Eighty Hours (Post # 102)

The Alfatross went to the Arizona Concours d'Elegance with two simple objectives and no expectations. The first objective was just to get to Scottsdale AZ and make it onto the field under its own power to join the other cars in the "Coachwork by Zagato" special class. If we made it that far the next objective was to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: get a photo of it in the company of Andrea Zagato, grandson of the man who designed it 61 years ago. The Alfatross had no expectations beyond that. It knew this was its first public appearance in 47 years, that it had no established reputation in the car media and was not associated with a well-known collection or restorer, so it did not expect to be able to compete with the other 11 Zagato bodied cars in its class.  

First objective: make it onto the field.  CHECK!  Photo by Randy Davis.

  

Second objective: get photographed with Andrea Zagato. CHECK! Photo by Randy Davis

With its two objectives finally met, The Alfatross was content and thought it could finally relax, but then the judges appeared!  They were not easy to please. They looked at everything, and The Alfatross knew it was not flawless. 

Consequence of getting onto the field: getting judged.  Photo by Randy Davis.

The judges went away and more time passed.  It turned into a pleasantly warm afternoon. The Alfatross had started to doze off when suddenly the judges were back. They said, "Lift a wiper!" She complied and they placed a ribbon with writing on it underneath, congratulated her, and disappeared again.  

Consequence of getting judged: Third place.  Photo by Randy Davis.

Then Lou Costabile, a producer, came asking questions and shooting video for "My Car Story", a channel on YouTube.  We think he did a great job!

Eighty hours after leaving The Shed in Santa Fe, being trailered the 1,100 mile round-trip to Scottsdale, making its way onto the Arizona Concours d'Elegance field, being driven for the first time in 47 years, and seen by hundreds of appreciative spectators on the field and many more on YouTube, The Alfatross was safely back home once again where the restoration will continue--at a more leisurely pace--for the next several months. The objective of the next round of the restoration will be to make the car fast, reliable, and safe on the open road.

Three of The Alfatross' Support Team members, Don Keith, caretaker, DeWayne Samuels, engine builder, and Tim Marinos, paint and body artist.  Photo by Randy Davis.

Stay tuned, the story is far from over.  With the big push to get The Alfatross to Scottsdale now over there will be more time for blogging!