ST AUGUSTINE FLORIDA ALLANTE/XLR CAR CLUB SHOW

  Nine cars from our Atlanta Allante’ Club participated in the Florida Club’s Car Show. There were over 30 Allantes and 3 XLRs in the competition. We enjoyed a nice cocktail reception on Friday evening hosted by Paul and Kathy Bertorello. All of the participants were presented with goody bags with several Florida Club items and car products. After the reception where we received our instructions for the car show and judging on Saturday morning, the Atlanta group departed for dinner at local restaurant. As usual, we found a place with delicious food and enjoyed not only the meal but lots of rowdy conversation and laughter (and a little wine)!

  Early Saturday morning, the guys and gals were out polishing, shining, dusting, displaying pictures etc. to show off their cars for the judges. Dick Hussey, John Monzo, and Norman Penfield were the judges for the Best Overall Car, the Best Custom Car and the first Ken Kogge award for Best Stock Car. The other categories of custom and stock by year 87-89, 91, 92, 93 etc. and the Best of Show were all people’s choice awards. Each car owner was given one ballot and marked their choice in each category.

  After the judging, the combined club groups went to downtown St. Augustine for food, fun, shopping, touring and exploring. Some of the Atlanta group went to Flagler College for a very interesting and informative tour after lunch. This was arranged by the Ashcrofts who live in St. Augustine and were most gracious hosts to all the club members.

  Saturday evening, we met at Amici’s for the awards dinner. Wow, what a good time! If they ranked noise levels, I’m sure we would have won an award as everyone was in high spirits. Joe Tallon of the Florida Allante Club won the first Ken Kogge award with his pristine black 1989 Allante. It was an emotional presentation by Norman Penfield in memory of our club founder. Russell and Paula Vopelak won Best Overall with their white stock 1993.  Coleman and Darlene Armstrong won best custom in the 1987-89 category. Norman Penfield won best custom 1993. Each of the winners was awarded a framed certificate and glass vase etched with Florida’s Club symbol, the dolphin. Doug and Jean Reed, Atlanta members from Murfreesboro, TN received the award for driving their car the longest distance.

  After the category awards, there was a grab bag drawing so that every member took home a prize for their participation. The group presented Kathy and Paul Bertorello with appreciation gifts for organizing this super event. Sunday morning, Dick Hussey held a very informative tech session and answered many questions about the Allantes. It was a wonderful experience and a great opportunity to get to know fellow Allante’ owners in a social and fun atmosphere. We enjoyed old friends and made new friends. It was also a great learning experience with exchanging of ideas, experiences, solutions to problems as well as Dick Hussey’s tech session.

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