Fred Simeone in the Alfa Monza s/n 221112 which placed second in the 1933 Mille Miglia, is followed by Curator Kevin Kelly in the 8C 2900B MM Spyder s/n 412031 which won the Mille Miglia in 1938.
A hands on approach brings ancient Alfas to life at the Simeone Foundation
By Pete Vack
Photos by Harry Hurst
Thomas Hoving assumed the directorship of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1967 and began a number of building projects and renovations. He brought new life to the aging Museum and was often said to be “making the mummies dance”, a phrase he used to title his best selling memoirs.
One of nine Alfa Romeos in the collection, this is a 1933 8C 2300 Le Mans, s/n 2311201, raced at Le Mans in 1934 by Lord Howe.
Albert C. Barnes of Philadelphia had the wisdom and foresight to collect French Impressionist paintings at a time when few were interested. Barnes set up a museum, then a foundation in Philadelphia to show his works to a public just beginning to see the light. He set up his foundation to allow visitors to have a direct, even “hands-on”, approach to the collection.
Fred Simeone talking to the audience, explaining the illustrious history of the 8C 2900A, s/n 41205. Next in line is a rare 1949 6C 2500 with a body by Brixia.
Dr. Fred Simeone, also of Philadelphia, can be said to be influenced by both Hoving and Barnes (a particular favorite of Simeone’s). Taking a cue from Barnes, he has set up his foundation consisting of over 60 of the world’s greatest sports cars to allow visitors to have a direct approach to the collection. Like Barnes the Simeone Foundation exhibition is a personal collection, driven by a singular vision and specific ideas about how the collection should be arranged and exhibited. True to Hoving, Simeone has “made the mummies dance”, literally, by staging special theme events and taking out the cars and demonstrating them on the huge lot adjacent to the museum.
A crowd gathers around the MM Spyder after a demonstration run.
This past weekend, it was the turn of the Alfas as the Simeone Foundation presented “Cent’ Anni, Alfa Romeo” and brought out those old and oh so valuable Alfa 2.9s, Monzas, 2.3s and others to the cheers of a crowd eager to see the museum pieces actually driven. The centerpiece of the display is the exquisite 1938 Mille Miglia-winning 8C 2900 B Alfa, one of only two remaining in the world (the other is with Ralph Lauren). The display of Alfas is supplemented with examples of rare Alfa Romeo sales literature and memorabilia. Simeone was delighted with the turn out and was particularly happy to see so many enthusiastic women in attendance.
The Foundation is one of the only museums the world that regularly drives cars from its collection for the benefit of the public. No where else in the world can one see and hear in action such an impressive collection of pre-war Alfa Romeos; the cars of the foundation do not travel or participate in vintage car events or concours. You will only see them at the Foundation, so make your plans now.
The special Alfa Exhibition will continue through June 27th. Below is the agenda for the special Demonstration Days at the Simeone; each event has a unique theme.
July 24
“Le Mans in the 1930s”
The Le Mans 24-hour race is one of the world’s great sporting events. This demonstration day will feature three cars that competed at Le Mans in the 1930s: a 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 that led the race before retiring, a 1934 MG K3 that finished fourth, and a 1936 Aston Martin Le Mans built specifically for that famous race.
August 28
“Bentley Boys”
Bentley dominated Le Mans in the late 1920s and their cadre of British drivers were nicknamed the “Bentley Boys.” This Demonstration Day will feature two Bentleys from that period: a 1927 Bentley 3-liter “Speed Model” Red Label that is the same as the car that won Le Mans that year. Also featured is a 4.5 liter “Blower” Bentley that won the Isle of Man Time Trials in 1930.
September 25
“Bugatti Day”
A tribute to one of the most revered names in motorsport. Ettore Bugatti spared no expense to make the finest race cars ever built, and two of his most successful will be demonstrated. The Type 35 Bugatti has won more races than any other race car model in history. The Type 57 “Tank” is the car that won Le Mans in 1937 and is the only one still in existence.
October 23
“Nurburgring”
Considered the most demanding purpose-built race course in the world, the Nurburgring in Germany was built in 1927 and had a lap length of 14 miles and over 130 turns. Two cars will be demonstrated: a 1927 Mercedes Benz Model “S” that won the first German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, and a 1937 BMW 328 that is completely original with 16,000 miles.
November 27
“Peoples Choice”
Subscribers to the Museum’s email newsletter will be able to cast their ballot to pick the two cars for this month’s Demonstration Day. The ballots go out via email on Election Day (November 2) and two weeks later the top two vote getters will be announced. Last year this was one of our most popular events!
For more information click here: Simeone Foundation
I’d heard of this collection via an east coast relative. It was about two years ago while visiting there that a couple of us drove up to Philly to see what was offered. There were only two or three others in the museum and we quickly noted that one of them had an uncanny knowledge of the cars. It was then that we met Dr. Simeone. To exhume an old phrase, he was a “prince of a fellow”, only too willing to share his knowledge of his incredible collection and others familiar to him. I’m looking forward to another visit come September.