I L TRIDENTE On-Line
2nd Annual Ferrari-Maserati Gala Preview Night at the NY Auto Show
04/07/2004: The 2nd annual Charity Gala Preview night was sponsored Wednesday evening (a "Press Preview" day) at the Jacob Javits Center NY Auto Show. Sponsored by Gruppo Ferrari Maserati, the evening was a charity event organized to raise money for the East Side House Settlement in the Bronx, NY. One of the year's most elaborate affairs organized by the U.S. Maserati importer Ferrari-Maserati of North America, Undoubtedly the outstanding attraction was the sole NY area appearance of the new MC12 "Stradale" which everyone I talked to agreed was the most spectacular looking car at the show. For many I spoke with it even outshines its developmental cousin, the cutting edge Ferrari Enzo.
The display of new Maserati and Ferrari models included both street and race cars: a new Maserati GranSport,
The Trofeo "Light" straight from "the battle" and showing her "battle wounds,"
TMC Member Nick Soprano's 1957 450S (#4508, the only 450S with a 5.7 liter motor) which was fired up here by Mr. Soprano. Most agreed that the starting of the race car engines inside the Jacob Javits Center was one of the highlights of the evening. The sound absolutely rocked through the hall adding a grand, symphonic atmosphere to the proceedings.
Of course one of the great highlights each year is the live auction. At last year's event, a new Spyder "Vintage" was auctioned off which went for just over sticker. But this year, and a very telling testament to the sensation that the car is causing, a new Quattroporte brought in approximately $70,000-$75,000 over sticker price - $170,000! The new owner will be the first U.S. customer to drive the car on the street - a full 5-6 months prior to dealer deliveries!
TMC is proud to have participated in the event through the bringing of (9) vintage Maseratis and their owners to the gala evening. The vintage cars present were: a 69 Ghibli Coupe, 70 Ghibli Spyder, (2) 74 Boras, 77 Khamsin, 80 Merak SS, 80 Quattroporte, an 02 Coupe GT, and an 02 Spyder Cambiocorsa. Thanks to all these TMC members that participated and helped to make the evening a success! We were particularly proud to have, for once, outnumbered the Ferraris!
