14 Dec

Amelia Island Concours will Celebrate Sergio Scaglietti March 5-8, 2020

scagJacksonville, Fla. – The cars of Sergio Scaglietti will be featured at the Amelia Island Concours 2020, scheduled for March 5-8 in Amelia Island, Florida. The 25th annual event will celebrate Scaglietti’s renowned cars on the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Scaglietti’s bodies were usually found on racing cars. Racing was Ferrari’s passion during the 1950s and sixties. The most famous racer hammered to life by Scaglietti’s artisans was the 1962 update of Ferrari’s renowned 250 GT. At first it was named the “250 GT Comp/62 Berlinetta”, an ungainly yet accurate handle for the car that became known as the 250 GTO.

Ferrari even gave Scaglietti its commercial identity linking it to his hometown. Early in their relationship Ferrari produced a design of a new Scaglietti insignia that would adorn every Ferrari Mondial body: a vertical rectangle, yellow background wearing a stylized “S” above a blue field announcing “SCAGLIETTI & C. MODENA.” It seemed a blood relation of Ferrari’s own cavallino rampante insignia.

Scaglietti never did a drawing or even a sketch, reverting to his pre-war practice of erecting a lattice of metal tubes to determine the shape over which he hammered the metal panels. The din inside Scaglietti & C. must have been earsplitting.
The shapes Scaglietti created were often glamourous. Scaglietti’s silhouettes gave immortal form to the Ferrari legend with the 500 Mondial, 118/121 LM, 500 TR, 500 TRC, 625 LM, 250 TDF, 290 MM, the 315 and 335 S, 375MM, the iconic pontoon-fendered Testa Rossa — Scaglietti’s favorite — and the 250 GT California during the Modena carrozzeria’s opening rounds.

Scaglietti often built bodies to the designs of others. He even re-bodied a trio of Corvettes for American Chevy dealer Gary Laughlin in 1959. Jim Hall and Carroll Shelby each got one.

Scaglietti’s relationship with Ferrari’s son Dino Ferrari made him a de facto member of the Ferrari family. The bond was forged when Dino and Scaglietti fashioned headrests for a 4.5 liter V-12. Ferrari Senior was displeased with the result and told Scaglietti so in blunt language. It was originally Dino’s idea but Scaglietti took the blame and removed the headrests. Son confronted father. Dino asked his father what had happened to his headrests. The headrests were restored. For the rest of the era nearly every Ferrari sports/racer wore headrests.

At the end of Ferrari’s life Sergio Scaglietti became a daily presence in his routine. They would share old times and often a glass of Dom Perignon, Ferrari’s preferred Champagne. On August 13, 1988 Scaglietti spent most of the night with his old friend. When his phone rang the next morning Scaglietti was told of Ferrari’s passing, even before word reached second son Piero Lardi Ferrari.

Ferrari honored the special relationship between Scaglietti and Ferrari — the companies and the men — in 2004. Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo named the new Ferrari 612 2+2 after Sergio Scaglietti, a unique honor.

“He had a refined sense of proportion. Scaglietti’s bodies look like Ferrari’s engines sound,” said Bill Warner, founder and Chairman of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. “They’re the kind of voluptuous shapes boys are trying to draw when they sketch racing cars during study hall … instead of doing their homework.”

About The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

THE AMELIA is held March 5-8, 2020 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and The Golf Club of Amelia Island. The show’s Foundation has donated over $3.5 million to Community Hospice & Palliative Care, Spina Bifida of Jacksonville and other local and national charities since 1996. To learn more about the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, visit www.ameliaconcours.org .

The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance| 904-636-0027 | E-mail | Website

[Source: Amelia Island Concours]

08 Sep

Race and Concours Winners from Lime Rock Historic Festival 37

Lakeville, Conn. Following five days of activities, the 37th annual Historic Festival crossed the finish line Monday to close out another successful race season at Lime Rock Park.

Andy Williams of Stamford, Conn., in a 1958 Lotus 11 (left) and Greg Amy of Middletown, Conn., in a 1974 Porsche 914-4 (right). The two raced in Group One: A Sporting Mixture — Small bore sports and sports/racers. Photo: Lime Rock Park.

Andy Williams of Stamford, Conn., in a 1958 Lotus 11 (left) and Greg Amy of Middletown, Conn., in a 1974 Porsche 914-4 (right). The two raced in Group One: A Sporting Mixture — Small bore sports and sports/racers. Photo: Lime Rock Park.

RACER Founder & Incoming Vintage Motorsport Publisher Paul Pfanner attended, calling it a “wonderful” event from flag to flag. It featured 212 drivers from 21 states and two countries racing historic and vintage cars that ranged from a 1925 Bentley to a 1986 Porsche. Take a look back, thanks to images from VM photographer Bill Stoler.

Although the final races on Monday afternoon were canceled after heavy mid-day rains left a portion of the circuit unsuitable for competition, 29 other races went into the record books. Get all results from Race-Monitor.com.

More than 800 cars were on display during the Sunday in the Park Concours and Gathering of the Marques. Ninety of them received an award from the judging panel. See awards for concours classes and the Gathering of the Marques

The Best in Show – Sport honor went to the 1961 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa of Ralph Lauren that had won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1961 with driver Phil Hill and defended its title the following year with drivers Joakim Bonnier and Lucien Bianchi. Best in Show – Touring was awarded to Peter Kalikow’s 1958 Ferrari 250 GT PF Cabriolet.

