It gives me great pleasure to introduce this month's cover car. Not only is it from an event that I recommend to anyone on planet Earth, the Lime Rock Historics, but Santo Spadaro is a name that should ring a bell in more than a few automotive households.
Show and Go...when Santo's Alfa isn't tearing up the track, it can be found at various C&Cs, including Caffeine & Carburetors in New Canaan, CT.
As co-owner of Domenick European Car Repair in White Plains, NY, Santo does more than just tinker with old cars. I've only known him personally for a little more than a year, but Santo has created a network of family & friends that spans the globe. His cheerful face, accentuated by those black glasses, can be found at numerous events, from the aforementioned Lime Rock Historics to the Goodwood Revival, to all things automotive in between.
The '555' Alfa taking the inside, and overtaking an MGA, coming into Big Bend at Lime Rock Park.
For the past six years, he's orchestrated and participated in the Domenico Spadaro Memorial Drive, a day of vintage rallying dedicated to raising money for cancer research while keeping the memory of his father alive. Santo is also involved with campaigning his 1958 Alfa Romeo in numerous vintage races. It's a real treat to see and hear it on the track, and even more so to chat with him afterwards, as his experiences throughout the years have filled him with stories to share. He was kind enough to share a bit of insight about his car.
Briefly introduce your car and why you drive it. What's your story?
I am an Alfa guy. I always looked forward to racing a Giulietta. The Sprint was my holy grail Giulietta.
In the paddock with his Alfisti brethren.
What's the exact model of your car? Where does it fit in the production history?
[1958] Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce Confortevole, 1 of 150 made.
Despite the race livery, Santo's Alfa is just at home pacing behind a Packard, as it's seen here on Pine Street in New Canaan, CT.
How long have you had the car? What is the mileage? How often do you drive it?
I've owned it 12 years. Finished the restoration 6 years ago. I race it 6 times a year and commute on sunny days from April to November.
Santo sitting next to another legend, prolific photographer Ed Hyman.
What is special about your car? Is it a collector's vehicle? Have you customized it?
It is prepped as a period-correct 1950's vintage race car, which means it is a dual purpose road and race car. There is a certain amount of elaboration, but it is all keeping within the period.
Here you can get a closer look at the 'eye brows' on the horizontal grilles.
What have been the worst and best experiences with this car?
Only good experiences. Winning the Rolex Presentation and Performance Award at the Lime Rock Festival.
It's proper etiquette to acknowledge the corner workers at the completion of a heat.
Can you shed a little light on the number '555'?
As a kid, 5 was always my lucky number, couple that with the fact that I've always been a big Mille Miglia fan. In the Mille, car numbers were the start times for each vehicle and usually three digits, so I put three fives on my car. The start time for my car would be 5:55 a.m.
The longer sweeper that is Big Bend makes for an excellent panning position, so long as the sun is in your favor.
Any other thoughts about this car?
It's been a faithful race car/road car as all of my Italian rides have been, exploding the myth of the fiddly Italian car.
Santo, dressed in his father's period-correct garb, stands proudly between his 1953 Lancia Aurelia B10S and the featured Alfa.
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