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Updated: October 1, 2009, 5:19 pm	Share    Print    Email

The 'Ferrari Enzo' 2005 drew a crowd who just wanted to be seen standing next to this automotive beauty, named after the legendary Enzo Ferrari. Photos by Eileen Casey

East Hampton - Wakening on a beautiful September morning, relaxingly mulling over what time I'd rouse myself to hit the beach, it suddenly dawned on me that due to a number of reasons, I, who know next to nothing about cars - automobiles - rides - wheels - or whatever vernacular is appropriate, somehow became responsible to cover the First Annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally, where approximately 40 to 50, if not more, of the legendary, world-class vehicles were due to gather at Georgica Restaurant & Lounge in East Hampton.

A patient Pat Cassetta of Ferrari Long Island dons the 'look.'

Gathering my wits about me and realizing the car aficionado in my household was otherwise preoccupied and not available to give me a cram course regarding the automotive name that I have heard grown men utter in hushed, reverential tones - and witnessed a few who actually bow their head when uttering his name - I jumped into my trusty 1994 Volvo, with its Coke can wrapped around the exhaust pipe, and headed over to see what display of vehicles, designed by the brilliant Enzo Ferrari, would arrive to participate in this event.

Showing neither embarrassment nor intimidation when the troupe of valet parking attendants, clad in Ferrari hats and shirts, graciously avoided direct eye contact with me, I was immediately ushered from my vehicle which was whisked away - but I knew where they parked it because my brakes with their lyrical squeak can be heard from at least a quarter-mile away - I gathered my dignity and camera and entered the parking lot of the restaurant to discover a gathering of sleek, shiny and simply gorgeous Ferraris.

An enthusiastic Nathaniel Christian, founder and co-host of the First Annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally, with his ride.

Alas, dear reader, if you are looking to be informed about this Italian masterpiece of torque, horsepower, amps, fuel injection, design and engineering accomplishments, or any of the other mechanical wonders I have heard bandied about over the years when the revered Ferrari comes up - I regret to inform you that beyond being awestruck by the sheer beauty of these vehicles, there is not much automotive insight you will derive from this reading.

Antonio Fuccio, whose son owns Georgica Restaurant & Lounge, was thrilled with the day's events.

However, when informed by the lovely Kia Zalewski of Lawlor Media Group that "This is a gathering of an estimated over $30 million in vehicles," I confess I began to feel a bit light-headed - was it the heat and sun - or was it the realization that to play in this sandbox you had better really, really, really love these cars - and these owners certainly do! The respect and genuine passion these owners have is palpable, and with due cause as the reverence for style, design and sheer mechanical prowess commanded the event.

Under the broiling sun, these beauties glimmered, shimmered and were 'all that' - reminding me that I had forgotten to advise the valet not to use the driver side window in my car, as it tends to slip down inside the door. Nonetheless, I sought out Nathaniel Christian, founder and co-host of the event, who spoke with such enthusiasm that it was infectious. "I am a Ferrari enthusiast and collector, and have been for years - I own a number of these vehicles and just thought this would be a great event to put together." Crediting his passion and fondness for the history and craftsmanship of the vehicles, Christian has become a luxury lifestyle expert, while both a real estate entrepreneur and restaurant nightlife impresario.

Co-host of the event Sebastian Norena of Nikki Beach Midtown.

Co-host of the event with Christian was Nikki Beach Midtown. Located in New York City, Nikki Beach Midtown "Combines classic beach club elegance with Manhattan sophistication by bringing the ultimate beach club concept together with dining, fashion, music and entertainment" according to Sebastian Norena, the Director of Marketing.

Avik Kislin in his Ferrari SuperAmerica which he recently purchased from Nicholas Cage.

Numerous representatives of Ferrari Long Island were on hand, proudly displaying a number of vehicles, and as Service Advisor Pat Cassetta in the middle of patiently trying to explain to me that the 2008 F430-F1 vehicle he was standing near had a "paddle shift" finally just enthusiastically proclaimed, "I get to drive these cars without having the expense of owning one - how great is that?" It did cross my mind that perhaps I should consider having a few of the dings and 'bald spots' on my Volvo repaired - merely for appearance sake, you understand.

After a brunch for vehicle owners and families, Ferrari aficionados had the opportunity to hit the road for a two hour pre-set Hamptons scenic route tour through East Hampton, Amagansett, Sag Harbor, and Southampton, after which they could return to Georgica Restaurant for an "Official Finish" party complete with specialty cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

Future Ferrari drivers Patrick Fennelly, 6, with his brother, Charlie, 2, both aleady sporting the appropriate attire.

An impressive list of event lifestyle sponsors including Grey Goose Vodka, Monticello Motor Club, Puma, Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, Red Bull, Voss Water, Hamptons Magazine, Cavallino Magazine, Peroni, Ferrari Long Island, Miller Motorcars, Algar Ferrari, Wide World of Cars, Ferrari of Central New Jersey and the Ferrari Owners Club Northeast Region all participated in the day's festivities.

The predominant color of most of these vehicles were sexy black and passion red, however, Ferrari owner JJ Cordano proudly informed me that his 2002 360 Spyder has received numerous trophies for its color, which he explained is "California Azurel."

Mentioning my observation of the choice colors to Graig Chout of Ferrari Long Island, he reported, "I've seen a white one" with such glee in his voice that I wondered if he somehow managed to catch a glance at the possible 'elusive queen' of the Ferrari kingdom. Rick DiSimone, of Algar Ferrari of Philadelphia, commented on just how exciting the gathering was while most of the men and a few women and families hovered by their vehicles eager to introduce their most 'luxurious family member.' Avik Kislin, sitting in his Ferrari SuperAmerica, informed that he had just recently purchased the vehicle from actor Nicholas Cage.

It's a family affair: JJ Cordano with his wife, Liz, and three sons, Zack, Dylan and Jake, who can't wait to be old enough to drive this vehicle which has received numerous trophies for its beautiful blue color.

Slightly humbled, and with what appeared to be a heavenly chorus of oohs and aahs resounding in the air, I straightened my shoulders and clutching a nifty gift bag that included a great Ferrari tee-shirt, as well as a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka, among other goodies, I retreated to the valet parking stand and waited with new found empathy for the poor valet who had to pull up in my vehicle in front of this bevy of beauties.

Having wisely avoided the mention of the year and make of my ride to any of the enthusiastic attendees and car owners, I slipped in the front seat only to discover that the air conditioner was suddenly on the fritz which prompted me to chant quietly to myself -- "Ferrari, Ferrari, Ferrari!"

For More Photos, Visit The Following Link(s)

Ferrari Rally Revs Up Enthusiasts' Love For Autostrada's Classic Legend