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Accelerating into The Amelia Concours d’Elegance

Accelerating into The Amelia Concours d’Elegance

Accelerating into The Amelia Concours d’Elegance

While I’ve been attending the Amelia Island Concours as a spectator for some time, the last two years have been unique as I have been able to show cars with the Maine Classic Car Museum where my friend Andy Reid is the collection manager.

My small role has been to make sure the cars have been running and driving on and off the show field and aid in any disasters that sometimes lurk around the corner. All went as planned, and no disasters!

In 2002 we showed a 1948 Alfa Romeo 6C Touring that took second in class. This year I was honored to look after a lovely 1949 Ferrari 166 INTER Cabriolet. The was the 16th Ferrari built and a beautiful car. This placed us into a super competitive and well-turned-out class, all winners in my book. Read Andy’s story here in the ClassicCars.com Journal.

In addition to enjoying the energy and ambiance of the weekend, I was able to catch up and visit with some of our local VSC members who also made the pilgrimage this year, Hugh Ruthven, Stephen Murphy and Tedd Zamjahn.

The auction action was brisk if not record breaking, and the weather behaved with beautiful Florida sunshine for the duration. We’re already planning next year. Meanwhile, enjoy some of my pix from this year – and thanks to Andy for the pic at the top.


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With a Little Help From My Friends

With a Little Help From My Friends

  Ten years used to feel like a lifetime, these days it seems like the blink of an eye. (except for April 2020, it felt like a lifetime—but I digress.) My ten-year ownership of Sport and Specialty has been equal parts fun, aggravation, gratification, and...

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The Proper Color for the Car

The Proper Color for the Car

There was a story I read some years ago that Ford had a computer program that wouldn’t allow them to order and build a car with odd looking interior and exterior color combinations. In the restoration business we are those computers. When customers bring their cars to...

read more
The 1939 Alfa 6C at The Amelia

The 1939 Alfa 6C at The Amelia

Some years ago my friend Andy Reid invited me to bunk in with him at The Hilton Head Concours. We had a great time and have mostly roomed together when our schedules allow. For Amelia we have been doing VRBO places with our friends Peter Singhof and Dirk De Jager,...

read more
What is the Digital Path Forward?

What is the Digital Path Forward?

There’s a genuine satisfaction in being asked your opinion on a professional topic. It usually means that your opinion carries some weight as an expert. When the request is from Keith Martin’s Sports Car Market, it’s particularly satisfying. I was asked to join a...

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The Restorer’s Healey – John’s 1967 BJ8

The Restorer’s Healey – John’s 1967 BJ8

Regular followers know that the white-over-blue 1967 Austin Healey BJ8 that shows up on social media is one of my favorite cars. I purchased the car from my customer and friend Tony Grau and his family as an uncompleted project. We had previously assembled and painted...

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Your Virtual Tour Guide

Your Virtual Tour Guide

For some reason, I just love giving tours of Sport and Specialty. I gave many plant and home office tours during my years in corporate sales, but touring plants, warehouses and administrative offices just wasn’t as much fun as showing people how you blow up cars and...

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It Drives Like an Alfa

It Drives Like an Alfa

I met my racing and paddock partner John Wheeler almost twenty years ago when I first started Vintage Historic racing. I was trying to figure this whole thing out and he was my coach and mentor. The most important thing he ever told me when I bemoaned my slow times...

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2022 Open House & Car Show – July 23rd!

2022 Open House & Car Show – July 23rd!

2022 Open House & Car Show – July 23rd!

Put Saturday July 23rd on your calendar for the 2022 Sport and Specialty Open House and Car Show. Bring any marque, model, or year of car, but get there. Daily drivers welcome! Bring a friend, take a drive, and see what we’re working on and finishing up. We expect many of the usual suspects with their really cool cars to be there so come out and let’s catch up!!

Punch in our address to your favorite mapping app and be here between 11-3 on Saturday, July 23rd.
9169 Forest Preserve Road
Durand, IL 61024

Shop Phone: (815) 629-2717

 

Meanwhile, check out some pix from our previous events. As you’ll see, it’s a great time.


