1929 Isotta Fraschini 8A Convertible Sedan
When it comes to the art and style of the ride, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We bring you a sampling of some of the exquisite motorcars that we experienced during the two days that we spent at the Greenwich Concours. Each of the vehicles were lovingly preserved by their owners, and we always find the back stories behind them to be every bit as interesting as the vehicles themselves.
Pre-War Classics European Class
The exceptional motorcars in this class are pure luxury.
1929 Isotta Fraschini 8A Convertible Sedan, owned by Tom Maoli, Greenwich, Connecticut. Bella Dea – Beautiful Goddess – describes this rare Floyd-Derham Coachwork vehicle. Interesting to note about this Italian luxury automobile is that only 950 were produced between the years 1924 until 1931. Film buffs may remember Gloria Swanson’s character Norma Desmond in the 1950 classic film Sunset Boulevard had an Isotta Fraschini.
Ben Koly, M. S. Koly and Debra C. Argen
1935 Rolls-Royce 20/25
1935 Rolls-Royce 20/25, owned by M.S. Koly, Darien, Connecticut. Interesting to note about this lovingly maintained and restored exceptional custom-built motorcar is that it was built in England for the Walter sisters, who were singers in Vaudeville, and features two custom-designed makeup compartments and two side mirrors so the sisters could touch-up their make-up.
Custom-designed makeup compartments
1936 Swallow Sidecars SS 100, owned by Wayne Carini, Portland, Connecticut. This pre-war SS100 is regarded as one of the most beautiful sports cars ever made. This vehicle was originally owned by NBC Today Show host Dave Garroway and features a front plate that reads "GARROWAY SS 100."
1936 Swallow Sidecars SS 100
1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom 3, owned by Manny Dragone, Orange, Connecticut. This is a special one-off design that was made for F. F. Brewster of New Haven, Connecticut, and cost more than $30,000 at the time of purchase. This 1 of 20 American-bodied Phantom 3 Rolls, is the most exotic American Phantom ever built. Interesting to note that $30,000 in 1937 would be the equivalent of $632,000 today.
1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom 3
Post-War English Coupes Class
1954 MG TF
1954 MG TF, owned by German and Lisa Garcia, White Plains, New York. Interesting to note about this special MG is that it was exported to Rhodesia when new and is only 1 of 10 Mgs that have the right-hand drive variation. This MG has been fully restored to factory specs.
Lisa Garcia – 1954 MG TF
Ghia Concepts Class
1957 Dual-Ghia "One-off" Coupe
1957 Dual-Ghia "One-off" Coupe, owned by Dr. Charles and Lisa Musto, Forty Fort, Pennsylvania. The plaque displayed with rare beauty notes that it was a barn/garage find that was in storage for many years and was never restored except for some 50-year-old paint work. "Note the design similarities between this car and the 1954 Dodge Fire Arrow in this class. The owner of the company that shipped and hauled Chrysler Corporation cars to dealers and shows liked the design of the Fire Arrow so much that he decided to produce his own cars and built 99 Dual Ghia convertibles. This is the only coupe and is a historically significant piece of automobile history."
On Fire (Rod & Customs) Class
1922 Ford Dump Truck
1922 Ford Dump Truck owned by Joseph S. Raia, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, painted fire engine red, was purchased by the Raia family in 1922 to start their family business. The truck was preserved with a paintbrush between 1950-1990 and restored in 1990. This customized vehicle includes a silver skull shift, exposed chrome pipes, and an unusual "mascot" hood ornament.
1922 Ford Dump Truck "mascot" hood ornament
1934 Ford Model 40 owned by Charles Padula, Grafton, Massachusetts, built his car 30 years ago in the traditional flame-painted hot-rod style (black body with yellow, orange, and red flames). This car features a full-fender three-window coupe, which he drag-raced locally and with GoodGuys in Indy (Indianapolis, Indiana) for many years.
Charles Padula – 1934 Ford Model 40
1972 Chevy Corvette Stingray owned by Joe Barra, Fishkill, New York, has owned the car for 41 years, which has undergone four color changes before hitting the right eye-catching color combination of purple and white, and features 24 gold plating.
Joe Barra – 1972 Chevy Corvette Stingray
Although we reference some of the Car Classes at the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance 2023 for The Art and Style of the Ride, there were many other Classes and a plethora of motorcars and motorcycles on display for attendees to enjoy.
Until next time, keep enjoying the ride!
For information on the next Greenwich Concours d’Elegance or other Hagerty events, please visit the websites: www.greenwichconcours.com/event and www.Hagerty.com.
About The Greenwich Concours d’Elegance
"Longtime Greenwich residents Bruce and Genia Wennerstrom founded the Greenwich Concours in 1996. Their passion to share world-class automobiles, coupled with the heritage and community involvement of Greenwich, was the perfect foundation to build on what is now considered one of the top five concours’ in the world. Located just 30 miles from the heart of New York City and overlooking the Long Island Sound, the Greenwich Concours’ backdrop is the beautiful Greenwich Harbor. It is mere steps from the acclaimed Delamar Hotel and notable restaurants and boutique shops on Greenwich Avenue. In keeping with truly historic tradition, the Concours d’Elegance is a time for car lovers to celebrate the most prestigious and artfully designed automobiles vying for top honors in various classes."
"Hagerty has been an active sponsor and participant in the Greenwich Concours for many years. The deep tradition of the Concours combined with Hagerty’s mission to save driving for future generations created an ideal opportunity for the purchase of the event in 2019. As one of the great premier concours, Greenwich is an exciting addition to Hagerty’s vision of creating a global community of car lovers through fun, shared experiences. "Outstanding events like the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance get people excited about cars, and that’s what it’s all about. That’s how we’re going to save driving and car culture for future generations," says Hagerty CEO and Concours Chair McKeel Hagerty. While placing an emphasis on continuing the Greenwich Concours tradition, Hagerty also aims to increase opportunities for attendees to get their hands on the wheel, strategically integrate the Greenwich community and enhance the overall family experience."
Greenwich Concours d’Elegance
1 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 102
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
Email: info@greenwichconcours.com
Website: www.greenwichconcours.com
Hagerty
PO Box 1303
Traverse City, Michigan 49685-1303
Website: www.Hagerty.com
Facebook: @GreenwichConcours
Instagram: @GreenwichConcours
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