BY KEITH BLUEMEL

Apart from the inviting temperate climate, Palm Beach in January can only mean one thing – The Cavallino Classic! The fourteenth annual running of the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic drew participants from thirty four U.S. states and ten different countries, to enjoy the hospitable January weather that Florida enjoys. While the northern states are frequently in a deep winter chill and snowbound, Florida provides summer like temperatures with low humidity, making it a very attractive destination for those in the north, and from a similarly chilly Europe. The fact that the state hosts what is probably the largest and most diverse annual Ferrari gathering is a further incentive for enthusiasts of the marque to head south with the “snowbirds”.

The Cavallino Classic follows a tried and tested format that provides attendees with a high quality gathering, where participants can mix and match their preferences as to what they wish to participate in. The choice of activities encompasses abundant participant track time, the first rounds of the season of the North American Historic Ferrari Maserati Challenge series, a touring rally, an eclectic Concorso field, with the addition this year of a Sunday multi-marque Concours. Then there is the Jet Party at Jet Aviation’s hangar at Palm Beach International Airport, private parties and dinners, together with a wonderful social ambience in the evenings at the opulent host, The Breakers Hotel on the Atlantic, where the illuminated shore line viewed from the ocean terrace is a serene and fitting end to any day.

For many participants, the first contact with the event comes at registration on the Wednesday evening, where there is a concurrent welcome reception in the Gold Room at The Breakers, which also houses the Galleria d’Arte Ferrari, featuring the work of renowned automobile artists and sculptors. This year participants could admire, enjoy and purchase works by Dennis Brown, Ken Dallison, Dennis Hoyt, Yahn Janou, Jay Koka, William A. Motta, Enzo Naso, Bill Neale and Barry Rowe, the latter also having a newly released book of his works on sale. The reception in the registration room provides a great meeting point for those who have not seen each other for some time, and with the eclectic array of automobile artwork surrounding you, sets the scene for the coming days of automobile nirvana at the track and in the two concours.

NEXT: FEAST FOR THE SENSES: A GASTRONOMIC TOUR OF THE PALM BEACHES

Copyright © 2005 Cavallino Magazine.