One-Year Anniversary

It’s been a year since Universal Autosports opened its doors to the public. The tall glass panes give way to an all-white showroom akin to heaven. And when you enter, you feel as if you’ve died and gone to heaven when you see what’s in the showroom. After 12 months of great success in these uncertain times, Universal decided to blow it out and celebrate with a big bash. Many people in the neighborhood stopped by, but customers and enthusiasts from as far as Chicago and Alabama made the trek to join in the festivities.

Exotic sports cars and motorcycles lined Glen Street in front, and on either side, of Universal Autosports. Local authorities set up blockades so that party goers could roam and mingle and take pictures without interruption. A seemingly infinite team of Red Bull employees kept everyone’s thirst quenched while the catering staff muffled stomach growls with a sumptuous array of finger foods and full course dishes.

The showroom was a stage for automotive exotica and the black and red Koenigsegg CCXR took the spotlight. The 1,018-horsepower eco-friendly super car drew a constant crowd from early morning until well after the party had ended. Some people came just to witness its brilliance in the flesh. But just about everyone was happy with the diverse display of cars in the rest of the showroom, in the service department and outside in the street. Aside from the cars shown by Universal, some incredible machines graced the gala with their presence, including two 430 Scuderias, an F40, a Lamborghini Diablo SV, a Chevrolet Camaro big block SS, a Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 and a gaggle of other Italian beauties.

Among the assorted Ducatis were a few high end Harleys and Choppers. But the two-wheeled show-stopped was Confederate Motor Company’s B120 Wraith. This carbon fiber and metal creation weighs in at just 385 pounds and puts out 120 horsepower and 135 ft. lbs. of torque via its 2,000cc engine. Universal is now an authorized Confederate dealer, and Paul, the company’s founded, made an appearance.

Down stairs in the service department, the tech team – Luigi Scala and Kent Woodworth – fielded service and technical questions from a curious audience of owners and enthusiasts. Many were invited to have their car put on a lift and examined on the spot for some in-depth, hands-on advice and input.

There was constant motion on that cool and dry Sunday afternoon, 17 May 2009, as the buzz of people went from buffet to buffet, car to car and room to room. But no matter where you were, the DJ’s non-stop record spinning scored a sound track of catchy and light-hearted tunes to whatever you were doing. Enjoyment was inevitable, and everyone had a great time – even the Mayor! That’s right, the Mayor. Hizzoner Ralph Suozzi, Mayor of the City of Glen Cove, stopped by with an entourage of city councilmen.

Unassuming, and with a quiet entrance, Mayor Suozzi showed up and admired the cars on display. When the opportunity came, he presented Universal Autosports’s owners, Giacomo Ciaccia and Luke Vuksanaj, with a Certificate of Congratulations for their first year in business. A five-minute photo op ensued, ending with the Mayor taking a seat in the Koenigsegg. When he saw this, Councilman Nick DiLeo, dubbed the ‘Casual Councilman’ for his choice of fitting party attire, told the Mayor that he looked like the Joker after stealing the Bat Mobile. Everyone laughed.

That kind of spirit was infectious at Universal’s one-year anniversary party, and the day was a huge success because of it. The staff at Universal are humbled by the outpouring of support they’ve received since joining the community and hope to continue to serve exotic car owners and enthusiasts with pride. The only sad part of the day was the end of the party; but it was simply the beginning of the countdown until the two-year anniversary celebration!