The two Best in Show winners from Lime Rock Park’s Sunday in the Park Concours. Left: Ralph Lauren’s 1961 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (Best in Show - Sport). Right: Peter Kalikow’s 1958 Ferrari 250 GT PF Cabriolet (Best in Show -Touring). Photo: Lime Rock Park.

The two Best in Show winners from Lime Rock Park’s Sunday in the Park Concours. Left: Ralph Lauren’s 1961 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (Best in Show – Sport). Right: Peter Kalikow’s 1958 Ferrari 250 GT PF Cabriolet (Best in Show -Touring). Photo: Lime Rock Park.

More Photos: Lime Rock Historic Festival 37
Article by Cyndi Paceley
Courtesy Vintage Motorsport Magazine

18 Aug

Don’t Miss the Historic Festival at Lime Rock – Coming up Labor Day Weekend

lrp37_1Historic Festival 37
featuring the Sunday in the Park Concours & Gathering of the Marques

Thursday, Aug. 29 – Monday, Sept. 2, 2019

Now in its 37th year, the Historic Festival at Lime Rock Park has been a time-honored tradition since 1982. Enjoy vintage car racing at its best.

The event opens on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, with the Vintage Race Car & Sports Car Parade presented by Salisbury Bank. This 17-mile tour through the local towns culminates in a free street fair in the charming town of Falls Village. Then continue your nostalgic journey through time and enjoy three days of authentic vintage car racing with practice and qualifying on Friday, Aug. 30, and a full day of racing on Saturday, Aug. 31 and Labor Day Monday, Sept. 2.

On Friday, Saturday and Monday, the Festival is in full swing with open paddocks, three concession stands, book and poster signings, vintage hat showcases, the Harpoon beer tent, food trucks and vendors on The Midway, the Kids Club area, unique merchandise in the Lime Rock Store, and the Swap Meet with car parts and unique automotive collectibles.

Of the Festival’s highlights, the Sunday in the Park Concours d’Elegance and Gathering of the Marques brings nearly 1,000 motorcars and motorcycles to the track on Sept. 1. Stroll the Park and tap into your inner car enthusiast as you admire rare and exotic historic and vintage cars. Another featured event is the Saturday Night Dinner & A Panel. Held in the main tent in hospitality village overlooking the front straight, the gathering is an entertaining charity event open to competitors, VIPs and fans alike.

New This Year at Historic Festival 37

  • Special tribute to Formula Ford, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the single-seater class which launched the careers of many Formula 1, Indy Car and sports car drivers. Read More
  • Formula Ford 50th Anniversary Saturday Night Dinner & A Panel will be a celebration of this important class and the people that made it successful. Read More
  • Italian motorcar masterpieces such a Ferrari, Lamborghini and many more will be the stars Sunday’s Concours d’ Elegance. Read More
  • A special celebration of the Morgan, celebrating the marque’s 110 year history. Read More
  • Luigi Chinetti Junior, a name synonymous with Ferrari, takes the position of Historic Festival’s Honored Guest. Read More
  • Honored collectors B.Z. and Michael Schwartz, showcasing their 11 masterfully restored collection of Post-War Italian GT and Dual-Purpose and Sport Racers. Read More
  • The Italian-made motorcycles of Gregory Rathe, the Festival’s honored motorcycle collector. Read More
  • The new Touring Group welcoming sports cars of up to the late 1970s to be part of several pace-car-led run sessions. Read More
  • The Riverside Cafe, a VIP hospitality tent, is now open to the public via advance ticket purchase during Sunday in the Park. Read More
  • The preliminary Entry List with the Racing Groups is now available for viewing. Read More
  • The preliminary Weekend Schedule of Events is now available for viewing. Read More

Explore the Historic Festival

Go inside the Historic Festival and what makes it an internationally acclaimed historic car event. Check out these snapshots highlighting previous Festivals.

Plan Your Weekend:

Find yourself immersed in the grassy park setting along the hillsides and under the trees while enjoying road racing at its best. There are no bleachers, no grandstands, no assigned seating. Spread out your blanket or pop open the lawn chair, sit for a while or walk along the infield’s fence line to take in the on-track action from various viewing points. Tour the open paddocks for no extra charge and get up close to the cars and meet the competitors. Lime Rock Park is simply Beauty, Tradition and Speed. Here’s how you can experience Lime Rock during the annual Historic Festival:

Schedule, Pricing & Tickets
Free Admission For Military & Youths
Hospitalities & Upgrades
Car Corrals & Parade Laps
Weekend Camping
Sunday in the Park
Saturday Night Dinner
Vintage Car Parade & Street Fair
Area Accommodations
Participate in Historic Festival

For more information, questions or to purchase tickets and passes by phone, call (860) 435-5000 Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Become a Participant

From competing in one of the races or in the concours to riding in the parade or bidding in the auction, there are numerous ways to be a part of Historic Festival 37.
FIND ENTRY FORMS HERE

lrp37_2

Event Information Courtesy Lime Rock Park

02 Jul

Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction Makes History with $2.7-Million Sale of Last-Built C7 Corvette, Continues to Fuel Market with Diverse Docket

Resto-Mods continue to rock the block! This beautiful 1954 Buick Special Custom Coupe known as “G54″ was among the top sellers of Saturday’s event at $220,000 – a record sale at auction.

