Italian Cars at Skytop
Written by Keith Fudge

Last summer, Dennis Gage and the crew traveled to the scenic Skytop Lodge in Skytop, Pennsylvania for the Le Belle Macchine d’Italia.  This event showcases some of the finest Italian cars ever produced.  Held at the magnificent Skytop Lodge, which is close to Pocono International Raceway, the scenery is simply breathtaking.  After he arrived, Dennis caught up with event organizer, Joe Corbacio, who told him that this event is a show “by owners for owners.”  Joe went on to talk about how it is a truly laid-back affair.  Concerning the passion that these owners feel for their cars, Joe remarked, “Unless it’s Italian, it’s just transportation.”  This event also offers the opportunity for owners to take their cars to the Pocono International Raceway for some high speed action.  A driving clinic is also held there to help owners learn more about driving and their cars.  Held in conjunction with the Ferrari Club of America, this event is getting better each year and is "The Largest 3 Day Italian Automotive Event in North America.  Dennis also spoke with Valentino Balboni, a test driver for Lamborghini automobiles.  He said that this show is a priority for him to attend as it is the major American show for these cars.  Dennis also talked to Robert Baldassari, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Skytop Lodge who told him that it was a pleasure for the lodge to host the event.  Dennis was like a kid in an Italian candy store!  At that point, he and Joe took a walk through the grounds to see some of these fabulous cars.

Joe Colasacco was the first person that Dennis visited.  Joe was standing in front of a stunning green 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV.  Joe is the manager/overseer of an extensive car collection, and he chose this one to bring to the event.  With contrasting blue leather interior and a four-liter V-12 making 400 horsepower, this mid-engine beauty is a sight to behold.  Next, Dennis saw Steve Paules and his navy blue 1973 Pantera.  Designed in Italy and powered by Ford, this car is truly international!  Steve has added a few custom touches to the car including a stereo, new Pantera wing on the rear and some extensive work to the engine and exhaust system.  Perhaps one of the most interesting cars of the day was Charles Schoerdorf’s 1946 white Lancia convertible.  This classic features a Lancia chassis, motor, and running gear housed under a Riva Merate body!  The car is specifically built for racing and features an aluminum body and an unusual V-4 engine and twin carburetors.  Next, it was as if Dennis had triple vision as he stumbled onto Joel Finn and three 1938 Maserati racers!  Joel told Dennis that these three cars were the only ones produced and that he has owned two of them!  Powered by a three-liter straight 8, these cars are incredible examples of Italian racing from the past!  Finally, Dennis spoke with Len Rusiewicz, owner of a 1969 Ferrari Daytona.  This original car was converted into a racer in 1971 and took fifth place at LeMans that same year.  Making 450 horsepower and hitting top speeds in excess of 190 miles per hour, this car serves as a prime example of Italian racing heritage.

We had a great time at the Skytop Lodge for the Le Belle Macchine d’Italia.  This year’s event will be held in June and if you would like more information, give them a visit on the web at www.italiancarsatpocono.com . That’s it from Skytop, Pennsylvania.  So until our next visit, “Honor the timeless classics.  Happy Motoring!”