Read More of My Blog Posts


With a Little Help From My Friends

With a Little Help From My Friends

  Ten years used to feel like a lifetime, these days it seems like the blink of an eye. (except for April 2020, it felt like a lifetime—but I digress.) My ten-year ownership of Sport and Specialty has been equal parts fun, aggravation, gratification, and...

read more
The Proper Color for the Car

The Proper Color for the Car

There was a story I read some years ago that Ford had a computer program that wouldn’t allow them to order and build a car with odd looking interior and exterior color combinations. In the restoration business we are those computers. When customers bring their cars to...

read more
The 1939 Alfa 6C at The Amelia

The 1939 Alfa 6C at The Amelia

Some years ago my friend Andy Reid invited me to bunk in with him at The Hilton Head Concours. We had a great time and have mostly roomed together when our schedules allow. For Amelia we have been doing VRBO places with our friends Peter Singhof and Dirk De Jager,...

read more
Pictures and Thanks from Open House 2021!

Pictures and Thanks from Open House 2021!

Pictures and Thanks from Open House 2021!

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who took the time to drive out and join us Saturday at our Third Annual Sport and Specialty Open House. To those of you who struggled with previous commitments, rest assured we’ll be here again next year.

It may have taken four years to get to the third annual Open House, but it was worth the wait!! We had a wide variety of cars and many different groups and clubs represented.

Our favorite part is showing off our work to our friends who stopped in. The weather and food was great with sunny, rain free, skies and fresh BBQ plates and sandwiches. Even Burt and Carol Levy came up to liven up the conversation and hawk some automotive literature. I sure hope they can make it next year!!

So, enjoy some pictures of the day, and make plans to see us next year!

-John


Read More of My Blog Posts


With a Little Help From My Friends

With a Little Help From My Friends

  Ten years used to feel like a lifetime, these days it seems like the blink of an eye. (except for April 2020, it felt like a lifetime—but I digress.) My ten-year ownership of Sport and Specialty has been equal parts fun, aggravation, gratification, and...

read more
The Proper Color for the Car

The Proper Color for the Car

There was a story I read some years ago that Ford had a computer program that wouldn’t allow them to order and build a car with odd looking interior and exterior color combinations. In the restoration business we are those computers. When customers bring their cars to...

read more
The 1939 Alfa 6C at The Amelia

The 1939 Alfa 6C at The Amelia

Some years ago my friend Andy Reid invited me to bunk in with him at The Hilton Head Concours. We had a great time and have mostly roomed together when our schedules allow. For Amelia we have been doing VRBO places with our friends Peter Singhof and Dirk De Jager,...

read more
Sport and Specialty Open House 2021!

Sport and Specialty Open House 2021!

Sport and Specialty Open House 2021

Reserve Saturday August 21 for the third annual Sport and Specialty Open House and Car Show. Bring any marque, model, or year of car, but get there. Daily drivers welcome! Bring a friend, take a drive, and see what we’re working on and finishing up. We expect many of the usual suspects with their really cool cars to be there so come out and let’s catch up!!

  • FUN AWARDS
  • FOOD and BEVERAGE AVAILABLE!
  • KIDS WELCOME (under adult supervision)

Punch in our address to your favorite mapping app and be here between 11-3 on Saturday, August 21.
9169 Forest Preserve Road
Durand, IL 61024

Shop Phone: (815) 629-2717

 

Meanwhile, check out some pix from our previous events. As you’ll see, it’s a great time.


Read More of My Blog Posts


With a Little Help From My Friends

With a Little Help From My Friends

  Ten years used to feel like a lifetime, these days it seems like the blink of an eye. (except for April 2020, it felt like a lifetime—but I digress.) My ten-year ownership of Sport and Specialty has been equal parts fun, aggravation, gratification, and...

read more
The Proper Color for the Car

The Proper Color for the Car

There was a story I read some years ago that Ford had a computer program that wouldn’t allow them to order and build a car with odd looking interior and exterior color combinations. In the restoration business we are those computers. When customers bring their cars to...

read more
The 1939 Alfa 6C at The Amelia

The 1939 Alfa 6C at The Amelia

Some years ago my friend Andy Reid invited me to bunk in with him at The Hilton Head Concours. We had a great time and have mostly roomed together when our schedules allow. For Amelia we have been doing VRBO places with our friends Peter Singhof and Dirk De Jager,...

read more
Cars and Stars, The Amelia Island Experience

Cars and Stars, The Amelia Island Experience

Cars and Stars, The Amelia Island Experience

Sport and Specialty - John Saccameno blog

Not many automotive events short of a Formula One race can boast of participants and attendees the likes of this years honoree, Roger Penske.

