Cavallino Magazine

The social side of the gathering is almost as attractive as the cars at the track and in the concours, starting with the Jet Reception hosted by Jet Aviation in their hangars at Palm Beach International Airport on Thursday evening. Here the mix of ten private jets, several power boats and eighty Ferraris on the tarmac never ceases to amaze, providing a surreal scene, as you sip champagne with the schedule flights occasionally drowning conversation as they take off and land a few hundred yards away. Piero Ferrari was in attendance as a director of Piaggio, who had one of their Avanti twin turbo props on display, in Ferrari livery, courtesy of its USA agent Avantair. They have worked an agreement with Ferrari to have twelve Avanti aircraft done up in Ferrari colors, under the banner of Prancing Horse Aviation. This was formally introduced at the Jet Reception by owner and Executive Chairman Al Rapetti.

The 2,000 guests in attendance voted for the Jet Aviation Cup, a “Peoples Choice” award for the best Ferrari on display. The winner was the crowd pleasing black and green 212 Export spyder, s/n 0090 E, of local resident Jeffrey Fisher, who not only received a splendid trophy and scale model of the Ferrari liveried Avanti, but also ten hours of flying time on the new airline, courtesy of Avantair! Jet Aviation has really gotten behind this reception, to where it is the hot ticket of the weekend. To make it all happen, they have involved several quality companies in the aviation field. We thank Jet Aviation CEO Theo Staub and all his staff for hosting such a great kick-off party.

On the following two evenings, there were gala dinners at The Breakers, the one on Friday hosted by Ferrari North America for the Historic Challenge prize giving, and that on Saturday hosted by Shelton Ferrari for the Concorso trophy presentations. Add in some private parties, like Jeff Fisher’s always popular gathering at “The Stable,” an old timbered cigar warehouse that houses his collection, and just keeping up with the social whirl is a feat in itself!

The Friday evening dinner was preceded by a very special presentation. Just outside The Breakers during the pre-dinner reception was a Ferrari covered in red. Part way through the reception, attention was called, everyone received a glass of champagne, and then proceeded outside for a special unveiling of the new F430 Challenge Ferrari. Host Jay Weitzel made the introductions, and then handed the microphone off to Marco Mattiacci, VP of Marketing at Ferrari NA. He made some excellent remarks about the car and Ferrari’s involvement, and then introduced Maurizio Parlato, President and CEO of FNA, who welcomed everyone and spoke of Ferrari’s plans. And the, the highlight of the evening – he introduced Piero Ferrari, who provided some stirring words about Ferrari being a manufacturer, not of cars, but of emotion. Then he and Maurizio pulled back the tarp from the new car, and toasts were made by all. We thank Mr. Ferrari and Mr. Parlato for making the evening so memorable for the Classic guests, who are also of course Ferrari’s valued customers.

NEXT: CONCORSO D'ELEGANZA AND AWARDS NIGHT