Will Demelo suggested that we all try to get together and suggested organizing the meet around the 2014 Italian Car Day show. Unfortunately a few of our regular crew were out due to major projects, but we still managed to muster eight De Tomasos for the event. The organizers were happy to see us because they had about 20% of the pre-registered cars bail because of the threat of afternoon rain.
The day started out fairly grey and cool but things quickly looked better when the sun poked through as group of us joined in on one of the famed “Saturn Drives”. Organized by Saturn Ador-Dionisio, these weekly drives are an invitation-only run of exotic cars that wind through some of the most fantastic back-country roads north of Toronto. The run was almost an hour and a half covering 100 km and it was a really great run. In addition to a number of the ICD participants, there was every super car imaginable there. Lambos, F-cars, R8s, Ford GTs, Lotuses, Masers, Astons, Porches, De Tomaso and more. While the Panteras looked right at home, my Longchamp got some rather curious looks as people wondered what a 2-door sedan was doing parked amongst so many fast cars. Will’s car on the other hand was one of the most popular. Ironically, after the drive I was glad I was in the Longchamp and not one of my Panteras. It was the perfect car for the roads and speeds we were driving.
After a great cruise, we arrived at the ICD show grounds, placed our cars on display and spent hours catching up on what everyone had been doing since we last met. A few new faces showed up along with some friends not seen in a few years.
I was particularly happy to see that John Christian (J.C. to all who know him) made the grueling 7-hour international drive from Michigan to join us. J.C.’s “sleeper” Pantera. The car is one of the most advanced Panteras but appears completely stock at first glance.
Will, Russ, Wayne and Rocky represented the local owner group, Michel came from Montreal, with Andy and myself from Ottawa rounding out the owners with cars present. Richard and Tino, who are both working on their cars, came to see us without their cars.
Rocky’s Silver and black GTS clone:
There was no shortage of conversation as we all had a LOT of catching up to do. What seems like minutes was actually hours so eventually we all decided food was in order and headed off to the BBQ for sustenance. When we returned there were some ribbons on a few of our cars indicating they had won awards.
I was rather surprised to see that my Longchamp had been awarded “Gold” for best De Tomaso. I had worked really hard to get it ready and I was really happy to see the hard work was rewarded.
J.C.’s beautiful red Pantera received silver.
The best, however, was that Will’s stunning group 4 Pantera had won the “Red” award for “Best Engine of the Show”. The irony of a FORD engine winning “Best Engine” at an Italian car show was something that made most of laugh, even though we completely agreed!
Here’s almost all of the owners gathered. Rocky was off admiring the other great machines on display and isn’t in the photo.
By about 3:00 the sky got darker and rain threatened. We all piled into our cars and headed for cover. Several of us had wisely selected a nearby hotel that is the only one with underground parking. We just made it before a huge downpour.
After a while we headed over to Will and Lisa’s house, then to dinner at a great local Italian restaurant. The conversations went on until well into the dark by which time the rains had returned with a vengeance.
The next morning Michel, Andy and I packed up and headed for the long drive home. We encountered heavy and light rains for the first hour but then had fantastic clear driving weather the rest of the way. Another great adventure with these great cars.
Mark
