Autos of The World
Written by Keith Fudge

Last July, we had the chance to travel to Warwick , Rhode Island for the 5 th Annual Autos of the World Car Show. While the name of the event specifically says, “car show,” this gathering of “certified car nuts” also included folks who had a great affection for trucks and tractors! Held at picturesque Goddard State Park , this event is billed as the “Biggest Car Show in the Smallest State ,” and it featured some of the coolest vehicles that we have seen in a while!

We had the opportunity to visit with Event Organizer, Gene Pezzulli, who told us a bit about the show. Gene said that when the show began five years ago, they had about 200 cars on hand. However, this year they already had about 400 cars on the field with the expectation that a total of as many as 500-600 may be on hand later in the day. He went on to say that there were all categories of vehicles including classics, hot rods, antique, pro street, trucks, military vehicles, and even tractors! Even though the weather was not entirely cooperative, there were plenty of cars on hand. Gene also told us about some of the entertainment that was available during the event. There was an open show, a car corral, and an auto auction! Participants also had the opportunity to attend a moonlight cruise and even participate in a poker run! Gene noted that a volunteer staff worked the entire event, and all proceeds went to a worthy cause: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital . Soon, the weather broke and Gene turned our attention to some of the classic vehicles as we walked about the grounds.

First, Dennis ran into Michael Caparco, the owner of three of the quickest cars you will ever see! To start, Michael showed us his Lingenfelter Corvette. This was one of the final Corvettes built by John Lingenfelter and posts a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds! Making approximately 650 horsepower combined with 600 ft./lbs. of torque, this beauty makes a ¼ mile in 11.2 seconds and tops out at 170 miles per hour! Well, if that isn't quick enough for you, Michael has the cure. He escorted us to his Gambella Porsche. This six-cylinder makes 650 horsepower and has a top speed of 220 miles per hour! Boasting a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds and a ¼ mile time of 10.8 seconds, this German super-car will definitely get you there in a hurry. Still not fast enough for you? No problem! Michael then showed us a car that was truly amazing—the world's fastest Dodge Viper! Built by Hennessey Performance, this speedy serpent makes 1,000 horsepower. With the flip of a switch, it adds 300 more horses with the help of nitrous oxide. Making 0-60 in 1.5 seconds and a ¼ mile time of 8.9 seconds, Michael claims that his Viper is the fastest street-legal car on the planet! We have no reason to doubt him. Thanks to Michael for sharing this trio of super-cars with us.

Next, we found Frank Craveiro and his sweet 1970 AMX. This is one of the most underrated muscle cars ever produced. Frank purchased the car in 1971 with 13,000 miles on it, and he has had it ever since. Frank has made some custom modifications such as a leather interior, wood-grained dash, and he has added a six-speed tranny. Under the hood lurks the 390 cubic inch motor that Frank has “slightly modified.” The car recently won the coveted Best of Show Award at a show in Arizona . Frank told us that he also drives the car regularly because that is what it was made to do. Way to go, Frank! Later, we ran into Vito Azevedo and a car that was out of this world, or at least out of this galaxy! This exotic and futuristic custom Starship Corvette started as a 1963 Corvette convertible that Vito built in 1973. He owned the car for approximately twelve years and then sold it. Vito said that he then had the chance to buy the car back a couple of years ago, and it was in pretty bad shape. However, it gave Vito the opportunity to weave some more of his magic on the car. First of all, it is chopped, channeled, and sectioned. The t-tops and windshield are from a 1973 Corvette, while the back window is from a 1980 model. It has gull-wing doors and a Star Wars themed steering wheel! Powered by a 1981 Corvette 350, and aided by twin mega-chargers, this out-of-this-world beauty currently makes 400 horsepower. Vito, may the g-forces be with ya!

Finally, we found Wheeler Bradley and his awesome 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Safari. This early example of an SUV was Pontiac 's version of the Chevy Nomad. Loaded to the brim with options, this wagon is one of 1,292 that were produced for that year. This car is one of only four that had air conditioning and the tri-power carburetor option. Wheeler told us that he has owned the car for seven years, and it took five years to restore. Repainted in the original two-tone color scheme of silver beige and charcoal, Wheeler also restored the interior just as if it were new. This restoration had to have been a chore, because there are no reproduction parts made for this vehicle. Under the hood was a 347 cubic inch, 317 horsepower Pontiac motor complete with tri-power! The car also has electric windows which makes it even more rare. Wheeler said this year was his second visit to the show and that he was having a great time. Wheeler, thanks for sharing your car with us today!

Last year's show was great, and this year promises to be even better. If you would like more info on the Autos of the World Car Show, you can give them a visit on the web at www.autosoftheworldcarshow.com . Well, that's it from Rhode Island , so until our next visit, remember; “Honor the timeless classics. Happy Motoring!”