Le Belle Macchine d'Italia 2008

The idea of a vacation can be intimidating to most because of the planning that's required to make it a successful getaway. Hotel reservations, plane tickets/car rental (if necessary), what to do, what to wear, how much will it all really cost - before you're through thinking about where to go, you want a vacation from thinking about a vacation! But every once in a while, there comes an event that makes all of the decisions for you. For me, this year, that event was the 2008 Le Belle Macchine d'Italia concorso and Pocono Raceway track event. The Belle Macchine d'Italia is a three-day event that involves a Concorso d'Eleganza and two days of speeding apexing hairpinning drive-it-like-you-stole-it track fun.


Perhaps that alone doesn't sound like much of a vacation to you, so combine it with three nights at the beautiful Skytop Lodge in scenic and secluded Skytop, Pennsylvania. Now we're getting somewhere. The Skytop ain't no Holiday Inn-style hotel either. When I say lodge, I mean golf course, pool, five-star accommodations on 2,500 lush acres, promoting sublime relaxation amid a serene landscape of Skytop Lake and West Mountain. The Concorso d'Eleganza is the only part of the event that's open to the public, so even if you have no interest in going to the track - or leaving the resort - you can still enjoy a wonderful car show during your stay.


The Belle Macchine d'Italia literally means beautiful Italian machines. And that's exactly what's on display. More than just Ferraris and Lamborghinis, attendees get a chance to see rare, odd, and obscure Italian automobiles like the Maserati Birdcage, Lancia Scorpion, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Super, Iso Rivolta, Bizzarrini 5300 GT, DeTomaso Pantera and Mangusta, Fiats, and motorcycles from manufacturers such as Ducati, Moto Guzzi, and Bimota. The weather was perfect, too. Not excrutiatingly hot, not overcast and looming, and no rain - well, at least not on Saturday.



Sunday and Monday were the track days. If you've ever been to Pocono, then you know it's one of the cleanest and most beautifully laid-out tracks in the country. The infield is easy to navigate, the accommodations are - oh, who cares about the accommodations? You want to hear about the cars on the track, I know! Lamborghini was the dominant presence at the Concorso on Saturday. But when track time rolled around, Ferrari was rolling deep. The number of F355 Challenge cars outnumbered Lamborghini's new Gallardo Superleggera - and sounded much better, too! But the coup de grace was the Maserati MC 12 Corsa. Liveried in Batmobile black, the stealthy Corsa - both audibly and visually - made a mockery of everything else in attendance. The acceleration, the downshifts, and the presence of the Maserati stole the show.


But there's no surprise there. Every aspect of the three-day weekend was something to behold. From the lodge, to the cars that showed up, to the sights and sounds at the track, the 2008 Le Belle Macchine d'Italia was a great addition to the list of Ferrari events this year. If more events were like this one, I'd go on vacation every weekend!

For sale: 2006 Custom Chopper - SOLD...!!!...

So maybe four wheels aren't your thing. Even with a drop top, you feel a little cramped; trapped. You want to be completely free. That's where this baby comes in. From soup to nuts, this bad boy is completely customized. With a lightning bolt theme - and the flawless paint job to match - you can cruise anywhere knowing you've got a one of a kind setup.

Custom built by Flash Cycles, every part of this chopper is fabricated from top of the line billet and steel; no copies, no stamps. Here's the run-down:
Engine: 2000 Harley Davidson Twin Cam B with 95" kit.
Transmission: HD case with all Baker gears and internals.
Frame: Flash Cycles design, built by Atlas Precision.
Electrics: HD charging system, wiring harness, and breakers.
Front end: Mean Street.
Wheels: Flash Cycles.
Fenders: Flash Cycles.
Oil Tank: Flash Cycles.
Primary Drive: Belt Drives Limited (BDL).
Brakes: Hawg Halters (HHI).
Seat: Flash Cycles.
Handlebars: LA Choppers.
Hand Controls: Arlen Ness.
Foot Controls: Pro One.
Taillight: Paul Yaffe.
Battery: Odyssey.
Exhaust: MGS.
Carburetor: Mikuni.

If that doesn't do it for you, come check it out in person and take it for a test drive.

For Sale: 2006 Maserati Quattroporte - SOLD...!!!

