The Tour di Palm Beach, proving ever more popular, saw a record seventy one cars participate in the pleasant road rally which winds its way through the quiet picturesque alleys and palm shaded avenues of the island. Prominent on the list were an agreeable number of early cars, including the neat 1951 212 Ghia Coupe, and the spectacular 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C Monza. (The islanders loved it.) Several 250 GT California Spyders participated, surely the perfect vehicles for such a drive. Other open cars were the 250 GT PF Cabriolet and the 212 Export Vignale.

The completion of the Tour no longer gives a point toward the Concorso score, since it was found that no cars needed the extra point to be eligible for a major award. The Ferraris are so good now that many easily reach the 95 point plateau (more on this in a moment). However, the Tour has remained an accepted event, mainly because of the ability to explore some spectacular Florida scenery in the depths of winter, and in your Ferrari. The Tour departed The Breakers one car at a time from 9:30 onwards, and after a two hour loop ended back there before everyone proceeded to the track.

For it was at the track that all the day's action was now focused. In between the lapping by the Classic entered Ferraris on Thursday and Friday, the cars of the Ferrari Historic Challenge had been practicing. But now it was their turn in the spotlight. David Seibert and Maria Homann from Ferrari North America coordinated an impressive number of entries for these races. The novelty beyond the usual drum brake and disc brake races was a third one for pre-war Scuderia Ferrari Alfas. Enzo Ferrari's early career as Alfa's competition manager revolved around these very cars and they were the first instruments which allowed him to demonstrate his ability to run a top team with great success.

These titans of another age are rarely run, and it is always an awe inspiring privilege to see them function, let alone race as was the case that day. Consider that, old as they are, top speeds were not significantly below today's F1 or sports cars, with narrow tires, no seat belts and no roll bar, while literally holding onto a wide steering wheel in an even wider exposed cockpit! They are as beautiful and high tech for their age as they are disarmingly simple in their architecture. The race was won by Peter Giddings in his 8C35 in front of Ed Davies in a Tipo B P3, Greg Whitten also in a Tipo B P3 and Jean Sage in an 8C 2300.

The drum brake race featured thirteen cars and quickly developed into an exciting show. William Binnie led from the start in his swift Maserati 300S, followed by Peter Giddings in his larger and far heavier Alfa 8C35, with Peter Sachs not far behind in his 121 LM. It is fair to say that no one drove harder on track than William Binnie; his speed in the Maserati 300S was very impressive, showing full commitment and his victory was fully deserved.

The disc brake race was to have been a shoe in, as Ed Davies' pristine 512 M was a clear favorite ahead of a pack of five BBLMs, including Todd Morici, Lawrence Stroll, Ray Hartman and Kurt Schulz. Alas, after leading four laps Ed Davies suffered a slight off track excursion which curtailed his effort, leaving the BBLMs to sort out the battle for the lead among themselves. Todd Morici, last year's series champion, came up on top ahead of Lawrence Stroll, Hartman and Schultz. Meanwhile, Charles Arnott did well to finish ahead of the other Daytona of John Giordano, unofficially winning the "Daytona class."

While the races were taking place on the track, yet another episode of the event was unfolding in the paddock on that particularly busy day, the Coppa Bella Macchina. In total contrast to the noise and speed a few steps away, the Coppa is characterized by a very meticulous review of each car's function, as only 100% operative Ferraris can be awarded the Coppa. No doubt some of the owners had heart rates comparable to those racing nearby, as judges scrutinized their pride and joy! Six cars out of nine passed this severe test; our congratulations to all.

After a very enjoyable day of competing and socializing at the track (and we thank every one of the Moroso staff for the excellent job of preparing their course for the Classic's use), no one was in a hurry to leave but the next event beckoned.

As the sun set over the Everglades, everyone gathered refreshed for the now traditional Yacht Hop, hosted by ShowBoats International magazine. The event outgrew its previous location at the Australian docks, so this year a new location was found just across the Intracoastal at the famous Rybovich Spencer shipyard. The six 100 foot plus mega yachts open to visitors for the occasion were worthy examples of the art, and ran the gamut from a restored 1950s classic wooden motor yacht to a very new aluminum one, just commissioned. The hosting of the crews was exemplary, as was the food and wine, and we thank the owners for bringing their boats to be part of the Classic. Also on display were several of Rybovich's renowned sportsfishing boats, as well as several Hinckley picnic boats, and if you are into boating at all you know these to be brands equal to Ferrari.

Dinner then took place in The Breakers' oceanfront Venetian Ballroom. FNA President Stuart Robinson gave a brief address on the state of corporate Ferrari at the moment (all is good), and later the Historic Racing Awards were presented. Much applause went to the worthy recipients of the afternoon's entertaining battles.