Accelerating into The Amelia Concours d’Elegance

by John Saccameno | Mar 26, 2023

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.

When you drop off your Healey and your other car isn’t a car

by Bill Oakes | Nov 19, 2016 | Customers' Cars

Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance

by Bill Oakes | Nov 4, 2016 | Auctions

Yesterday's results. People's choice 1951 Dodge. Founders Award 1952 A6G Maserati. Best in Show 1914 Stutz Bearcat!! Beautiful Car! Read More of My Blog Posts

Updates In the Shop – July

by Bill Oakes | Jul 22, 2016 | Updates

Some new pics and updates of some of the work we have in the shop at the moment. Give a call at (815) 629-2717 and set up a time to stop by to see what's new! More Blog Posts

Public Service Announcement – Now’s the Time!

by John Saccameno | Feb 12, 2016 | Car Prep

Hey, wake up! We’re here now! We’ve arrived! It’s 2016 and all of those car projects you were going to do this winter aren’t done. You know it and I know it. Why do I know it? Because my stuff isn’t done either! Every fall I make a huge list of improvements and...

Arizona Auto Auction Week – The Wrap Up

by John Saccameno | Feb 4, 2016 | Auctions

The shock to my system has worn off already as I acclimate to the cold back on the tundra. I want to write down some thoughts about my trip to the AZ auctions this year for those of you who watch them. Understand, I am no “old hand’ at the AZ auction...

Arizona Auto Auction Week – Chasing Classic Andy Reid

by John Saccameno | Jan 28, 2016 | Auctions

I attended my first Auction Preview a few years ago here in Scottsdale when our Austin Healey 100R was at Bonham’s. Normally I’m not much of a guided tour kind of guy so I figured I would just walk around with the catalogue and do my own research. But then...

Arizona Auto Auction Week – Judging the Future Classics

by John Saccameno | Jan 26, 2016 | Auctions, Car Shows

My friend Andy Reid was asked to be the chief judge for a new car show here in Arizona to compliment the already crazy week of activities. The show was titled “Future Classics” and the main sponsor was www.classiccars.com, where Andy is their East Coast...

Arizona Auto Auction Week – Let’s Get Started!

by John Saccameno | Jan 25, 2016 | Auctions

Let's get this week going!! Arizona Concours d’Elegance today at the lovely Biltmore. What a great backdrop for the fine cars shown. I'll be posting more pictures this week as I check out the auctions, beautiful weather, and car values. Stay tuned!...

Arizona Auto Auction Action – More Than Just Barrett Jackson

by John Saccameno | Jan 23, 2016 | Auctions

Back in 2014 I made my first trek west to Arizona Auction Week here in Scottsdale. It was so successful, and I had so much fun, that it is now an automatic repeating event on my January calendar. Aside from the fact that the weather in Illinois is...

Guest Blog: Peter Conover’s Road to Restorations

by John Saccameno | Nov 30, 2015 | Customers' Cars

I first became interested in the restoration British cars about 20 years ago when an acquaintance agreed to sell me his long-dormant Triumph TR-6. For that learning experience I did a basic mechanical and cosmetic restoration. It wasn’t a “ground up”...

Roadog DNA at Sport and Specialty

by John Saccameno | Nov 17, 2015 | Customers' Cars

Turns out that some years ago Mark Baker (former S&S owner) rebuilt a BMC A series motor and Austin America automatic transmission for a custom motorcycle. I went to look at it for some work last weekend. It turns out it was for an Auto Four, one of...

Two Guys and a Blog – Another Successful Shop Visit

by John Saccameno | Nov 17, 2015 | Shop Visits

These two unabashed car guys, Bob Kendall and Larry Noble, came out to the shop yesterday for their annual pilgrimage and quality inspection. Bob posted some musings on his blog; http://pilotesanciens.blogspot.com/ Take a quick peek at some of the work we...

Vintage Sports Car Club Luncheon

by John Saccameno | Nov 17, 2015 | Car Cruises

I went to a great luncheon on Tuesday at D & J Bistro in Lake Zurich with a group of Vintage Sports Car Club members and friends. Food and company was great, and it's guaranteed that unique and fun cars will show up too. Here's a few and one of...

2022 Open House & Car Show – July 23rd!

by John Saccameno | Jun 29, 2022

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.

Stardom Isn’t Easy – My Time in Front of the Camera

by John Saccameno | Apr 25, 2020 | Shop Visits

For some time now, many of our customers and shop fans have commented that we should have a cable show. I even replied to a request from a casting agent, as I thought hey, this could be fun. Obviously, that never happened and most people I’ve talked to said it’s...

