BARONE'S C&CM

I’m just back from a whirlwind trip to Amelia Island, Florida, for the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, meeting with friends and collector car industry leaders in what has become the premier concours east of the Mississippi. A weeklong schedule of parties and seminars culminated in a warm and sunny show-day event, and I couldn’t resist snapping some photographs of some of my favorite cars on the lawn of the Ritz-Carlton. Take a look and see if you agree with my choices! Don and Carol Murray brought this gorgeous 1956 Ferrari 250GT Speciale from Laguna Beach, California. One of four prototypes built, this example was first owned by a Mr. Nassi; a director for Fiat and member of the Agnelli family. Built as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” this demure Ferrari features a competition-style engine tuned to TDF specifications and was raced at the Nurburgring in the late 1950’s and 1960’s. Lionel and Karen Bessudo brought this 1953 Jaguar XK120 FHC all the way f...

Scott Utter of European Motorcar Studio shares the merits of this 1974 Lamborghini Espada with me at the Scottsdale Jet Center reception during Arizona Car Week.   My week began by hosting with a fundraiser for the RPM Foundation with president Diane Fitzgerald (left). My friendship with IndyCar racer Lyn St. James (right) inspired me to make a multi-year financial commitment to the foundation in her honor. Two of my good friends and traveling companions, Jim and Sandi Weder, who share my passion for fantastic cars. We connected through the Ferrari Club ofAmerica – Desert Region , and attended the Monaco Grand Prix in 2016. This replica Porsche 917 sports racer was a standout favorite of the week. Tagging along with the RPM Foundation students at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction, and witnessing the power of mentorship firsthand. My Sophia had plenty of company from her cousins down the road in Maranello. Sometimes the week ...