The West will welcome Lancias in many ways
By Pete Vack
Although not on Route 66, it is, admittedly, difficult to see the western U.S. without a side trip to Vegas. Photo by Lorenzo Marchesini.
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Half way there
The Lancia “Group 66”, having been through Texas and most of Arizona, now faces the mountains, the desert, and Las Vegas. We are not sure which is the lesser of the evils, but our wandering Italians will face a hero’s welcome
Lancia Group 66 has now seen and honored the dead Cadillacs in Texas.
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when they reach Las Vegas, and may even feel quite at home. Or, puzzled.
Already they have visited the Cadillac Range, where the famous American cars are buried, all in what is presumed to be an artful row.
Whatever the case, the Lancias were the exact opposite of the same era Cadillacs, in design, intent, handling, (and power), and above all, in engineering.
Having been there and done that, there looms Seligman, Arizona. What would one do without Seligman. Or with it, for that matter. We'll let Group 66 find out on their own. But they have been warned. What will Seligman think of the Lancias?
Welcomes in Seligman may not be via the U.S. Lancia club. Photo by Lorenzo Marchesini.
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Heading for a Concours
By now Route 66 has taken it's toll on the lovely Group 66 Lancias, and yet theywere invited to a major Concours d'Elegance which just happens to be occuring at the very time the group arrives in Las Vegas.
The Lancia tour which started in Italy and is making their way across Route 66 in the states, will arrive the weekend of October 20-22 at The Canyons, PGA Tour Facility in Las Vegas Nevada. According to Cindy Meitle, “…the 16 Lancias will take their place amongst cars of the Nethercutt Collection (including Maybach, Pierce-Arrow, Knox and a Ruxton that took best in class at Pebble this August), one of the rarest Duesenberg's in the world from the Imperial Palace Auto Collection.”
Thanks to the efforts of Cindy Meitle, the Las Vegas Concours will honor the arrival of the Lancias.
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In addition, the show will feature an elaborate automotive art exhibit presented by CarArtInc., a company that represents more than 24 AFAS artists. An eBay live auction is currently in place hosted by the American Concours Foundation. Proceeds from the sale of vehicles in this auction benefit the concours charities. You can bid at www.bid123sold or at the eBay Motors concours booth, though none of the Group 66 Lancias will be for sale!
Meitle also said that the Lancia group will choose their favorite American car and present an award. The concours will reciprocate by choosing a favorite Italian car. Sounds interesting. Now start cleaning up the Lancias!
For more information and to find directions, visit www.lasvegasconcours.com
Las Vegas Concours.
Home sweet home? Photo by Lorenzo Marchesini.
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Home sweet home, almost
If Meitle’s welcome wagon isn’t enough, the Group 66 can go downtown to catch a gondola at the Venice, complete with spectacular waterworks. Inside, Italian art is faithfully reproduced. It will be interesting to find out what the Italian group thinks of this blatant display of copied Italian art and lifestyle.
And if that doesn’t do the trick to alleviate some homesickness, the Group can run over to the
Imperial Palace. No buried Cadillacs, but a lot of classics, and, surprisingly enough, are many Italian cars and a wonderful selection of Lancias.
This Stratos is among the many Lancias on display at the Imperial Palace, complete with Scuderia Ferrari shield. This is Vegas, after all. Photo by Lorenzo Marchesini.
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Also at the Palace is this F1 or F2 car from 1948, based on an Alfa chassis with a Maserati engine. The sign by the car says that it is a "recreation". Photo by Lorenzo Marchesini.
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Much Italian influence here. Chrysler by Ghia. Owned by Frank Sinatra, of Italian descent. And can anyone guess where those taillights are from? Bet Group 66 can. Photo by Lorenzo Marchesini.
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And, if all that ain’t enough, well, welcome to Los Angeles!!!