No One Races Alone

by John Saccameno | Apr 15, 2020 | Vintage Car Racing

A few weeks ago I got involved in an online conversation where someone claimed that the only reason we can’t go racing is that organizers would demand a driver’s meeting, and if we could just do the meeting on our phones we’d be just fine to go racing again. I quickly...

Cars and Stars, The Amelia Island Experience

by John Saccameno | Mar 17, 2020 | Auctions, Car Shows

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...

Breaking The News

by John Saccameno | Mar 4, 2020 | Car Prep

Over the past week I had two customer visits from two different types of customers. It got me thinking about the differences between the two, both really nice guys who want work done on their cars. The main difference is that for one, it wasn’t his first rodeo with a...

High Quality Work Won’t Go Out of Style

by John Saccameno | Feb 23, 2020 | Car Prep, Shop Visits

I had the opportunity to spend time with my friend Tom Yang over the past few days. Tom is a considerably experienced Ferrari specialist and restorer who shares a common passion for doing things right. Tom has a great website you should check out. We’ve shared ideas,...

The 2019 Drive Out and Pop Up Car Show

by John Saccameno | Aug 11, 2019 | Car Shows, Customers' Cars, Shop Visits

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,...

The Sport and Specialty Drive Out & Pop Up Car Show

by John Saccameno | Aug 3, 2019 | Car Shows, Customers' Cars, Shop Visits

Reserve Saturday August 10 for the second annual Sport and Specialty Drive Out and Pop Up Car Show. Bring any marque, model, or year of car, but get there. Daily drivers welcome! A Portillo’s catered lunch will be available, along with the usual subs and things....

Updates, New Crew Members, Jaguars, Alfas, and Healey Eye Candy

by Bill Oakes | Jun 23, 2019 | Customers' Cars, Updates

As official Content Strategist (Internet Guy) and photographer for Sport and Specialty, I get the pleasure of spending time at the shop to catch up on the newest work and meet the newest crew members. This last trip was preceding VSCDA's Blackhawk Classic...

A Winning Blackhawk Vintage Classic with VSCDA

by John Saccameno | Jun 21, 2019 | Vintage Car Racing

Last weekend was the annual Father’s Day VSCDA Blackhawk Vintage Classic. After a Spring of rain, cold, and snow, it was a real pleasure to get out with a minimum of precipitation and a maximum of track time. Ron Soave and Jeff Poracik did an exemplary job as race...

Engine and Brakes for the Mustang!

by John Saccameno | Feb 17, 2019 | Customers' Cars, Shop Visits, Updates

What goes must stop. Ryan Vetter got a crucial delivery for Jim’s 1968 Mustang. Now we can do measurements and build arounds. We’re not in British Leyland territory with this one. Make sure to follow the Mustang's progress in our In the Shop section of the...

An Anniversary at Arizona Auction Week

by John Saccameno | Jan 15, 2019 | Auctions, Car Shows

This year marks the fifth year I’ve ventured out to Arizona for the magic of auction week. In 2014 I brought the 100R out to offer at Bonham’s and became smitten with the cars, sights, and people. It helps that I have close family here that I love spending time...

Top 10 Sport and Specialty “On The Road” Cars in 2018 – It’s Been a Great Year

by John Saccameno | Dec 29, 2018 | Customers' Cars, Updates

It's that time of year to reflect on our accomplishments in 2018, and it was a great year for us at Sport and Specialty. We worked, we played, we raced, and we even hired a new operations manager for the shop! Things are already looking great for 2019, too.Looking...

Pictures and Thanks from Open House 2021!

by John Saccameno | Aug 24, 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

Stardom Isn’t Easy – My Time in Front of the Camera

by John Saccameno | Apr 25, 2020 | Shop Visits

No One Races Alone

by John Saccameno | Apr 15, 2020 | Vintage Car Racing

Cars and Stars, The Amelia Island Experience

by John Saccameno | Mar 17, 2020 | Auctions, Car Shows

Breaking The News

by John Saccameno | Mar 4, 2020 | Car Prep

High Quality Work Won’t Go Out of Style

by John Saccameno | Feb 23, 2020 | Car Prep, Shop Visits

The 2019 Drive Out and Pop Up Car Show

by John Saccameno | Aug 11, 2019 | Car Shows, Customers' Cars, Shop Visits

The Sport and Specialty Drive Out & Pop Up Car Show

by John Saccameno | Aug 3, 2019 | Car Shows, Customers' Cars, Shop Visits

Updates, New Crew Members, Jaguars, Alfas, and Healey Eye Candy

by Bill Oakes | Jun 23, 2019 | Customers' Cars, Updates

A Winning Blackhawk Vintage Classic with VSCDA

by John Saccameno | Jun 21, 2019 | Vintage Car Racing

Engine and Brakes for the Mustang!