UNCASVILLE, CONN. – July 1, 2019 – Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, made history with the sale of the last-built C7 Chevrolet Corvette (Lot #3001) and continued to fuel the hobby with a diverse docket of collector vehicles during the 4th Annual Northeast Auction, June 26-29, 2019, at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. Sales over the four-day event also continued to point to the growing popularity of Resto-Mods and late model performance vehicles. The rise in popularity of Japanese collector cars was also highlighted when a 1997 Toyota Supra Anniversary Edition (Lot #711) sold for a record $176,000, making it one of the top ten vehicles sold. Among the top ten vehicles sold during this year’s Northeast Auction, six set new auction records.

In total, 545 vehicles sold for over $21.8 million with a 100 percent sell-through rate, while 470 pieces of automobilia brought in $766,000, and more than $2.8 million was raised through the sale of three charity vehicles, bringing the total auction sales to more than $24 million.

NE19_Lot 711 - 1997 Toyota Supra Anniversary Edition

1997 Toyota Supra Anniversary Edition (Lot #711) sold for a record $176,000, making it one of the top ten vehicles sold.

“We’re so appreciative of all our guests, sponsors and exhibitors who contributed to this auction and made it such an extraordinary event,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Thanks to everyone’s participation and efforts, we hit incredible milestones as we wrote new pages in automotive history. Chief among those was a new charity auction record set by the last-built C7 Corvette. This special moment closed an era for Corvette and also raised critical support for our nation’s heroes. We built so much momentum this year in Scottsdale, Palm Beach and the Northeast that we can’t wait to top it off in Las Vegas this October.”

The top vehicles sold during the 2019 Northeast Auction included:

  1. Last-Built 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (Lot #3001) – $2.7 million (charity vehicle)
  2. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster (Lot #671) – $280,500
  3. 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Yenko/SC Stage II Convertible Serial #1 (Lot #663) – $258,500*
  4. 1954 Buick Special Custom Coupe “G54″ (Lot #694) – $220,000*
  5. 1969 Ford Bronco Custom SUV (Lot #669) – $203,500*
  6. 1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor Tribute Edition (Lot #665) – $187,000
  7. 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Custom 6X6 (Lot #654) – $181,500*
  8. 1997 Toyota Supra Anniversary Edition (Lot #711) – $176,000*
  9. 2017 Dodge Viper GTC ACR (Lot #664) – $172,700
  10. 2014 Ferrari California Convertible (Lot #673) – $170,500*
  11. 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda Resto-Mod (Lot #685) – $165,000
  12. 1967 Ford Shelby GT500 (Lot #667) – $165,000

*Auction Record

NE19_Lot 671 0 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster (Lot #671) – $280,500

Vehicles from the Vault Portfolio and David Maxwell Collection, crossed the block during this year’s Northeast Auction. A total of 47 collector cars from the Vault Portfolio are being sold at No Reserve during three Barrett-Jackson events, including the 2019 Northeast and Las Vegas Auctions, as well as the 2020 Scottsdale Auction. Eight vehicles from the Maxwell Collection also sold during this year’s Northeast Auction, including a 1971 Plymouth Cuda Resto-Mod (Lot #685), which hammered in at $165,000 and is among the top vehicles sold during the auction.

“Collector cars are the heart and soul of everything we do,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “But we’ve gone a step further to create an immersive lifestyle experience around the auction that’s unmatched in this great hobby. We offered terrific symposiums led by top automotive experts and hands-on exhibits. For the first time since its introduction, Ford offered select rides to the public in the adrenaline-pumping Ford GT supercar. Only at Barrett-Jackson can you drive home the car of your dreams, rub shoulders with industry legends and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

NE19_Lot 3001-Last built C7 Corvette block shot

Specialist Kevin Trimble (left) and Corporal Scott Nokes (right) cheer as the Last-Built 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (Lot #3001) sold for the Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers foundation for $2.7m.

On Friday, the last-built seventh-generation (C7) Chevrolet Corvette made history when Dan Snyder of Dan Snyder Motorsports purchased it for $2.7 million – a new Barrett-Jackson charity sale record by an automaker-donated vehicle. The entire amount raised from the sale of the Corvette benefited the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Smart Home Program. Mr. Snyder also bought the last-production models of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon (Lot #3002.1) and 2017 Dodge Viper (Lot #3002) at the 2018 Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction. To date, Barrett-Jackson has raised over $118 million for charity. Two other vehicles crossed the block to benefit charity during the Northeast Auction:

  • 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 (Lot #3000) – $30,000 benefiting the Automotive Technology Academy of the New York-based Rockland BOCES
  • 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Custom SUV (Lot #3002) – $85,000 benefiting NS2 Serves

Barrett-Jackson’s Automobilia Auction featured over 470 authentic pieces, including items from the Terry Brannigan and Cedarmore Collections. Rounding out the top five automobilia items sold during the Northeast Auction were:

  1. 1950s Chevrolet-Oldsmobile Porcelain with Neon Sign (Lot #8294) – $23,000
  2. 1928 Texaco Gasoline Visible Gas Pump (Lot #8282) – $18,400
  3. 1954 Mobil Oil Pegasus Animated Porcelain Neon Sign (Lot #7298) – $17,250
  4. 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Kiddie Car (Lot #8267) – $17,250
  5. Late 1950s Mobil Oil Porcelain with Neon Sign (Lot #7294) – $16,100

For more information on becoming a bidder or to consign a vehicle for the 2019 Las Vegas Auction, visit www.Barrett-Jackson.com.