I’m still recovering from the automotive love fest and spectacle that is the Amelia Concours d’Elegance 2020. It’s been held rain or shine for 25 years now. Amazing!

Estimates for the first event in 1995 was 2,000 people, I read they expected 20,000 for this year. It sure looked as if they met their expectations. The Chairman and founder of the event, Bill Warner, has developed a vision and flavor for this event that is unique amongst similar shows around the world. Long-time major sponsors, Mercedes Benz, and the Ritz Carlton, add a certain panache to the event where all proceeds are donated to charity.

This isn’t a show only about the eras of styles and technology, Bill also makes sure he honors and salutes the people who have helped steer the industry and sport we true believers study and follow. Industry leaders, team owners, and championship drivers all participate in the weekend events. Not only are the cars up close and personal, but also many of our admired visionaries, corporate mavericks, and the brave drivers that made so many of these cars legendary on the road and track.

Not many automotive events, short of a Formula One race, can boast of participants and attendees the likes of this years honoree, Roger Penske. Others included, in no particular order; Derek Bell, Justin Bell, Johnny Rutherford, Lyn St James, George Follmer, Jochen Mass, Jackie Ickx, David Hobbs, Bobby Rahal, Bobby Unser, Hurley Haywood, Brian Redmond, Peter Cunningham, and Scott Pruitt. These are just the people I remember seeing. You never know who you may be sitting next to at lunch or while having a beer.

So happy 25th birthday to the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance! Thanks to all of the volunteers and sponsors that come out to support us faithful who relish the automobile, and the many people who make it so exciting. Cheers, and thank you, Bill and Jane Warner!


Read More of My Blog Posts


With a Little Help From My Friends

With a Little Help From My Friends

  Ten years used to feel like a lifetime, these days it seems like the blink of an eye. (except for April 2020, it felt like a lifetime—but I digress.) My ten-year ownership of Sport and Specialty has been equal parts fun, aggravation, gratification, and...

read more
The Proper Color for the Car

The Proper Color for the Car

There was a story I read some years ago that Ford had a computer program that wouldn’t allow them to order and build a car with odd looking interior and exterior color combinations. In the restoration business we are those computers. When customers bring their cars to...

read more
The 1939 Alfa 6C at The Amelia

The 1939 Alfa 6C at The Amelia

Some years ago my friend Andy Reid invited me to bunk in with him at The Hilton Head Concours. We had a great time and have mostly roomed together when our schedules allow. For Amelia we have been doing VRBO places with our friends Peter Singhof and Dirk De Jager,...

read more
The 2019 Drive Out and Pop Up Car Show

The 2019 Drive Out and Pop Up Car Show

The 2019 Drive Out and Pop Up Car Show

Our second annual Summer “Drive Out” was great fun, looks like we’re on to something here. Great weather, great friends, and some pretty great cars made a fun day at the shop. I need to thank the Sport and Specialty crew, Ken, Ryan, Kathy, Bill, Max, Jon, and Cameron, along with our great customers and friends for making today so much fun.

As always, make sure to keep checking our Facebook and Instagram pages for more pictures – so many people taking so many pictures!


Read More of My Blog Posts


With a Little Help From My Friends

With a Little Help From My Friends

  Ten years used to feel like a lifetime, these days it seems like the blink of an eye. (except for April 2020, it felt like a lifetime—but I digress.) My ten-year ownership of Sport and Specialty has been equal parts fun, aggravation, gratification, and...

read more
The Proper Color for the Car

The Proper Color for the Car

There was a story I read some years ago that Ford had a computer program that wouldn’t allow them to order and build a car with odd looking interior and exterior color combinations. In the restoration business we are those computers. When customers bring their cars to...

read more
The 1939 Alfa 6C at The Amelia

The 1939 Alfa 6C at The Amelia

Some years ago my friend Andy Reid invited me to bunk in with him at The Hilton Head Concours. We had a great time and have mostly roomed together when our schedules allow. For Amelia we have been doing VRBO places with our friends Peter Singhof and Dirk De Jager,...

read more

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