4/22/12
Two Shop Visits
Oscar Davis, a well known collector occasionally invites small groups
to see his collection of cars in NJ, and I try my best never to miss
the opportunity. He has spent a lifetime collecting some of the most
desirable cars, and houses them in a fantastic warehouse decorated to
suit any gear head's dream.
This time, I had the pleasure of spending some time talking to Dennis
Radtke, a man who has looked after all of the Mr. Davis' cars for over
30 years! Dennis used to work near Oscar's shop, and as they learned of
each other's mutual interests, Oscar began having Dennis work on some
of his cars. As their professional relationship grew, so did their
friendship, and soon Dennis became involved with the cars full time.
With a background of engineering, pipe fitting, and all around
handyman, there wasn't anything Dennis couldn't do, or at least learn
how to do, so having a guy like Dennis became invaluable. For Dennis,
the job has been interesting to say the least, and the office is not a
bad place to be!
While I was in New Jersey, I contacted a friend that had a collection
of Alfas. I met Tomas Lacosta and his son Will last year
at Davis' open house, but found they wouldn't be making this
year, but Tom invited me out to see the cars. In the circles of the
VSCCA, I was told in whispered tones, that Tom's collection was worth
seeing, so I was not going to pass up this invitation! My friend Yale
followed me out to New Jersey horse country to find Tom's barn hiding
possibly the largest collection of Alfa Giulietta TI Supers in the
world!
Tom fell in love with these cars, and started using them for Vintage
Racing, but started collecting more of them over a dozen years ago. The
more he found, the more he bought, and now they all have a way of
finding him. The depth of knowledge, and enthusiasm of this one model
Tom had was staggering.
In another barn was Tom's collection GTAs! Each car was slightly
different, raced and configured in different specs, but all ready to
fire up and drive.
Lancias were also of interest to Tom, and this Fulvia Sport was
particularly nice.
Our connection to Tom was his Ferraris, and these were housed in
another garage. The PF Coupe was his first V-12 Ferrari, and I could
see his love was still there. Just the three Ferraris in the
collection which also included a GTE and a GTC were enough to satisfy
any collector, but there was still more!
In a lower garage was more interesting Italian machinery including two
Dinos and more Alfas. The amazing thing was every one of these cars
were in drivable condition, and they're used often. In fact, Tom uses
one of the 50 year old Alfas as a commuter car into Manhattan everyday
because he doesn't own a modern commuter car!
I want to thank Tom and Will for spending time with me and Yale during
our visit. We shared ideas and passions about the cars during our tour,
and it was fascinating to learn how Tom built his collection and
refined his tastes. He doesn't think of himself as a collector of cars,
but more of a Vintage Racer with a passion for a particular type of
car, and I can see where he comes from. Whatever the classification,
he's built a fantastic world to celebrate these cars! It was a pleasure
to see it.
Set the Date!
Saturday May 5th 2012
The
Radcliffe/Tomyang.net Spring Car Show
The 5th Annual show brought to
you by car guys, for car guys
12340 Owings Mills Boulevard
Reisterstown, Maryland 21136
Phone: 410-517-1681
Register Early for Show Cars,
spectators are free!
Reminder: If you have a Ferrari
related project, car, or idea
you'd like to explore, I'd love to talk to you. I can also help if
you're thinking of buying or selling. This website represents what I
love to do, and now it's how I make a living, so if you'd like to do
something together, let me know. It all begins with an e-mail!
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