Category Archives: News and Noteworthy

Spectacular Simeone!

Our extended club brought 50+ people to enjoy the Simeone collection on Saturday, February 12th. We really want to thank Jim Hanna for his very interesting and entertaining description of the cars – it really made the event. After our tour, we enjoyed watching some British classics produce some wonderful sounds out back.

For a much better and more comprehensive report, go to Richard Reina’s car blog here: RR Blog

Simeone Museum Tour – February 12th

We’re on for our tour of the Simeone Museum.  If you are not familiar with it, go here: Simeone Museum  It’s pretty amazing and even more amazing when you find out that it used to be located in a nondescript parking garage in south Philadelphia, before it moved to its current location.

The tour will be Saturday, February 12th at 10:30am, so plan to arrive a little earlier.  A DVAROC member, who is a docent at the museum, will give us a tour.  Expect it to last two hours, or more – there are a lot of cars!  Cost for the event will be about $15/person, depending on how many we get.

Depending on interest, and turnout, we might stop by a local restaurant for a late lunch.
If you are interested in coming, please RSVP by February 4th, by email.

I hope to see you at this special event.

Nordic Alfa Inspiration

On these cold, short days, you might find yourself looking for some diversion.  That is, if you don’t have a heated garage.  If you ever wondered what Norwegian Alfa enthusiasts do in the winter (who doesn’t?), then check out this article: Spiders to the Arctic Circle  It’s… ahem.. inspirational (?)…. though my lovely wife gave me “the look” when I suggested we do something similar.  Here’s a shot from the article: 

865T3448 kopie.jpg

Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022

Despite a few challenges, I think we can declare 2021 a great success for our little club. Take a moment to flip through our photo album and relive some of the wonderful events we shared.

But that was then, this is now. We’re still in the process of drafting our events agenda for the year. Expect the usual tours, picnics and tech sessions. You can see a preview of our events calendar here, and even scroll through the months in the Google calendar embedded.

Stay tuned for upcoming communications… and stay warm!

One more for 2021

We had a great 2021, with tours, picnics, races and shows. As 2021 comes to a close, we have one more chance to get together. Our friends at Ragtops and Roadsters have invited us to join them at their open house and “before we put them away” tour. The event is November 21st and you need to RSVP to them. For more information, go to: www.ragtops.com

Summer Fun Continues

I want to thank Steve Harter and Mike Casale for a great tour of the David Markel collection last Sunday.  It was made even more special when the collection owner, David Markel himself, joined us for the last collection. Thanks!!


Teaser photo of Fangio’s personal Alfa

Our next event is our Summer Picnic and Rally. I hope you can join us.
July 25th – Summer Picnic and Rally – Ridley Creek State Park, PA
Join us for our annual summer picnic and rally at Ridley Creek State Park.   We’ll start at Ridley Creek State Park, Picnic Area #8 (our usual place, but no pavilion this time) at 10:30 am.  The event will include a fun rally, which should take less than an hour to complete, followed by a picnic in the park.  You’ll have a chance to show off your car, demonstrate your navigation skills, and enjoy some good food and friends.  After everyone arrives, we’ll go over the rally instructions and then have a Le Mans style start.  The rally will take participants through some very pretty Chester County horse country. The course is designed to make for fun competition that won’t reward use of GPS or following another car.  Once everyone is safely back to the park, we’ll enjoy some lunch together.  Picnic lunches – hoagies, salads and drinks will be provided.  The club will pick up the costs for members.  For non-members, we’d like a $10 donation to defray the costs.  If you want to attend, please RSVP Bob by Friday, July 23rd so we can plan food and hand-outs, accordingly. 

Summer Events Update

Below is an update of our upcoming events.  I hope to see you at one, or more.