19 Jun

NEAM Father’s Day Car Show Award Winners 2019

Norwalk, Conn. – Here is a list of the big winners from our 5th Annual Father’s Day Car Show. Many thanks to our wonderful Sponsors, Show Entrants, Spectators, Vendors and Volunteers for another successful show!

People’s Choice Award
– First Place ’59 Jaguar XK150, Eric Herdan
– Runner Up ’68 Chevy C-10 Pickup, Cliff Carroll

New England Auto Museum Award – Favorite in Show
’34 Ford 3-Window Coupe, Grace Gagnon

Mayor’s Trophy – selected by Harry Rilling
’69 Chevrolet Camaro SS, John Taranto

Malcom S. Pray Jr. Award – Favorite Classic Car
’28 Chrysler Convertible, Tom Boyian

Bob Sharp Award – Most Fun to Drive
’65 Shelby Mustang GT350, Richard Patterson

James Melton Award – selected by George Dragone
’53 Morgan, Rod Griffith

Garavel CDJR Award – Favorite Mopar
’64 Plymouth Fury, Doug Zumbach

Garavel Subaru Award – Favorite Import
’16 Ferrari 488, Jorge Doblado

CT Seaport Club Award – Favorite Preservation Car
’65 Pontiac GTO, George Klitsch

Hagerty Award – Car That Matters
’69 Mustang Mach 1, Vincent Sciarabba

NE Racing Fuels Award – Favorite Track Car
’83 Ferrari 308 QV, Alan Sosnowitz

Automotive Restorations Award – Favorite Restored Car
’57 Chevrolet Corvette, Harvey Wagner

Black Bridge Motors Award – Favorite Re-Imagined Car
’68 Chevy C-10 Pickup, Cliff Carroll

Ord Family Award – Favorite British Car
’59 Jaguar XK150, Eric Herdan

Coachmen Car Club Trophy – Favorite Rod or Custom Car
’63 Chevrolet Corvette, Bob Sabre

People’s Choice 1st Place, ’59 Jaguar XK150, Eric Herdan

People’s Choice 1st Place, ’59 Jaguar XK150, Eric Herdan

People’s Choice Runner Up, ’68 Chevy C10 Pickup, Cliff Carroll

People’s Choice Runner Up, ’68 Chevy C10 Pickup, Cliff Carroll

NEAM Favorite in Show, ’34 Ford Coupe, Grace Gagnon

NEAM Favorite in Show, ’34 Ford Coupe, Grace Gagnon

Mayor’s Choice, ’69 Chev. Camaro SS, John Taranto

Mayor’s Choice, ’69 Chev. Camaro SS, John Taranto

Malcom Pray Award, ’28 Chrysler Conv., Tom Boyian

Malcom Pray Award, ’28 Chrysler Conv., Tom Boyian

Featured Marque, ’55 Chrysler 300-C, Chuck Schoendorf

Featured Marque, ’55 Chrysler 300-C, Chuck Schoendorf

11 May

Legendary ’55 Chrysler C-300 Coupe featured at NEAM Father’s Day Car Show Sunday June 16th

3001Norwalk CT – America’s first mass-produced 300-horsepower car was the legendary 1955 Chrysler C-300 coupe, which many consider America’s first high-performance auto for the general public. Only the limited-production, custom-body 1930s Duesenberg, built for the very wealthy, had provided such power. It’s difficult today to realize what a sensation a 300-horsepower auto was in 1955.

That was a car-crazy year for Americans, who welcomed radically new, unexpected body styles. For 1955, General Motors offered its racy Chevrolet Corvette V-8 sports car and Ford introduced its sporty Thunderbird V-8 two-seater. Chrysler Corp. had spent $100 million—than a huge sum—to dramatically restyle its 1955 models and had no money or time to develop a two-seater. The 300’s V-8 easier out powered the Corvette and Thunderbird V-8s—not to mention the costly Cadillac’s top V-8, which had 270 horsepower.

The C-300 arrived when the fastest, most powerful American mass-produced cars were still mostly costly, full-size models. The Corvette and Thunderbird were generally considered frivolous, as were two-seat foreign sports cars.

The big, gorgeous new 1955 Chrysler model was officially called the C-300, with the “C” likely standing for “Chrysler.” But it soon was just referred to as the “300” to prevent confusion because the second 300 was the 1956 300B, which had 340-355 horsepower. Subsequent 300s carried the letters C through L, except the “I” designation was skipped to avoid confusion with the number “1.” They’re all Chrysler Corp.’s prized collector “letter cars.”