by John Saccameno | Feb 17, 2019 | Customers' Cars, Shop Visits, Updates

An Anniversary at Arizona Auction Week

by John Saccameno | Jan 15, 2019 | Auctions, Car Shows

Top 10 Sport and Specialty “On The Road” Cars in 2018 – It’s Been a Great Year

by John Saccameno | Dec 29, 2018 | Customers' Cars, Updates

Sport and Specialty Open House 2021!

by John Saccameno | Jul 23, 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.

Stardom Isn’t Easy – My Time in Front of the Camera

by John Saccameno | Apr 25, 2020 | Shop Visits

No One Races Alone

by John Saccameno | Apr 15, 2020 | Vintage Car Racing

Cars and Stars, The Amelia Island Experience

by John Saccameno | Mar 17, 2020 | Auctions, Car Shows

Breaking The News

by John Saccameno | Mar 4, 2020 | Car Prep

High Quality Work Won’t Go Out of Style

by John Saccameno | Feb 23, 2020 | Car Prep, Shop Visits

The 2019 Drive Out and Pop Up Car Show

by John Saccameno | Aug 11, 2019 | Car Shows, Customers' Cars, Shop Visits

The Sport and Specialty Drive Out & Pop Up Car Show

by John Saccameno | Aug 3, 2019 | Car Shows, Customers' Cars, Shop Visits

Updates, New Crew Members, Jaguars, Alfas, and Healey Eye Candy

by Bill Oakes | Jun 23, 2019 | Customers' Cars, Updates

A Winning Blackhawk Vintage Classic with VSCDA

by John Saccameno | Jun 21, 2019 | Vintage Car Racing

Engine and Brakes for the Mustang!

by John Saccameno | Feb 17, 2019 | Customers' Cars, Shop Visits, Updates

An Anniversary at Arizona Auction Week

by John Saccameno | Jan 15, 2019 | Auctions, Car Shows

Top 10 Sport and Specialty “On The Road” Cars in 2018 – It’s Been a Great Year

by John Saccameno | Dec 29, 2018 | Customers' Cars, Updates

Cars and Stars, The Amelia Island Experience

by John Saccameno | Mar 17, 2020

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!

Bill and Jane Warner

I also had the pleasure of a conversation with David Hobbs.

Roger Penske left, and Bill Warner.

Stardom Isn’t Easy – My Time in Front of the Camera

by John Saccameno | Apr 25, 2020 | Shop Visits

No One Races Alone

by John Saccameno | Apr 15, 2020 | Vintage Car Racing

Cars and Stars, The Amelia Island Experience

by John Saccameno | Mar 17, 2020 | Auctions, Car Shows

Breaking The News

by John Saccameno | Mar 4, 2020 | Car Prep

High Quality Work Won’t Go Out of Style

by John Saccameno | Feb 23, 2020 | Car Prep, Shop Visits

The 2019 Drive Out and Pop Up Car Show

by John Saccameno | Aug 11, 2019 | Car Shows, Customers' Cars, Shop Visits

The Sport and Specialty Drive Out & Pop Up Car Show

by John Saccameno | Aug 3, 2019 | Car Shows, Customers' Cars, Shop Visits

Updates, New Crew Members, Jaguars, Alfas, and Healey Eye Candy

by Bill Oakes | Jun 23, 2019 | Customers' Cars, Updates

A Winning Blackhawk Vintage Classic with VSCDA

by John Saccameno | Jun 21, 2019 | Vintage Car Racing

Engine and Brakes for the Mustang!

by John Saccameno | Feb 17, 2019 | Customers' Cars, Shop Visits, Updates

An Anniversary at Arizona Auction Week

by John Saccameno | Jan 15, 2019 | Auctions, Car Shows

Top 10 Sport and Specialty “On The Road” Cars in 2018 – It’s Been a Great Year

by John Saccameno | Dec 29, 2018 | Customers' Cars, Updates

The 2019 Drive Out and Pop Up Car Show

by John Saccameno | Aug 11, 2019

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!