July 11th – David Markel Car Collection Tour and Lunch – Skippack, PA If you haven’t visited one of David Markel’s many garages, you need to attend this event.  We’ll meet at the Wawa (Corner of Hwy 113 and Skippack Pike) at 10 AM. We’ll tour 5 different Museums (that are different from last year). Cost will be $25.00 per person (cash please / pay at the door).  If you are interested, lunch is also available for another $20. Attendance is limited to about 30 people, so sign up now!  To register, send an email to Steve


July 25th – Summer Picnic and Rally – Ridley Creek State Park, PA Join us for our annual summer picnic and rally at Ridley Creek State Park.   We’ll start at Ridley Creek State Park, Picnic Area #8 (our usual place, but no pavilion this time) at 10:30 am.  The event will include a fun rally, which should take less than an hour to complete, followed by a picnic in the park.  You’ll have a chance to show off your car, demonstrate your navigation skills, and enjoy some good food and friends.  After everyone arrives, we’ll go over the rally instructions and then have a Le Mans style start.  The rally will take participants through some very pretty Chester County horse country. The course is designed to make for fun competition that won’t reward use of GPS or following another car. The rally course will take less than an hour to complete.  Once everyone is safely back to the park, we’ll enjoy some lunch together.  Picnic lunches – hoagies, salads and drinks will be provided.  The club will pick up the costs for members.  For non-members, we’d like a $10 donation to defray the costs.  If you want to attend, please RSVP to Bob by Friday, July 23rd so we can plan food and hand-outs, accordingly.


August 15th – New Hope Auto Show – New Hope, PA The wonderful New Hope Auto Show is on!  This is one of the only shows I know of that has a dedicated Alfa Romeo class.  For more information and registration, go to: New Hope Auto Show

September 9-12th – Alfas at the Glen – Watkins Glen, NY Celebrate 111 years of Alfa Romeo racing at the spectacular US Vintage Grand Prix weekend at Watkins Glen.  In addition to the vintage races at the track, there are a number of events throughout the extended weekend, as part of the celebration.  These events include: tours, shows, winery visits, and race reenactments.  In addition, the Buffalo AROC chapter, Alfabuff, will be joining with Alfabuff for special Alfa focused events and displays throughout the weekend.  For more information, check out the website: AlfasattheGlen

Spring Winery Tour Update

DVAROC Spring Winery Tour – Chester County – Sunday, May 30th

We’ll take a lovely Sunday drive through picturesque Chester County, looking for a variety of animals along the way.  We’ll visit a couple of wineries, and enjoy a picnic in the vineyard.

The club will meet at Wegmans in Downingtown, PA –  before 10:15am.  There, you’ll be able to tank up on gas and coffee.  We’ll leave promptly at 10:30 and drive to our first stop, Kreutz Creek Vineyards where we’ll sample their wines and enjoy a few club provided cheeses and snacks.  Cost for wine tasting there is $10.  

From there, we’ll hit the back roads and for a 45 minute, or so, drive where we’ll stop at Northbrook Marketplace to pick up our picnic goodies. The final leg willbe a short drive to Stargazers Vineyard where we’ll taste some more wine, and spread out among the vines for a Sunday picnic – close your eyes and picture yourself in Tuscany.  Cost for wine tasting at Stargazers is $10.

Each leg of the tour is about 30 miles and should take 50 minutes, or so.  With stops, tours and tastings expect to picnic just before 2pm. 

There is no cost to participate in the tour.  The club will provide some cheese and other snacks to go with the wine tastings.  Participants are responsible for the costs of tastings and lunches.  Please pack chairs and/or blankets, as seating is limited.

If you want to order a lunch from Northbrook, please call it in to them on Friday, May 28th, for pick up on Sunday.  Here is a link to their catering menu (a copy is attached – we recommend ordering a boxed lunch).  You can call them at: 610-793-1210 or email them at: christine@northbrookmarketplace.com  Of course, you’re welcome to bring your own food, as well – just remember, no outside alcohol is permitted.

DVAROC Events Update

This weekend is looking great, and the fun keeps coming!
Saturday, May 15th – Ragtops and Roadsters Spring Open House
Ragtops and Roadsters will have their 31st Spring Open House on Saturday from 10am – 4pm. While R&R is focused on British iron, they have been known to cut into some Italian alloy from time to time – Just ask Jack Stoll! For more information, go to: Ragtops and Roadsters

Sunday, May 16th – Spring Road Rally – Skippack, PA
Sunday’s road rally is looking to be a wonderful drive – and meal afterwards.  Please join organizer Steve Harter, the DVAROC, and other local car clubs at Parc Bistro in Skippack on Sunday, for a beautiful drive through some fabulous countryside.  The first car leaves at noon, so please arrive earlier to register and get in line.  Though pre-registration is not required, it would help planning if you can let Steve know in advance. 