The C-300 had a race-style version of Chrysler Corp.’s then fairly new “Hemi” V-8.
That engine got its nickname from its hemispherical combustion chambers. The 1955 Hemi 300’s 331.1-cubic-inch Hemi was modified like Hemi V-8s used in successful early 1950s race cars, with such power-enhancing items as two four-barrel carburetors, a competition camshaft and solid valve lifters. Solid lifters were more efficient than the hydraulic ones used in other Chrysler V-8s, but were noisier. The camshaft also caused a rather rough engine idle, although not an intolerable one. The exhaust system generated a rumbling sound. It soon became clear that this was no car to mess with.

The 1955 300 had a Chrysler New Yorker Newport hardtop body and smooth Chrysler Windsor side trim and rear-quarter body panels. There was subtle “300” badging on the body and hubcaps, but the 300 shared the classy “twin tower” taillights of other large Chryslers. Up front was a large Chrysler Imperial “egg crate” grille.

3002At $4,110, the new 300 was the second most costly Chrysler brand auto. Only the big $4,209 Town & Country station wagon cost more. The price, alone, signaled that this was no car for kids. It was a hot rod luxury model for generally older affluent folks who liked fast cars. Veteran national auto writer Tom McCahill said the new 300 was a “hardboiled, magnificent piece of semi-competition transportation, built for the real automotive connoisseur.”

The 1955 300 was virtually unbeatable in competition that year, winning its first NASCAR Grand National race. It took the checkered flag at 37 NASCAR and AAA races of more than 100 miles.

The most-prized 300s are the 1955-58 models because they had the Hemi. A second version of the Hemi V-8 came in the 1960s for some Chrysler Corp. cars to keep the automaker among the hottest contenders in that decade’s muscle-car race. But they were totally different types of cars than the glamorous 1950s 300 Hemi models. The 1957-58 300C/300D looked sleeker and was more powerful than the 1955 C-300, but there’s no topping the 1955 300 because there’s no topping an original. The Chrysler C-300 to be featured on Father’s Day comes from the collection of Chuck Schoendorf of Rowayton who is an aficionado of Chrysler Hemi engined cars, including a stable of Cunningham C-3 sports cars which were part of a featured class at Greenwich Concours d’Elegance last year.

Article courtesy Dan Jedlinka.com

3003Anyone interested in showing a car at the Father’s Day Car Show may pre-register online at the New England Auto Museum website at only $15/per car or at the gate on the day of the show for $20/per car. All show cars will be welcome with no cut-off year. Spectator admission is free. Prizes will include awards for the Peoples’ Choice, the Mayor’s Choice, Favorite in Show and many more. Dash plaques will be available for the first 100 cars to register.

New England Auto Museum
The New England Auto Museum will be an exciting new attraction for the state of Connecticut and throughout the Northeast. This non-profit organization will build a first class facility dedicated to preserving, interpreting and exhibiting historic automobiles and automobile artifacts. It will serve as both an educational learning center as well as a display center to highlight an ever changing evolution of car history and its impact on society. Find more information at www.neautomuseum.org

08 Apr

Cars of Carrozzeria Zagato Headline 24th Annual Greenwich Concours d’Elegance June 1-2

Photo Greenwich Concours d’Elegance

Photo Greenwich Concours d’Elegance

Greenwich, Conn. – Celebrating its 24th year of showcasing significant cars, motorcycles and one-off automotive creations, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance will feature the custom coachwork of Zagato on June 1st and 2nd, 2019.

Recognized as one of the most prestigious classic car shows in the United States, the Greenwich Concours will honor the centennial of the famous Italian atelier with displays of more than 20 significant cars bodied by Zagato.

The Concours continues its tradition of holding two unique Concours back-to-back, with American cars and motorcycles on Saturday, June 1, and foreign marques on Sunday, June 2.

The event takes place at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park overlooking Greenwich Harbor on Long Island Sound.

Andrea Zagato, grandson of founder Ugo Zagato, and his wife Marella Rivolta Zagato, will represent the Zagato marque and are this year’s Concours honorees. Marella is the granddaughter of Iso’s founder Renzo Rivolta, and works closely with Andrea at the Zagato family business in Rho, Italy.

According to Maxim Magazine, “The [Zagato] brand – formed in 1919 by plane and car laborer Ugo Zagato – is the only surviving Italian coachbuilder from that halcyon era that is still family owned. Andrea Zagato, the grandson of Ugo and living scion of the ‘Lightning Z’ crest, now leads the brand into the 21st century.

“The foundation of Zagato’s work was Ugo’s proficiency in aircraft, which allowed him to integrate aeronautic philosophies such as lightweight materials and aerodynamics into his designs.

“The company’s foundation was established with the racing success Zagato enjoyed in its first decade of existence. Collaborations with Alfa Romeo produced unprecedented success: From 1928 to 1930, Alfa Romeo 1750 Zagatos claimed first place in the Mille Miglia. In that last year, Zagato-built Alfas snatched the first four places cementing the brand’s legacy as one of the most successful performance-oriented coachbuilders of the prewar period.”

Iso, founded by Renza Rivolta, was an automobile and motorcycle maker, the product of Iso Autoveicoli S.p.A of Italy. The company was predominantly active from the late 1940s through the early 1970s. It is known for its iconic Isetta bubble car of the 1950s, and for a number of powerful performance cars in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Photo Greenwich Concours d’Elegance

Photo Greenwich Concours d’Elegance

One of the more compelling Zagato-bodied cars to be featured at the Concours is the 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Corto Spider originally built to order in 1933 for race-car driver Tazio Nuvolari. It was prepared by Raymond Sommer for the 1933 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Sommer and Nuvolari placed first overall. Three weeks later, it was driven by Sommer and Henri Stoffel to second overall in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. Barron Collier became its next owner, winning the Mt. Washington (N.H.) Hillclimb in 1937. It was subsequently raced by various owners in the U.S. until the early 1950s. It will be shown at the Concours by its current owner, Scuderia N.E.

