Stuart M. Light
Sadly Stuart Light passed away August 18th 2018
1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider - 1986 Alfa Romeo GTVG
My love for Italian automobiles goes back to my years as an undergraduate college student. One of my professors was a team manager of the Ferrari North American Race Team (NART), allowing me a unique opportunity to spend time in the pit area at various races including the Daytona 24 Hour and Sebring 12 Hour races. From that time on I was hooked on the speed and handling of Italian sports cars. A few years later I was working as a Production Intern at Car & Driver Magazine, where I spent many lunch hours talking to legendary writers such as Brock Yates, Don Sherman and Jim Williams. When Car & Driver publisher Marty Toohey found out that I was $aving to buy a sports car he convinced me to buy an Alfa Romeo.
Marty picked up the phone and called the President of Alfa Romeo USA, Aldo Bozzi and ordered a red 1750 Spider for me. Three months later the shipment arrived with NO red Alfas. Rather than wait another six months, I chose one in a light “Fly Yellow” instead.
I was so excited when I got the call that my Alfa Spider was to be picked up. I checked the Spider out from top to bottom. Then came the hard part learning to drive a manual transmission. It only took about 20 minutes in a local parking lot until I got the hang of it, then I drove my new Alfa home without incident.
Three years later at the same dealership, I traded in the Spider for a LeMans Blue 2000 GTV, which I owned for 5years. After a 7 year hiatus from Alfas, I purchased a new GTV-6 in December of 1986 (color:AR369 Bleu Posilippo). I am proud to say that I still own it today. In 1998 after a long search I purchased a 1963 Giulia Spider(color AR514 Firenza Red).
Now I am the proud owner of two Alfas, and I couldn’t be happier. Each time the engine starts on one of my Alfas I feel the ghosts of Nuvolari, Campari, and Ascari come alive. The emotions I feel every time I drive an Alfa are ones not just based upon speed and handling, but also the romance between an Alfisti and an automobile
John P. Catera
My love affair with sports cars began in the early ‘60’s when I went to my first SCCA races at Montgomery, Bridgehampton & Lime Rock Park. I was fortunate to have seen Phil Hill (Ferrari), Carol Shelby (Maserati) and Walt Hangsen (D Type Jags) compete against each other in SCCA’s modified classes. The SCCA TransAm races were dominated by the red Alfa GTA’s of Horst Kweck and a host of other Alfa drivers.
I loved the red Italian cars with the great sounding engines. My first Alfa was a brand new red ‘65 Spider Veloce 1600. The car was great fun to drive and the twin cam, dual weber engine had a terrific sound. I was instantly hooked on the marque!! Ienjoyed the car for about 5 years, but having just gotten married, we sold it for a downpayment on a house. Talk about sacrifices!!. I never lost my passion for Alfa’s and have owned several over the past 20 years. As a member of the Alfa club since the mid ‘80’s, I’ve had the opportunity to learn more about the cars , the history of the marque and to share my enthusiasm with a great group of Alfisti.
My current collection includes an ’86 GTV-6, ’90 Spider Quad and a ’95 164LS. Each one is unique and great fun to drive. My wish is to see Alfa back in the US market with the current breed of Alfa GTA’s competing in professional race series like the Grand Am Cup. Alfa , I hope you’re listening???
Vic Cerami
I come from an automotive family, cars are in my blood. At A young age I was exposed to almost everything on wheels. Although I owned, drove or raced many fine machines, in the mid 1960’s a short drive in an Alfa GTA floored me.
I previously knew something about Alfas, but never had driven one before. After some research I became convinced that these light sports cars could not be beat. I bought my GTV and almost 40 years later have gone through about 25 Alfa’s including a 2600 Spider.
As a kid I was affected by the sight of Alfas being scrapped at junkyards such as Stuckers or Sil’s. I never forgot the sight of those still beautiful Guiletta’s being parted out and piled up to be melted for scrap iron. Over the years I managed to save a few Alfas. I'm currently restoring a 1967 GTV.
I currently own 6 Alfa's as follows: 1966 Duetto, 1967 GTV (three), 1971 GTV, and a 2016 4C Spider. And I'm on the list for a new Giulia.
I’ve been a member of AROC for 40 years and an original Charter member of our chapter LIAROC, now NYAROC. I currently serve on our Board as a Director, have previously served in every position except Treasurer, and also on the National Board as a Director. My wife, Gail and daughters, Lorraine, Michelle, and Victoria have enjoyed participating in club events over the years, especially our conventions. We are all Alfisti and happy to be involved with the Alfa Romeo Owners Club. I believe that our club is the best because of our fellow members and also, of course, our collection of fine automobiles.
