It Drives Like an Alfa
John Wheeler in his #25 Alfa GTV.
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 was, “Don’t change the car, your next four seconds will come from between your ears”.
He was right of course, but then again, he was driving his beautiful #25 Alfa GTV, and I was racing my red Bugeye Sprite. Cute as hell, but certainly not a sexy Italian. My times got much better, but I still loved the looks and performance of his blue GTV. About ten years ago, envy got the best of me when a fellow racer was selling his GTV. Somewhat the worse for wear, but hey, it was a 1969 GTV with bad yellow paint. I was smitten.
I learned to drive all over again. Alfas are a little different. You need to steer them with the throttle. If the car understeers, don’t slow down, speed up! Turn in a little earlier and harder and get on the gas earlier. She’ll go down to the apex and pop up at track out. It’s an amazing feeling. I’m sure that’s not a particular Alfa trait, but it sure feels good in one. Enjoy the video.
(All video and photos by https://www.nvsndmedia.com/)
Read More of My Blog Posts
Sport and Specialty featured on the SEMA Car Builders Series hosted by Sabra Johnson
Early in 2022 I received a call from the marketing chief at Moss Motors asking me if I'd like to work with SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) helping them produce a video showing an example of a British restoration business to their members....
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...
Buy, Sell, Hold: Spotlight #7 – The state of classic, collector, and even electric conversion cars
As many of my friends will tell you (and others too), if you ask me a question I will give you the most heartfelt answer I can. Sometimes they're even amusing...... Thanks to Darin Roberge of Motorwerks Marketing and Sports Car Market Magazine for the time on...
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...
The Amelia, auction bought car quality, AZ vs. Amelia, and other topics on another Driven Radio appearance
I was happily re-invited to yet another podcast interview, with the guys at the Drive Radio Show. It’s hosted by Brett Hatfield, auto journalist, Auction Analyst for Sports Car Market, and editor of readthedriven.com, plus Corey Pratt of Craving Cars from YouTube, and...
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,...
Catching up with the Sport and Specialty crew
For 9 years now I’ve managed the website for Sport and Specialty and one of my favorite parts of the job is that I spend time with the guys catching up on their work, their goings-on, and drooling over the cars under their care. This year was no different, but the...
Telling Stories on the Driven Radio Show
I was happily invited to yet another podcast interview, this time to have some fun with the guys at the Drive Radio Show. It's hosted by Brett Hatfield, auto journalist, Auction Analyst for Sports Car Market, and editor of readthedriven.com, plus Corey Pratt of...
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...
Podcasting with “Assorted Conversations”
I added podcasting to my portfolio of interviews lately, and it was a great time. My friends Helen and Maureen explore people’s pursuit of their passions through their podcast “Assorted Conversations”. These conversations are with individuals who have found that...
SCM Buy Sell Hold Spotlight with John Saccameno
I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Sports car Market Magazine's John Nikas about the history of Sport and Specialty and how we all ended up here. It was a fun little piece, and very well put together. Listen in and let me know what you think. -John Read More...
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...