VeloceToday.com

This week we present a new contributor to VeloceToday. Michael Catsch is a 63 year-old retired Telecom Marketing specialist from Munich whose hobby has now been allowed the time to blossom. He has written for Oldtimer’s Market and background for the Retro Mille Miglia. An original Ferrari Telaio member, we’ve known him since 2002. See his review of three French Etceterini books in this edition of VeloceToday.

Also scroll down to catch a mysteriously fast Bugatti Veyron, the Italian Grand Prix, a Motto-bodied Lancia, and the Ghia 450SS, all in the pages of VeloceToday.

Simeone Foundation Events: Bugatti Day, John Fitch to be Honored

On September 25th, the Simeone Foundation will celebrate Bugatti with a driving exhibit of two very special Bugattis, a Type 35 in excellent original condition, and the winner of the Le Mans 24 hour race in 1937, the famous T57 “Tank”. Both cars will be demonstrated, but do check the latest information on their website. The Foundation is close to the Philadelphia Airport, easy to find and a wonderful place to see and hear Bugattis, live.

In addition, John Fitch, a great American race driver, car constructor and race track designer, has been selected as the recipient of the third “Spirit of Competition” Award, to be presented Wednesday, October 20th at the annual dinner at the Museum.

Mary Ann Dickinson, a long-time Alfa Romeo enthusiast is also the founder and Executive Director of the Alliance for Water Efficiency in Chicago. Mary Ann was part of the American contingent which traveled to France over the Labor Day weekend to participate in the Hellé Nice Commemoration, and returned with both a story and photos of this long anticipated and very successful event.

Belgian resident Hugues Vanhoolandt, while visiting the U.S. for Monterey Car week, was able to get inside the Mullin Automotive Museum on a day when there were no other visitors. Sorta like having Pebble Beach all to yourself. This week he shares with you his superb no asses or elbows photos of his visit. We would all like to thank the staff at the Mullin Automotive Museum for their help and kind cooperation.

Brandes Elitch, Gary Wales and Tina Van Curen (Autobooks in Burbank) should be familiar names to most of us. Elitch has served up an interesting but sad commentary on a California institution cancelled by organizer Van Curen. Wales, now famous (among many other things) for being on the cover of the recent book, “Rebel Rebel” lost a prize possession which precipitated the cancellation, and he’s not the only victim. Is this happening at other such venues? Let us know.

And a word from one of our sponsors: Riding in a Ferrari is one way visitors at the September 19 Capitol Concours d’Elegance in Sacramento will support Shriners Hospitals for Children®- Northern California. For three hours during the Concours, the Neil Collepardi, President of Ferrari Club of America – Pacific Region Sacramento Chapter has organized an exclusive fundraising “Ferrari Ride to Remember”. Multiple Ferraris have been donated for the day by their personal owners, who will serve as drivers for anyone signing up for a ride. “We are thrilled to help raise money for children with serious medical needs.” said Collepardi. The club is asking for a minimum $100.00 donation per lap on Capitol Mall, which includes a souvenir photograph of the donor with the Ferrari. Ferrari models available include; Testarossa, 550 Maranello, 360 F1 , and an F430. In addition, a 1966 275 GTS Convertible Ferrari has been set aside by its owner for one special ride around Capitol Mall. All proceeds will be donated to the hospital and riders will be provided with a tax deductible receipt. The number of rides is limited and advance reservations are being accepted on behalf of the club at:
http://www.shrinersconcours.com

Any calls for a Siata Gran Sport? VeloceToday contributor Carl Goodwin has one for sale with a unique history. It needs some work as one might imagine. It’s like the Siata like that placed 3rd at Sebring in 1952. This one has a Ford drivetrain but is otherwise complete and original. Here’s a chance to start fresh with an unrestored treasure and have it done for Pebble Beach. Email Carl at attlastt@frontier.net or call (419)668-2563 (USA) for details.

How far would I walk to see a Pegaso? A long way, believe me. Pegasos are beautiful, exotic, mysterious, sexy and virtually unobtainable. Those who are lucky enough to be within range of California Capitol Sacramento on the weekend of September 19th can see Jack Vopal’s Pegaso at Capitol Concours d’Elegance. Also, if planning to attend, check into the Shriner’s Tour d’Elegance.