Cavallino platinum award winner

I have always loved Ferrari 308’s for their sleek wedge shaped design, great sounding V8, and tastefully appointed spartan interior.  So much so that I tried to get my mom to put my college fund toward a Ferrari 308 I managed to source while in college…. Request denied, emphatically at that LOL.  After following the market for decades, about 7 years ago I began a search for one. My criteria was as follows, non red color, original interior and engine bay, and preferably low mileage. In summation, I wanted a well preserved mostly original example with low miles. After 2 years I came upon the Marrone Dino Metalizzato example seen here at Algar Ferrari in Philadelphia. The car had approximately 4000 miles at the time,  had a unique color, and an increcible original interior. I called my dear friend and longtime Ferrari technician Matt Burns of Exotic performance engineering and he mentioned to me that he thought the car was a Cavallino Platinum award candidate. The car was bought in 2018  and we have enjoyed her ever since. 

   About a year and a half ago I decided to prepare her for Cavallino.  I developed a plan in hopes of attaining a Platinum level award at one of the most prestigious Ferrari events in the nation if not the world.  Despite being a low mileage example, there were many details that needed to be addressed and it took the better part of a year to get the car ready to be presented.  In 2024 she attended Cavallino and was awarded a Platinum level award, the first one I have been a part of. 

Thanks to the professionals who assisted in curating this fine example. Most of all I want to remember my great friend Matt Burns who has since passed away and never had the chance to see this car win a Platinum award. He always offered incredible advice and kept me from upselling myself, without his blessing, I would not buy a car. Cheers to you dear friend, your memory will always live on and your especially in mind during these events.

“THEE Trophy Blue” you see here came into our family garage as a result of an immeasurably masterful negotiation session between yours truly and my lovely bride!!!  Surely one doesn’t neeeeeed an additional collector car in the garage, but there waaaas an open spot on THAT 4 post lift.

I stopped by the classic automotive repair shop of noted Corvette expert Dave Walters.  Whenever I am at Dave’s shop, I feel like Norm on the tv series Cheers…. I feel right at home and never really want to leave (yes, I dated myself).  His shop feels like a museum to me. 

As I sat in his office I asked Dave, as he casually ate his potato salad, if he knew of any big block C2 Corvettes available for sale and sureeeee enough, there was one under a car cover just a few feet away.  There she stood, the iconic work of art that could potentially lead to countless hours of marital therapy.  As I pulled the cover off the car I couldn’t believe the condition of the Trophy Blue paint with the perfect amount of patina, stunning interior, and original Kelsey Hayes knock off wheels.  I had to have her!!! 

My plan was simple, I had to get the Mrs. In front of Dave so he could tell her the story of this legendary beauty.  Funny as I was leaving Dave’s shop my daily driver wouldn’t start, what a shame.  I couldn’t have planned it better.  Lo and behold I HAD to call my bride to come pick me up…. After Dave shared the cars sentimental history, my bride looked into my eyes and said “You are NEVER SELLING THIS CAR!!”  THIS chase, was as eventful as the acquisition.

(This car is not for sale)