2008 Euro Auto Fest in Greer, SC

BMW's Euro Auto Fest in Greer, SC

The "clan" in front of a row of BMW 8-series

While I advanced registered my Alfa for this years event (missed getting it in last years because she was still in California). I decided NOT to drive her through the horrible rain storms we were having on the eastern side of the state. Did not want to subject my baby to 3.5 hrs of yucky rainy driving. There is always next year. However, did show up to check out the cars. Not as big a turnout as last years event. This year the honored marques of Sweden. Of the Alfa's there I would have had NO problem coming away with Best in Class/Marque.

One happy and LUCKY kid!

Darren Frank's most beautiful 1969 Iso Grifo was once again present at the show and Michael was offered the chance by the owner to sit inside. Lets just say he didn't hesitate. Was very proud when he thanked Darren (without prompting mind you) for the honor. Nice to see a fellow who shares the love of cars with kids (even a pristine collectible valued at over $365,000).

There were Jags...

There was even a 300SL Benz...

....and even a handsome row of early model Volvo sports cars.

"Best in Class" at The Grand Concours d'Elegance

My Alfa GTAm won 1st in Class in European Sports car class.



Cars on the Field at the Grand Concours. Hotel in the backdrop.

Ciao Bella appears in Alfa Owner Magazine

The September 2008 issue of Alfa Owner Magazine featured an article written by me on the history of my Alfa (AR 1532263*) in the "Our Alfas" column. It commemorates the work done by Al Leake of PMA / Alfa Romero Restorations & the shop in Raleigh, NC (Apex Vintage Racing) on completing the 3 year restoration-modification of this GTV.

1st car show = 1st in Class trophy

1st in Class at "Its a Gas" Car Show

August 16th.... Its a Gas Car Show in Lexington, NC. My Alfa won 1st in Class in the Euro/Mini Division. Michael was on hand to collect the trophy. We drove the car from Durham, NC for the show. She ain't no trailer queen.

My Alfa alongside some competition... a Triump and a Corvair

Seems a little out of place, this classic Italian Bertone designed racer next to a modified American Hot-Rod. Muscle Car guys continued to flock around this Italian beauty.

Michael next to a 1994 example of a souped-up Mazda RX-7, reminiscent of the one I had and loved so much.

Some classic Americans rounded out the show. Got Black?

Whats in my garage?

My Garage

1971 GTAm

2002 Maserati GT and the 1971 Alfa GTAm

Beautiful Italian pair



* * *

Updated with a new pic. Since I totaled the Maser (long story don't ask... but if you must know visit www.MaseratiGT.blogspot.com) the replacement was a bit more on the practical side... a 4-seater, convertible European Sports car with a bit lower maintenance cost.. a 2006 Audi A4 Quattro (AWD) Convertible [is really the wife's car, but I get to chauffeur her around in it]

Ciao Bella (1971 Alfa Romeo GTAm)

Ciao Bella

Final product of a 2.5 year restoration to take a 1971 GTV (1750) and transform to a GTAm
(2L European Twin-Spark Engine)

Custom fabricated "one-off" nurf bars (to make her street legal)

2000 cc Twin-Spark Electronically Fuel Injected European Power Plant

Specs: est. 148 - 150 bhp (~110 kW) @ 5800 rpm

186 N-m (137 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm

Compression: 10.10 : 1

Bo Mot Fuel Injection

Engine sourced from mid-80's Alfa 75

(this car has not been dyno tested)

Fuel pump and filter lay anterior to fuel cell

ATL 12 gallon fuel cell with remote level fuel gauge

Battery could be moved to trunk [cut out exists (aluminum panel)]

Notice the clouds reflecting in the "mirror-like" finish. A $12K Concours d'Elegance Paint job.

OMP CarbonFiber Racing Seat + Simpson 4-point Racing Harness

with and without complete roll cage set. The drivers side and passenger side have removable SCCA approved roll cage side impact bars. The top picture shows without the bottom with the side impact bar in place.

Rear seat area (with fire extinguisher) [side view]

cockpit

Rear Right suspension, fuel cell box (in red), Springs and Koni Shocks
BFGoodrich Tires 95% tread. Absolutely NO RUST, Stainless Exhaust.

Trunk.. view of fuel cell, fuel pump/filter system and Right rear wheel well and fiberglass fender from inside. Nice fit and finish.

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>$55,000 in receipts and cost for restoration/modification of the original GTV.
Complete records and pictures chronicling restoration available.

Nobody, I mean nobody....

Nobody and I mean nobody drives my GTAm... well I guess if Merisa Miller (2008 SI Bikini Covergirl) wanted to drive it... I would let her....

Or better yet... Danica Patrick.... Holy Cow... she could drive my car... and boy would she.....
Okay, now that we got the hot chicks out of the way........ enjoy the rest of the blog.

She finally arrives in Bville, SC

Tucked away in the front of an enclosed carrier from Massey Auto Transport, brokered via Angels Moving Autos out of CA, driver Rubin took good care of her on the long trip from coast to coast. Here the GTAm is about to be backed out of the rig.

Requiescat In Pace Dear Al Leake

Al Leake

From: STEVE JENIK <COLFAM.2@ATT.NET>
To: jpsaleeby@aol.com
Sent: Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:01 pm
Subject: Al Leake

Dear Dr.Saleeby,
My name is Steve Jenik. I and my wife Julie are friends, neighbors and caretakers
for Al and Myr Leake. It is with great regret that I must inform you that Al has crossed
the final finish line in his race against cancer. He passed away, quietly, at home,
amidst family and friends on Jan., 25, 2008 @ approx 2:45 P.M.
I am being presumptious by issuing this notice, as I have no formal family approval
to do so. Yet, after searching the web and finding many references to Al, not
only his racing prowess, but his restoration work and finding your name, I hope that
this takes some burden off of Myr. I presume that you know how to contact the family.
I found the picture of your son with the pinewood derby racer. That choked me up.
I printed it out, but, my printer is not the best quality beast in the world.
Nonetheless, I intend to pass it on to Myr.

Our regards sir,
Steve and Julie

Pax et Requiem Dear Al

Al and Myr at Watkins Glen 2005

Al penned this about Sophia (#69)

Al drives Sophia (this is the view most folks racing against him saw). Rubber Chicken in tow.
(Old racers never die they just drive off into the sunset)