, a small venue that attracts big stars in entertainment thanks to the appeal of Palm Springs for actors, singers, authors, and other creatives who find the clear skies and easygoing lifestyle to be both reinvigorating and inspirational.  The same can be said for all visitors.

 

 

 

Written by Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur

 

 

 

 

 

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