Concours in the Hills founder Peter Volny shares the backstory behind the philanthropic event, happening Feb. 15. in Fountain Hills.
Concours in the Hills founder Peter Volny with his wife, Linda Goddard-Volny
Did you always love cars?
According to my parents, I was totally obsessed with cars from about the age of two—and my driving skills were better then. At school in Australia, my notepads were full of doodles of race cars.
What are some favorite cars in your collection?
The ones I’m currently driving. The Ferrari Daytona is the archetypical high-performance car of the 1970s. The 2006 Ford GT is gorgeous, but like many gorgeous things, she’s a handful. The Maserati Gran Turismo is my daily driver, and despite looking, I haven’t found anything I like better.
What inspired you to start Concours in the Hills?
After going to the shows in Monterey, I felt there were enough cars to warrant a show on grass—where cars look their best and where we have room for lots of them. Our first show was in 2014, and my forecast of up to 100 cars proved wildly inaccurate; we had 220. I could only get three sponsors (one of which was my financial advisor), as people took one look at me and didn’t think this would go anywhere. I don’t blame them; I didn’t either.
What can readers expect at this year’s event on Feb. 15?
We are again expecting around 1,000 cars and seven helicopters, including a Blackhawk for the first time. There will be race cars and many exotic vehicles, including some from private collections that have never been seen by the public.
Over the years, you’ve raised an impressive amount of money for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Why is this organization so important to you?
I’m a childhood cancer survivor myself, so I understand what kids go through with debilitating illnesses. Phoenix Children’s does fabulous work and deserves all of our support. After all, kids are our future.
What would you like your legacy to be?
Concours in the Hills is a team effort with lots of support from not just Phoenix Children’s but also many of my wonderful friends in the vibrant Arizona car community. This is all our legacy! phoenixchildrensfoundation.org/signature/concours/