So you want a sports car, but you need four seats and a 612 Scaglietti is just out of your price range. Fear not, my weary sports car desirer! The Maserati Quattroporte has amenities you can't even fathom, combined with an engine you'll never forget. Pull away from a Lexus or a Mercedes or a BMW, all while relaxing in the comfort of fine Italian leather, power everything, climate controlled everything (including cup holders!), and a five-disc CD changer.

Maybe you like to listen to Pavarotti as you whisk your family away from traffic in this elegant but powerful Italian iteration of luxury. Perhaps Sinatra is more your style - summer wind, indeed. Whatever your choice of music, you can finally surrender yourself to an epicurean driving lifestyle without breaking the bank.

With a Grigio Alfieri paint job and a two-tone gray leather interior, this QP is understated and subtle. With a carbon fiber center console and aluminum calipers, the final look is classy but sporty; an appropriate compliment to its surprising handling and performance. Come in for a test drive. We're certain you won't want to leave without this car.

For Sale: 2005 Ferrari F430 F1 Spider - SOLD...!!!...

The summer is coming and that's when everyone will be driving around in their red sports cars. It's kind of hard to stand out from the crowd when you're just another driver of just another red sports car. Que in this '05 F430 F1 Spider: Argento Nürburgring with full red leather, silver piping and stitching, power Daytona seats, shields, and red calipers. Now who else on the road looks like you?

No one.

This car is classy; a stylish, modern color combination cleverly blended with a powerful convertible. The lines of the F430 are more pronounced - deliberately more aggressive - than those of the 360 Spider. Don't be fooled by the rag top; this monster will pull away from almost anything on the road today. And the sound says anything but poser Hollywood hair dresser. This is for the true connoisseur. You can drop the top for a nice ride through the country and still devour the road and anything on it.

The F430's Manettino lets you select just how much fun you want to have. It starts at circus clown grin and goes up from there. And there aren't any video games here. The F1 transmission isn't likened to some "Rated T for Teen" Xbox nonsense you see on television. This transmission is inspired by the one Ferrari uses to clean up on circuits around the world. There's nothing like being in the zone and having all of the controls right there so you never have to take your hands off of the wheel.

So you can be like everyone else this summer. Or you can see everyone in the rearview mirror of this F430. The choice is yours. See you soon.

A Festival of Speed and Style - 2008 Greenwich Concours

A drive through some exotic locale is often romanticized by car enthusiasts the world over. A pace through the Swiss alps in a Lancia Scorpion; a jaunt through the south of France in a Giulietta Super; or a brisk run through the English countryside in a topless MG Midget. But is anyone ever enthralled at the prospect of a spirited drive up the Merritt Parkway? I am, and can be frequently spotted blurring through its lush New England landscape. However, my most recent trip wasn't merely an aimless meandering about Connecticut's scenic, two-lane twisties. This time, the destination was just as important as the journey.

It was my first time attending, but the 2008 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance marks 13 years of this momentous occasion. Not limited to just cars, the Greenwich Concours is also host to vintage motorcycles, vintage planes, and an impressive array of ocean-going vessels. Now I can appreciate private planes and yachts with the best of them, but cars are in my blood. Living up to its catch phrase, this year's Festival of Speed and Style showcased some of the world's most breathtaking sports cars from the past and present, and some that are paving the way for future cars to come. Just like the 2008 Koenigsegg CCX brought by Universal, there were many other cars that looked unlike anything else. The Fitch Phoenix, for example, fits in that category.

Built in 1966 by John Fitch, the Fitch Phoenix is built off of a Chevy Corvair. The one on display - the only one in existence - still belongs to Mr. Fitch today. The Phoenix never made it to production because just as Fitch was prepared to start making them, GM announced the cessation of the Corvair. So the prototype, serial number 001, starts and finishes the production run. It's a prime example of the rare, unusual and exotic automobiles you can find on the plush lawn in Greenwich.

Just off of Interstate 95, the Concours is a bit out of the way from the Merritt Parkway. But when you're driving something like a Lamborghini 350 GT Coupe or a Dino 246 GTS, you don't mind the extra time spent on the road. The eclectic display of cars both vintage and contemporary made for an exquisite gallery of automotive masterpieces. Universal Autosports' 2008 Koenigsegg CCX was on display, contrasting early automotive contributions like the Rolls-Royce SIlver Ghost and the 1907 Peugeot 92D. Rolling art, from many periods and manufacturers, was prominently displayed on the grass, basking in the afternoon sun. For those who wanted it, cars - and visitors - found shade under vendors' tents and towering oak trees.

