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The Dr. Robert Cess Concorso d’Eleganza 2012

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The annual Concorso d’Eleganza was celebrated on Sunday, September 23rd at Stony Brook University.

This was the 7th year of the event and was being officially named this year and hereafter: The Dr. Robert Cess Concorso d’Eleganza  in recognition of  Robert Cess, Marine Science Professor Emeritus, Stony Brook University, whose interest in Italian automobiles, especially the Alfa Romeo, served as the inspiration and impetus for having this show initially and as a continuing annual campus event.

NYAROC was prominently in attendance. Several members drove to the campus in an Alfa caravan having joined together for breakfast at the Hauppauge Paradise Diner. An assortment of Spiders, GTV’s, 164’s, Milano’s and a rare Alfa Junior Zagato were on display with other Italian marques, including Ferrari, Fiat and Maserati. The weather was perfect. Acknowledgements went out to Jo Fusco of Stony Brook and Vinny Lambroia of NYAROC for their work in organizing & planning this annual event.

The day was capped by Dr. Cess winning the 1st place award for his immaculate ’69 1750 Spider Duetto.

Congratulations Bob. Our day was completed by a delicious luncheon provided by the Italian Studies Dept. We all look forward to returning for next year’s event

 


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Fiat Freak-Out 2012, Charlottesville Virgina

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Taking place in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virgina, one of the most areas of the East Coast, the 2012 Fiat Freak Out hosted by the Fiat Lancia Unlimited club (FLU) was attended by several NYAROC members.

 As Alfa Romeo (or any other Italian marque) is made welcome at the yearly convention it was fitting that NYAROC members drove their vintage Alfas to the event. Dan Goldman and Annette Wong drove their beautiful Alfa Spider, John and Cornelia Catera in their 164 along with Robert Rizzo who also drove a 164. Members Vic and Gail Cerami and Fred Frey and Beverley Fisher drove brand new Fiat Abarths over the mountain roads often with the air-conditioning on high!

 The eight hour drive to Charlottesville Virgina was broken up over two days to afford us more time to take the scenic and twisty roads that our cars were built for. Our first stop of the day was for lunch at the famous Troegs Brewing company in Hershey PA. Next we took a look at the AACA auto museum just down the street from the brewery.  We then hit the interstate and arrived at our stop for the night in the historic town of Winchester Virgina. 

 Day two was much shorter on miles but would take as many hours of driving as this day we would be driving the beautiful Skyline Drive that eventually connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The speed limits are low but enjoyment is high, as you twist and turn with occasional stops at scenic rest areas. Dan and Annette were the envy of everyone - having a drop-top. 

 Arriving mid-afternoon at the convention hotel (Wintergreen resort) started our Freak Out weekend with the highlight the concourse and panoramic photo that is done each year.  FIAT (the convention sponsor) was on hand with factory representatives tointerview owners and answer questions.  

Highlights of the 2012 FIAT Freakout in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.