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Well, the rain disrupted our plans again this year. It was supposed to rain early and clear later, so we were hoping for a big turn out later in the day. However, after a few small drips of rain early, rain became heavier during late morning, and cleared only when we a were about ready to wrap up the event. As a result, we closed the show early after a rush of door prizes and the peer balloting.
It should be noted that because of the weather and the decision to start the judging early, some cars that came some distance were not on the field before judging started and there was not time to have those cars fully considered in the peer judging. We hope this did not result in any disappointment, especially for those that traveled some distance.
There were 30 cars on the field and 27 trophies awarded, so almost everyone got something. In these weather conditions, we feel we did the best we could. We also were fortunate to have several contributors that provided some outstanding door prizes.
Included with the 30 cars, there were 7 from MA and 3 from RI. Several from NY were expected, but the weather kept a few away.
We want to acknowledge our principal sponsors –
· Brustolon Buick, Mystic;
· Tri-State Diesel, Bridgeport
· Dragone’s Antique Auto Sales Bridgeport
· Manchester Motor Car, Manchester
The show committee is especially thankful to the participants who turned out in the poor weather. Our plan is to make sure each attendee receives a copy of this latest newsletter, and we hope we can stimulate interest of those in CT to join our chapter.
I also want to thank those that provided help on setting up and conducting the show. A special thanks to Tony who performed as our MC, in his usual fine style. Also, the following: Ned Preli, Bob Poole, Rich and Judy Dayton, Lewis Cohen and his son Jared, John DiFrancisco and his sons Jack and Michael; Matt and Sunny Litwin, Jim and Karen Comeau, Glenn Tyler, Joe D’Amelio and his son Anthony, Ed Woitkyns, Phil LaRose , Leon Boutellier, Gloria Vespoli and Bea Scheib. These many hands made light work of the chores despite the rush and trying to work in the rain.
We also want to thank those that contributed the wide array of door prizes. I think this is one of the best collections we have had for our show over the years. Much of this effort was the result of solicitation efforts of Jim and Karen Comeau who also provided the floor jack. The others were Roy Mishou of Acme Auto, Inc. 400 Conn. Blvd, East Hartford (2 wrench and 1 screwdriver sets); McDonald’s, 2915 Main St., Glastonbury, CT (electronic games); Jim Mcpherson of AAA, 815 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, provided discount 100 oil change discount cards. Other door prizes including cleaning equipment door prizes came through the efforts of Rich Dayton, from Mantz Auto Supply and Ken-necticut Hardware. We also recognize the special contribution of the pens for goodie bags from Tony Vespoli and also the M&M novelty provided as a door prize. Tony also assembled most of our trophies with the wood plaques this year generated by Joe Cozza, a friend of Rich Dayton and our chapter, even though he drives and shows a Dodge ( you won’t see Dodge mentioned in this newsletter very often.)
We also received a cash donation from Lewis Cohen that insured that we made a profit from the show.
My thanks to all those that contributed, worked under trying circumstances, and again to those that brought their cars in trying weather conditions. To perhaps improve our chances for a good weather and better turnout, we are thinking of moving the show to September but probably at the same site next year. At this time, we are open for a chairperson for this event, because I have been selected, after a vote at the last meeting, to work on site selection and planning for a Regional event in 2006, most likely in August. Both dates and locations will be reviewed at the August meeting. I think with our ever expanding membership, and the number of cars that turned out at our past shows, the fact that there were 60 plus Buicks at Manchester, VT, on June 12 & 13, while also about 50 at the Tully show, in NH, that we could see a Buick show in this area with well over 100 cars. The cars are around, we just need good weather.
Award Trophies are noted below:
CLASS CARS
A 1903-35
·First Place - Rich Dayton - 1928 Master 4Dr Sedan
·Second Place - Brian Foley - 1923 McLaughlin Touring
·Third Place - Rober Noiseux - 1928 Sedan
B 1936-42
·First Place (Tie) - Louis Segneri - 1940 Century 61c
·First Place (Tie) - George Botelho - 1942 44c
·Second Place - Robert Lopez – 1938 Trunkback Sedan
·Third Place - Peter Monti – 1938 Special Sedan
C 1946-52 and ’53 Special (straight 8)
·First Place - Lewis Cohen – 1947 Roadmaster Convertible
·Second Place - Ed Wotkyns – 1951 Super Estate Wagon
·Third Place - Matt Litwin – 1952 72R – Roadmaster Riviera
D 1953-58
·First Place - Glenn Tyler – 1953 Skylark Convertible
·Second Place - Ned Preli – 1953 Estate Wagon
·Third Place - James Shugert – 1954 Special Convertible
E 1959-69
·First Place - Pat Hayes – 1965 Skylark
·Second Place - Daniel Harvey – 1965 LeSabre
F 1970-79
·First Place - John Tompkins – 1972 Skylark Custom Convertible
·Second Place - Tom and Lisa Devin - 1972 Skylark Custom
G 1980-92
·No Entries in this class -
H Riviera 1963-73
·First Place - Phil LaRose – 1965
I Riviera 1974-92
·First Place - Mark Balcher – 1974
J Gran National
·First Place - Ernest Reed - 1986
·Second Place - Dave Chabot – 1986
K Reatta
·First Place - Bob Poole – 1989
·Second Place - Leon Boutellier – 1990
L Gran Sport
·First Place - Tony Vespoli – 1965 Skylark GS Convertible
·Second Place - John DiFrancisco – 1967 Skylark GS Convertible
M Modified
·No Entries in this class
Archival Unrestored
·First Place – Jim Ramsey – 1970 GS Stage 1
Longest Distance Driven
·Daniel Harvey – 1965 LeSabre