Other cars on the field designed by Zagato will include those of Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Maserati, Lancia, Jaguar, Nissan, Porsche, and Aston Martin. Also displayed will be examples of the rare Alfa Romeo Tubolare Zagato, a 1964 Alfa Romeo TZ1, a 1965 Alfa Romeo TZ2, and a 2012 Alfa Romeo TZ3.

Photo Greenwich Concours d’Elegance

Photo Greenwich Concours d’Elegance

To honor Marella Rivolta Zagato, there will be a special Iso class, featuring such cars as a 1970 Iso Rivolta Lele and a 1973 Iso Grifo.

“We are honored that Andrea Zagato and Marella Rivolta Zagato will celebrate this very special anniversary with us at the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance,” said Concours Chairman Mary Wennerstrom. “We will have a great variety of cars built by all three generations of Zagato, from the 1930s to the modern day. We also are pleased to honor Marella’s heritage with a special class of cars from Iso.”

The weekend will also feature cars of Stanley H. “Wacky” Arnolt, a Chicago industrialist who began importing foreign cars in the 1950s to the U.S. Although sold as American cars, the cars were true hybrids, with British mechanicals, Italian bodywork, and U.S. sales and distribution. A fortuitous meeting with Bertone at the Turin Auto Show in 1952 resulted in four collaborative efforts between Arnolt and Bertone.

Photo Greenwich Concours d’Elegance

Photo Greenwich Concours d’Elegance

His son, Michael Arnolt, will be an Honorary Judge at the Concours and will bring his Arnolt-Bristol Bolide. Arnolt-MGs, Arnolt-Bristols and Arnolt-Aston Martins will come to the Concours from as far away as New Mexico and Arizona.

American Orphan Marques and American Supercharged Cars are the special classes on Saturday. Cars of interest include a 1948 Tucker and a 1954 Kaiser in the orphan class. A one-off 1952 Packard Macauley Speedster with a McCulloch-supercharged 359-cu.in.straight-eight engine will be in the supercharged class.

Sunday’s Concours will host a special display of cars from the Bentley Driver’s Club in honor of the marque’s 100th anniversary, including models from the early W.O. Bentley and Derby Bentley eras, up to post-war and modern examples.

The weekend will also showcase orphan motorcycle marques. American Iron Magazine publisher Buzz Kanter will showcase limited production marques that no longer exist including a 1938 Mandille et Roux D2 “Passe-Partout,” a 1971 Münch Mammoth, and a 1950 Vincent Black Shadow Series C.

The Concours will again benefit Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization that responds to people affected by poverty or disaster with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies. The Stamford-based organization is the world’s leading nonprofit provider of donated medicine and medical supplies.

A silent auction will be held to raise money for The Hometown Foundation, of Cheshire, Conn., which honors and assists five distinct areas of interest including Animal Welfare, Emergency Response Personnel, Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or in Need, Major Illness and Military.

  • Advance tickets for both days are available online at $30 per day or $50 for both days and include early entry at 9:30 a.m. and event program
  • VIP Admission is $150 per day or $250 for both days and includes early entry at 8 .m., breakfast and lunch with the car collectors, entrance to Bonhams cocktail party on Friday night, poster, lapel pin, event program and VIP lanyard.
  • Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $40 per day or $60 for both days
  • Gates open at 10 a.m. for general admission
  • Children 12 and under enter free when accompanied by an adult
  • Saturday Night Gala tickets are available for $175
  • Tickets can be purchased at http://www.greenwichconcours.com/visitors/tickets/

Article courtesy Greenwich Free Press

13 Mar

1938 MERCEDES-BENZ 540K AUTOBAHN-KURIER AND 1957 FERRARI 335 S NAMED BEST IN SHOW AT THE 24 th ANNUAL AMELIA ISLAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

2019 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Best in Show winners

2019 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Best in Show winners

Jacksonville, FL – The 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier and 1957 Ferrari 335 S were crowned this year’s Best in Show on March 10, 2019 at the 24 th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance . The event once again brought together the best of the automotive world, including 2019 honoree, “Mr. Le Mans” Jacky Ickx. The legendary Ickx is a six-time Le Mans winner, 1979 Can-Am Champion, a Formula 1 victor and a Daytona, Sebring and Paris-Dakar winner.

1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier. 2019 Best in Show, Concours d'Elegance

1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier. 2019 Best in Show, Concours d’Elegance

The Best in Show Concours d’Elegance Trophy was given to a 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier owned by The Keller Collection at the Pyramids.