Sunday, May 23rd – Cars and Coffee for European Sports Cars
Barry Cross has organized a Cars and Coffee event at the Reading Country Club. Our Alfas have been invited to join up with Ferraris and other clubs. Event benefits Cool Cars for Kids. For more information, please email: Barry Cross

Sunday, May 23rd – Monte Carlo Formula One Breakfast
Once again, Bill Conway has made arrangements with La Locanda to watch the Monte Carlo Grand Prix and enjoy some breakfast among Italian cars and like-minded F1 fans. For more information, see the attached flyer.

Sunday, May 30th – DVAROC Spring Tour – Chester County Wineries
This year, our spring tour will take us to some wineries in Chester County. At our final stop, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch among the vines. Details are still being finalized, including lunch options, but mark your calendars now!


Oh, one more thing. Bob Schlichting sent some photos of the recent Cars and Coffee at Peddlers Village. Here’s a taste of one

image.png

DVAROC Update – April 30th

I hope you’re getting a chance to enjoy the spring weather.

Cars & Coffee – Sunday May 2nd – Peddler’s Village
There is a Cars & Coffee at Peddler’s Village this Sunday, May 2nd.  For more info, go here: https://mailchi.mp/newhopeautoshow/cars-coffee-at-peddlers-village-sunday-may-2nd?e=a7181aef39

Skippack Rally – May 16th
I hope that postponing the Skippack Rally to May 16th hasn’t caused much inconvenience.  Some have asked me if you need both a driver and navigator.  The rally will have fairly tricky directions with questions for prizes.  But, don’t worry.  If you’re going to fly solo, you can drive the route and still enjoy the views and great company.  Just let Steve know that you don’t have a navigator when you check in and they should be able to make accommodations.  

Car Show at Marshall Steam Museum
The organizers of a car show at the very cool (hot?), Marshall Steam Museum in Yorklyn, DE want the Alfa Club to participate. I’m a bit swamped with my day job and other adventures, at the moment.  So, if you’d like to help organize this for the club, please reach out to me and I’ll put you in touch with the right people. 

Giulias Across America
I received this wacky email from these guys in Texas who are caravanning their Giulias across America.  They will be stopping near us soon.  If you’re interested in meeting up with them or just tracking their progress, go to: https://giuliaacrossamerica2021.now.site/home

Italian American Heritage Festival 2021 – Postponed
We’ve been informed us that the Italian American Heritage Festival, normally held at Rose Valley park, is postponed until 2022.  I really hope this one gets back on track as it was a good one.

Petersen Collection Video
I received a note from one of our members, the other day, that the entire Petersen Car Collection is now available on video.  To see it, go here:  https://youtu.be/DujeiUh9tuw

Okay, that’s all for now.  I need to get going on the May 30th tour…. stay tuned for more information.

Spring Rally – May 16th – Parc Bistro – Skippack, PA

Our Spring Rally has been moved to Sunday, May 16th due to rain forecasted this Sunday.  It will start at the Parc Bistro, in Skippack.  First car will leave at noon.  Subsequent cars will be released at one minute intervals.
The rally route is about 40 miles and should take about 90 minutes to complete.  Here are some particulars: 

  • Format is a rally and treasure hunt (same as last year – different route)
  • Meeting point – Parc Bistro parking lot (same as last year)
  • First car departure at 12:00 pm / one minute intervals thereafter
  • Venue – Music, a la cart food and beverage, cigars (tbd)
  • Awards presented at 5 PM. 
  • Preregistration is NOT necessary – you can register when you arrive
  • Cost – $25.00 (Cash is preferred, all proceeds go to cost of running the event)
  • You’ll have to fill out a release form when you register

This event was a lot of fun, last year, and I hope you can make it. 

(Note that the flyer below shows the old date. The new date is May 16th)