By John DeWaele

A TRI-CLUB CARS & COFFEE EVENT was held at The Paddock Classic Car Restorations on Sunday, June 28th. Over 60 attendees from the Alfa Romeo Owners Club of CT, the Fiat Club, and Alfa Owners of New England enjoyed a morning of great conversation and a visual feast of unique builds and restoration projects. The event was hosted by owners Michael and Pat Donnelly and The Paddock crew.

As our guests enjoyed a smorgasbord of Panera Bread treats and beverages, heads constantly turned to catch a glimpse of another cool Italian car pulling in. Before heading into the shops, everyone checked out the eye candy in the showroom. Just two months from completion of a total restoration sits a spectacular example of a 1974 DeTomasso Pantera GTS. Three days after completion, this beauty was not only featured at the Greenwich Concours, but came away with multiple awards, including the RPM Foundation’s Restorer’s Award! The owner of the Pantera, some cranky guy called Donnelly, really kept us all on our toes throughout the restoration. 

Also in the showroom sits a Lamborghini Murcielago that was converted from paddle shifters to a six-speed three-pedal gated shifting setup; an impressive feat by shop manager Mark Dion. Member Frank LaSala’s 1959 Alfa Giulietta Sprint is in the home stretch of its restoration and looking spectacular! The Ferrari 348 “Dark Horse” is always the center of conversation!

In the Mechanical Shop, several Alfa projects near completion. An Alfaholics GTA/R #9 came in for some upgrades, including fuel injection and new engine upgrades, as well as a carbon-ceramic brake kit, titanium suspension upgrades, and a full custom interior. Our upholsterer Jaime Fournier went above and beyond with a custom Alcantara dash, console, and headliner! Of interest is the first start of the fuel injected motor; the car must be driven as soon as it is started and Alfaholics will tune the car remotely! Welcome to the Alfa performance future!

Two Series 3 spiders and one 1965 GT Sprint will be receiving Alfaholics treatments, including custom paint and interiors, with horsepower ranging from 190-220, depending on the chosen stage.

In the body shop, a Lamborghini Countach awaits the paint booth and a 1964 Maserati Mistral is in the process of a complete restoration. Check out the photo; the body panels are attached to the frame — not a process for the DIY guy!

The cars in the lot were some of the most diverse we have seen in some time. With many (probably most) owners having more than one Alfa or Fiat, it’s always a treat to see what he or she will drive to an event. Check out the photos; we were not disappointed!

With Alfa Romeo being the featured marque at this year’s Limerock Historics this Labor Day weekend, there will be an amazing display of Alfas. This event is shaping up to be one of the most significant Alfa Romeo happenings in decades! If you’re attending, stop by the Paddock Alfa GTV race car pit or our midway display and say hello! 

Thanks to all who attended!