Wrapped in conservative blazers, the judges were seemingly oblivious to the heat. Equipped with clipboards and an unrelenting knowledge of the cars on the field, they flocked to each specimen, pointing, gazing, inspecting and ultimately scoring the car for a possible award. And while only some went home with trophies, they were all winners. Prime examples, meticulously maintained, yielding a rare and distinct taste of bygone eras. My mind drifted off into a fantasy world where I could pick any car on display, and take it with me; a tough choice indeed. Maybe someday. And if so, I'm taking the long way home - starting with the Merritt Parkway.

Meet Luigi Scala and Kent Woodworth

Ferrari - Maserati Factory Trained Technicians

Luigi Scala

For 21 years, Luigi Scala has worked on Ferraris as old as he is and as new as the ones being made today. His diplomas, certifications and registered technician credentials could wallpaper Universal Autosports' entire service facility - with enough left over to start on the showroom. Luigi's accreditations include - but are not limited to - advanced electronics, timing and belts, carburettors, transmissions (including major services) and more. Luigi has certifications for particular car parts and functions (like the 360 Spider top), as well as tools used to detect problems (like noise and vibration harshness).

Scala started working on Ferraris in Italy, and has continued his work - and accreditation - here in the United States. Luigi also has ample experience and credentials for his many years servicing Maseratis. During his tenure working in the Ferrari Challenge, Luigi's 15 years of Challenge experience afford him the knowledge to work on 348, 355, 360 and 430 Challenge cars.

Luigi's Maserati Technical Training Passport certifies his abilities in SD2 and SD3 Motronic F1 Cambio diagnosis, basic electronics, advanced electronics and advanced electronic diagnosis, and noise and vibration harshness - as well as specific models.

As recently as February, 2008, Luigi Scala has renewed his certification as a registered Master technician with Ferrari. His Ferrari Passport is riddled with stamps for specific cars. His Passaporto Formazione - or Training Passport - contains certification for models such as the Enzo Ferrari, 360 Modena and Spider, 575M Maranello, 612 Scaglietti, Superamerica, F430, 430 Scuderia, and the 599 GTB Fiorano. It also contains certification for processes such as basic electrical, advanced electrical, theory and diagnosis, and SD2 and SD3 Motronic training.

Luigi has restored, repaired, refurbished, remedied, renovated, regenerated, renewed, revamped, revived and otherwise rebuilt Ferraris as old as 330s and Daytonas, and as new as 430 Scuderias and 599 GTB Fioranos. Since 1987, he's had specific and abundant experience with the 412, 308, 512 BB (and BBi), 328, Testarossa, 348, and 355 - not to mention the more contemporary models of today. While he is clearly the best in New York, many believe he's one of the best in the world.

Kent Woodworth

At 37 years old, Kent Woodworth began working on Ferraris and Maseratis in 2004. But he has more degrees than a thermometer. With three Challenge seasons under his belt (360 and 430, '05, '06 and '07), Kent hasn't wasted any time learning as much as possible. Both his Ferrari and Maserati training passports are littered with accreditations that rival most technicians who have been working three times as long as he has.

Woodworth's extensive Maserati experience makes him an asset to Universal Autosports. He has new model training and certification with the Quattroporte, the M145 (Gran Turismo), and the GranSport. Kent also took a Ferrari factory training course at the Bosch Training Facility for Bosch Standards of Service Excellence - a course that is no longer available to anyone, anywhere.

While Kent is relatively new to Ferrari and Maserati by old timer standards, he's not wet behind the ears by any means when it comes to being a technician. His degrees from the Bronx Community College include: Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Electronic Systems & Diagnostic Methods, NGV System Integration & Emissions, and Electrical Diagnostic Training. His ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) degrees include Refrigerant Recovery & Recycling, NYS MVAC (motor vehicle air conditioning), Engine Machinist & Advanced Level Specialist, and ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician.

But before Kent started turning wrenches on these beloved cars from Maranello, he was a technician in the Navy. More specifically, he was a fighter and attack aircraft mechanic. Kent knows that there is no margin for error when working on a fighter jet, and he has brought that top shelf mentality and skill with him throughout the years. He nearly took a Research and Development contract with Grumman, but we're glad he went the Ferrari route instead. Trumping the registered technician credentials, Kent has worked his way up to a Ferrari Certified Technician.

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