Rallye Basilone Historic Tour presented by the Orange County Collector Car & Motorcycle WeekendTM

With a history that dates back to the late 18th century when the Spaniards claimed the land, Camp Pendleton was home to Franciscan missions, private ranch owners and cattle. On May 27, 1941, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized expansion of all U.S. Armed Forces on the eve of World War II, the historic ranches at Santa Margarita, Las Flores and San Onofre were purchased to build the West Coast's largest military camp.

The base was then named Camp Pendleton out of respect for World War I Marine Maj. Gen. Joseph H. Pendleton, and declared a "permanent installation" on October 1944. By 1946, the base was the official home of the 1st Marine Division.

As the Dana Point Concours d'Elegance celebrates more than three decades of its own history, the team is introducing an exclusive, never-before-done tour on Friday, June 21, 2013. Partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Camp Pendleton Base, the select group of attendees will depart from the St. Regis and make its scenic trek to Camp Pendleton to see firsthand what many civilians do not: the base and its facilities.

As part of Friday's activities, the Concours and its visitors will enter the base at Cristianitos Gate and tour the facilities via the historic Basilone Road, which was named after United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone. Gunnery Sgt. Basilone was the only Marine to be awarded both The Medal Of Honor and The Navy Cross during World War II. His extraordinary efforts in the Battle for Henderson Field at Guadalcanal earned him The Medal of Honor from President Franklin D. Roosevelt and The Navy Cross was awarded to Basilone posthumously following the invasion of Iwo Jima where the Marine ultimately laid down his life for our country. The Concours will proudly bear his name as the title of the historic tour during the automotive event.

Besides a memorable lesson of the country's prominent military history, tour participants will have a rare opportunity to cruise through the base, enjoy lunch at the School of Infantry (SOI - West) mess hall, and end the day with a private dining experience at the respected Pacific Views Event Center.

The Orange County Collector Car and Motorcycle WeekTM cordially invites you to participate in the inaugural event on Friday, June 21, 2013, as it honors and celebrates the U.S. armed forces.

Ticket prices are $500 per vehicle, including one driver and one passenger. Each additional person is $200. Click on the link to purchase your ticket today!

*Please note, the Rallye Basilone Historic Tour is closed to the non-Camp Pendleton general public.
*Photo provided by Cpl. Christopher Duncan