A brief history of the 2019 Best in Show, Concours d’Elegance winner:

“In March of 1934, a new Mercedes debuted at the Berlin Car Show: “Autobahnen Kurierwagen 8-Zylinder Kompressor Typ 500.” Only one model existed and the brochures informed the public that this car was designed for incredibly high-speeds on the autobahns going as far to claim that the high winds at those speeds gave the car its defining shape. Mercedes built the new model on the existing W29 chassis. Mercedes clientele at the time were conservative buying only 761 W29 cars between February 1934 and November 1939. Of those, 342 were equipped with a 5-liter engine and 419 with a 5.4 liter engine as in this car. Both were equipped with a Kompressor. The remaining 70 chassis were sent to outside firms that would construct specials to client wishes.”

1957 Ferrari 335 S. Best in Show, Concours de Sport

1957 Ferrari 335 S. Best in Show, Concours de Sport

A 1957 Ferrari 355 S owned by Cavallino Investments took home the Best in Show Concours de Sport Trophy.

A brief history of the 2019 Best in Show, Concours de Sport:

“The 335 S was the most technologically advanced Ferrari in 1957. It featured a longitudinal 60-degree V-12 with 24 plugs, two valves per cylinder, twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank and it produced 360 horsepower.

The Scuderia Ferrari Factory team car started life as a 290 MM, was then upgraded to a 315 S and finally a 335 S. The car has a tremendous racing history spanning three seasons. The car participated in the major races such as Sebring, LeMans, the Mille Miglia, and 1,000 km events at the Nürburgring and in Caracas.

The car was piloted by some of the great drivers of its day including Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, Olivier Gendebien, Alfonzo De Portago, W. Graf Berghe von Trips, Peter Collins, Maurice Trintignant, Mike Hawthorn, Luigi Musso, Stirling Moss and Gaston Andrey. This was in the period 1956 and 1957 when Ferrari won the World Sportscar Championship.”

“The 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier and 1957 Ferrari 335 S both truly embody the sophistication of our awards,” said Bill Warner, Chairman and Founder of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. “I was thrilled to watch the judges honor such esteemed automobiles and continue to recognize the best and most extraordinary vehicles in existence, right here in Northeast Florida.”

2019 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Best in Show winners

2019 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Best in Show winners

It is in The Amelia’s innovative nature to present new classes and the 2019 event did not disappoint. This year’s Concours included “Cars of the Rock Stars,” a class specially curated by John Oates of Hall & Oates. Pairing specific vehicles with guitars, the class consisted of Oates’ personal collection and featured additional vehicles owned or closely associated with well-known musicians. In addition, John Oates sang a moving rendition of The National Anthem.

The new and exciting classes didn’t stop there – a dignified fleet of limosines occupied the lawn in a class titled “Heads of State.” This fleet was made up of cars of Kings and Queens, Presidents, Popes and even a Dictator.

The Amelia joined forces with HistoricRacingNews.com to present the first-ever live stream of the event. The live online video content allowed viewers from all over the world to watch the Amelia unfold in real time.

Additional highlights included a distinct class of Ferrari 250 GT “SWB”, Jaguar XK 120, a celebration of Indy Innovations and a Custom Coachwork Volkswagen class to acknowledge the 70th anniversary of the VW Bug’s arrival in America.
“I am proud to say that this year’s Concours had some of the most innovative classes and interesting vehicles to date,” Warner said. “Our celebration of the automobile finds a way to evolve year after year, and we remain delighted to continue showcasing such rich automotive history through our event.”

Click here for a full list of the 2019 winners.

About The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

THE AMELIA will be held March 12-15, 2020 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and The Golf Club of Amelia Island. For the Amelia’s full events schedule, including Saturday’s Cars & Coffee at the Concours and Sunday’s premier Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, visit www.ameliaconcours.org . The show’s Foundation has donated over $3.45 million to Community Hospice & Palliative Care, Spina Bifida of Jacksonville and other charities on Florida’s First Coast since its inception in 1996.

The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance| 904-636-0027 | E-mail | Website

25 Feb

New England Auto Museum Father’s Day Car Show to Feature Mopar and Subaru Cars on June 16th in Norwalk

1955 Chrysler C-300, considered America’s first muscle car, dominated NASCAR racing in its day. (Archive Photo)

1955 Chrysler C-300, considered America’s first muscle car, dominated NASCAR racing in its day. (Archive Photo)

Norwalk, Conn. – New England Auto Museum has announced that the featured marques at its 5rd Annual Father’s Day Car Show will be Mopar Muscle, performance cars from the Chrysler Corporation, and Subaru automobiles, celebrating over 50 years in the U.S. market. The show is presented by the Garavel Auto Group and will be held Sunday June 16th from 10AM to 3PM at Mathews Park in Norwalk, rain or shine.

In its 5rd year, the NEAM Father’s Day Car Show takes advantage of its surroundings on the spacious lawns of the Mathews Park which provide a scenic backdrop for a spectacular collection of classic cars. The show provides a wide variety of attractions for car owners and spectators alike including tours of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum and the neighboring Stepping Stones Children’s Museum as well as great BBQ food, ice cream and games.

20192

Mopar is the parts, service and customer care organization within Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The name is a portmanteau of the words “MOtor” and “PARts”, first used by Chrysler in the 1920s and introduced as a brand starting in 1937. The term “Mopar” has passed into broader usage among car enthusiasts as an unambiguous reference to vehicles produced by former parent company Chrysler Corporation, now FCA US.

