Tutto Italiano Car Show
Written by Keith Fudge

For the past 65 years, the Great Lawn at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline , Massachusetts has played host to a show that features some of the rarest and most expensive vehicles ever built. Last May, Dennis Gage and the crew from My Classic Car traveled to the historic and beautiful site to attend the 9 th Annual Tutto Italiano. This is a yearly event that celebrates some of the greatest achievements in Italian automotive design and engineering. This year's show, sponsored by Ferrari and Maserati of New England and KTR European Motor sports, featured classic cars by Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and others.

After he arrived, Dennis met with Neal Heffron, Event Co-Coordinator, who told Dennis just how he became connected with the event. Neal said that he and his wife had attended a few of the shows and made some suggestions on how they believed the event could be even better. The folks that they pitched their ideas to evidently liked what they heard, so they turned the event over to Neal and his wife. They now “co-coordinate” the show! Neal said that this year's celebration has attracted owners from Maine to Florida and from almost all points in between! In fact, Neal said there were more than 200 cars registered for the event. Neal also noted that the museum setting provided by the Great Lawn is very appropriate since there are some incredible examples of vintage and late model cars from Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini on display. Neal also mentioned that the show isn't the only thing going on. There are vendors on the grounds with parts and accessories, and there is a competitive car show that is scored on the 100-point judging system according to the rules that are put forth by the Ferrari Club of America. While the setting of the Larz Anderson Museum is truly beautiful and overwhelming in its own rite, on this day it was enhanced by some of the coolest cars ever produced. While he and Neal were talking, Dennis spotted a few special cars that demanded his immediate attention.

First, Dennis spoke with Arthur Bentas about his 1972 Maserati Ghibli. Arthur told Dennis that these cars were produced from 1966 until 1973, and there were less than 1,200 of these cars made (only 120 of which were convertibles). Arthur also added that this Ghibli was the second one that he had owned. He has had this one for twenty years. When new, this car cost $22,000, and this particular model was equipped with the 4.7 liter engine fed through four dual Weber carburetors. This Ghibli was equipped with two fuel tanks (and two fuel pumps) that hold twenty-eight gallons of gas. Produced in such small numbers and with remarkable style and performance, it is easy to see why the Ghibli is a favorite target of Italian auto enthusiasts. One thing is for sure, Arthur has a fantastic example of this highly sought-after vehicle. Next, Dennis found Michael Simonetta and his 1985 Ferrari 308. Michael has owned this car for four years and said that it is a pure joy to drive every day. Michael told Dennis that this car is exceptionally reliable, especially when you consider that it is a racecar made to be driven on the street! Later, Dennis found Mark Madden and a truly rare vehicle, a 1999 Millennium Edition Lamborghini Diablo. There were only 10 cars of this edition built, and this one is number six. The body is comprised of steel, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. In typical Lamborghini fashion, there are vents for everything including the brakes, oil cooler, and alternator! Powered by a 5.7 liter V-12 engine, this Diablo pushes 530 horsepower! Now that should make others on the streets sit up and take notice! Finally, Dennis spoke with Evan Ide, Curator of the Larz Anderson Auto Museum . Evan was prepared to show Dennis a really cool Alpha Romeo, but first told him a bit about the museum itself. Evan said that Larz and Isabel Anderson were auto collectors and enthusiasts before there actually were such folks. He said that the museum houses a collection of cars that were purchased new beginning in 1899. Presently, there is a French car exhibit on display with such rare cars as a 1906 CGV. This was a real luxury touring car that had everything for its passengers, including a toilet! Evan added that there are several other makes and models of French vehicles on display, all unique and extremely special. At last, the talk turned to the vehicle Evan stood beside. Dennis and the crew listened intently while Evan told them about it. The car was an amazing 1933 Alpha Romeo that was quite a car for its day, or for any day for that matter. This car was a true pre-war sports car and has never been restored. It features an all-aluminum body, and the interior is minimalist in design with few distractions for the driver. After hearing about the engine and the performance of the car, we can certainly understand why. Powered by a 1750 cc. double-overhead-cam straight 6, this rapid roadster makes more than 100 miles per hour. By the way, did we mention that it is supercharged as well? This car was truly an engineering marvel for its time, and to tell the truth, it isn't too shabby against today's competition!

The 9 th Annual Tutto Italiano was a great success. Held on such a scenic and historic location complete with more than 200 exotic Italian cars, how could it be anything else? If you would like more information on the Larz Anderson Auto Museum and the events that are held there, including the upcoming 2005 Tutto Italiano, give them a visit on the web at www.mot.org You can also call them at 617-522-6547. So, from Brookline , Massachusetts we say, “Arrivederci, and remember, honor the timeless classics. Happy Motoring!”