Let's face it, we're dinosaurs. I was at a FCA event in Tampa last week. There was one "old" car among the shiny objects - a 308. It was so small you almost couldn't see it. Cavallino will never be what it once was. Almost none of the current customers for Ferrari have any interest in the old bangers, which means Ferrari has no interest in those old cars.
Marcel, they repaved the whole track. I was on it in July. And yes, the area is beautiful and the weather should be fantastic.
Quite a number of dinosaurs and highly experienced and long time IAC/PFA judges will not attend Cavallino. I too will not attend. I assume that "Concours" will go into the direction of a simple beauty contest and lifestyle event. Add some Tortellini. Marcel Massini
I'm new to 'Cavallino' West Palm Beach, is it worth the effort, what is traffic like, parking? I don't have a '$10MM+ Ferrari', will i be relegated to the 'wet lands' parking, with the 'plebs'?
The smart money is betting on French judging and possibly celebrity judging sooner rather than later. A lot of pressure was put on accepting a purple F40 entrant. I was pushing hard unofficially to keep it out but we know how and why the big push to let it in. The arguments being made in favor were reinventing history and who was making them was a very big disappointment. The cart is leading the horse. Just an indication of the inevitability of the direction things are going. It will not be long before you and I know no one there.
Traffic isn't bad. Parking - if you come as a spectator, you can valet it. There is a exotic/supercar parking during the event even for people who are not showing their ferrari. If you are participating, then your car will be parked on the lawn.
if you leave the politics of the show in the parking lot, at the end of the day you get to view some of the most stunning F cars you will EVER see. I just can't justify over a GRAND for me and my wife to go to walk around. Last year with my car being judged is different, but jeez i could use that grand for my kids spring break, etc....it used to be $100 or so to get in. Shame....
Yep. $500 to be let in when it's already crowded isn't worth it. If I go this year, not buying the ticket. Just watching the cars drive in and out.
Money talks. Ferrari makes its money selling new cars, of dubious design, as fashion accessories to buyers most of whom (1) don't have a clue about Ferrari's history and (2) don't care.
A purple F40? seriously? If so, that perfectly sums up what the "new" targeted demographic is. Lol they are probably going to show up in a hideously patterned, pastel outfit wearing Nikes.
They want to change the event. Thats OK, its their right. They may even make more money doing so and thats good too. Whats not OK was the constant lies about their intentions and their attacks on the character and integrity of some good friends. The number of long term entrants no longer participating and their dire shortage of qualified judges is the direct and inevitable outcome of that behavior. I personally don't think they care because what I believe is the direction they plan on going requires neither. It was a safer bet to evolve over a few years than to do a complete about face from one year to the next. In other words, its going according to plan.
I signed up for a couple activities at Cavallino a few years ago and really enjoyed it, but have not attended since the new regime. I have never attended Amelia Island so I signed up this year. I'll drive my 612 down. It was accepted to display on Saturday's event.
well, we can look back in 20-30 years to see which business model was more lasting. Cavallino - private owned for profit, no committees, try to be fresh include a younger demographic. FCA National - club operated try not to lose money, committees, demographic that will be 80-100 in 20-30 years.
"include a younger demographic" at $500 a ticket for the show, and, what, $800 for the awards ceremony? Surely, you're joking. That's $2,600 for a couple to attend both. I don't know any young people that would pay that to attend a car show and dinner.
without a doubt their 25-45 demographic has many multiples more money than the old guard subscribing to Cavallino and complaining when tickets first went over $150. make it clear I am not putting down the old guard or how great Cavallino use to be, for many things like that it would be nice to be stuck in time. I'm not putting the FCA down either, I hope they are able to succeed where Cavallino isn't focusing as much anymore. No doubt Elkhart Lake this year will be one of the best Ferrari Vintage events in the last 10 years. The risks are what can be maintained in coming years and in 10-20 years. I just want to state the fact that if Cavallino didn't change, it probably wouldn't have lasted.
Id suggest you are not paying attention. There certainly are and its the demographic they are catering too. It may be glitzy, gaudy and tasteless and devoid of vintage cars but it is there. We may not like it but make no mistake, there are those that do. The event was for sale for some time. Its not like anyone who wanted to "save it" never had a chance to do so. Obviously those that could decided it was not a business plan that made economic sense, at least for them. I talked to a few who considered it in the last few years but it would have been an uphill battle no matter the purchase price.
Brian, Like I said, I don't know of any. Maybe the billionaires I know are into other things. I have a hard time seeing their interest continuing for the same length of time that the old Cavallino was around. George