America’s first mass-produced 300-horsepower car was the legendary 1955 Chrysler C-300 coupe, which many consider America’s first high-performance auto available for the general public. The 1955 300 was virtually unbeatable in competition that year, winning its first NASCAR Grand National race. It took the checkered flag at 37 NASCAR and AAA races of more than 100 miles.

1970 Plymouth Superbird (Photo Mecum Auctions)

1970 Plymouth Superbird (Photo Mecum Auctions)

The success of the Chrysler 300 in the luxury segment, led to a plethora Mopar high-performance cars in the 60’s and 70’s stimulated by the “horsepower wars” among major manufacturers on race tracks and drag strips across the country in that era. These were celebrated nameplates, including Plymouth Superbird, Road Runner, GTX, ‘Cuda and Dodge Charger, R/T, Super Bee and Challenger, that have become prized collectables today with ever increasing prices at auctions.

Under FIAT ownership, FCA has continued the tradition of street and racing muscle car dominance with SRT (Street and Racing Technology) versions of its popular vehicles headlined by the 808 horsepower Dodge SRT Challenger Demon and the 717 horsepower Dodge SRT Charger Hellcat.

2018 Dodge SRT Challenger Demon with 808 Horsepower, billed as the “Fastest Production Car in the World” (Photo Dodge Division, FCA)

2018 Dodge SRT Challenger Demon with 808 Horsepower, billed as the “Fastest Production Car in the World” (Photo Dodge Division, FCA)

 

20195Subaru’s first vehicles were sold in America 50 years ago, but you could say the brand really just arrived here in the past decade. The first car – the Subaru 360 – was small and plain, a far cry from the automaker’s current models. Their first ads conceded that “Cheap and ugly does it.” True to that first car’s name, the Japanese company sold only 332 cars in 1968.

The 360, first Subaru imported to the U.S. in 1968 (Photo Alden Jewell Flickr)

The 360, first Subaru imported to the U.S. in 1968 (Photo Alden Jewell Flickr)

But that has changed over the last decade: You could say that Subaru now is feeling the love – the theme of the carmaker’s popular, 10-year-long advertising campaign. Sales have climbed every year from 2007, when the company sold about 187,000 vehicles for 1.16 percent market share, through last year, when Subaru sold almost 650,000 for a 3.76 percent share. Subaru is cashing in on the market shift to crossovers and have an all-wheel-drive lineup with their “go-anywhere” attitude. They stay connected to their loyal customers; they are attracting new buyers to the brand at an impressive clip, and bringing out new products that are designed only for the U.S. market.

50th Anniversary edition of the Subaru WRX (Photo Subaru)

50th Anniversary edition of the Subaru WRX (Photo Subaru)

Anyone interested in showing a car at the Father’s Day Car Show may pre-register online at the New England Auto Museum website at only $15/per car or at the gate on the day of the show for $20/per car. All show cars will be welcome with no cut-off year. Spectator admission is free. Prizes will include awards for the Peoples’ Choice, the Mayor’s Choice, Favorite in Show and many more. Dash plaques will be available for the first 100 cars to register.

 New England Auto Museum
The New England Auto Museum will be an exciting new attraction for the state of Connecticut and throughout the Northeast. This non-profit organization will build a first class facility dedicated to preserving, interpreting and exhibiting historic automobiles and automobile artifacts. It will serve as both an educational learning center as well as a display center to highlight an ever changing evolution of car history and its impact on society. Find more information at www.neautomuseum.org

05 Feb

Garavel Auto Group Signs as Presenting Sponsor of the New England Auto Museum Father’s Day Car Show June 17th in Norwalk

garaval1Norwalk, Conn. – New England Auto Museum has announced that the Garavel Auto Group of Norwalk, Garavel Subaru and Garavel Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram will be the Presenting Sponsor of the 5rd Annual Father’s Day Car Show to be held Sunday June 16th from 10AM to 3PM at Mathews Park in Norwalk.

In its 5th year, the NEAM Father’s Day Car Show takes advantage of its surroundings on the spacious lawns of Mathews Park, which provide a scenic backdrop for a spectacular collection of classic cars. The show provides a wide variety of attractions for car owners and spectators alike including tours of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum and the neighboring Stepping Stones Children’s Museum as well as great BBQ food, ice cream and games.

Anyone interested in showing a car at the Father’s Day Car Show may pre-register online (after April 1st) at the New England Auto Museum website at only $15/per car or at the gate on the day of the show for $20/per car. All show cars will be welcome with no cut-off year. Spectator admission is free. Prizes will include awards for the Peoples’ Choice, the Mayor’s Choice, Favorite in Show and many more. Dash plaques will be available for the first 100 cars to register.

New England Auto Museum
The New England Auto Museum will be an exciting new attraction for the state of Connecticut and throughout the Northeast. This non-profit organization will build a first class facility dedicated to preserving, interpreting and exhibiting historic automobiles and automobile artifacts. It will serve as both an educational learning center as well as a display center to highlight an ever changing evolution of car history and its impact on society. Find more information at www.neautomuseum.org

garaval2Garavel Auto Group
Located in Norwalk, CT, Garavel Subaru and Garavel Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram offer quality new and used cars and are also proud to have a full car service center along with a top-of-the-line quality parts department. For more information check out www.garavelsubaru.com and www.garavelchryslerjeepdodgeram.com