(If anyone has any info on events that I missed or photos that you want posted here please email it to aw@monasspot.com)

2010

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allanté's D'Atalla At Pocono  June 19-23, 2008



Carlisle All-GM Nationals  June 20-22, 2008


The invitation to Carlisle featured our club presidents Allanté

2007

Florida Allante Clubs Big Event Held In St. Augustine Fl.  May 4-6, 2007

 

Allante's At Carlisle Pa. June 22-24, 2007


Cadillac LaSalle Club National In Savannah Georgia August 1-4, 2007


4th National Cadillac Allanté Club Show and Vacation The Allantés Cruise the Chesapeake
October 1-8, 2007 

Again we seem to have had a great time even with only 21 Allantés registered, and another 5 that showed up at the show. My wish is to have at least 35. We’ll try again next year.

 

Here are the minutes of the fun filled, 8 days CAC national  meet…

 

Monday, October 1st

 

 Barbara and I left for Virginia Beach around 3 pm, where we meet up with Rich Benardo in Delaware. Joe and Anita Iezzi left about 10 am. They were so exited to get there, they could not wait. I don’t blame them because if you were never at Virginia Beach, you must plan to go. The hotel was wonderful, Walk in the front door to the lobby, then out the back to the beach. That’s where most of us were for the three days we were there in 85 Degree weather. Let’s go back to the drive there.

  Once we caught up with Rich, Bob and Maria Grande caught up with us at the Midway Casino in Harrintion De. just near the Maryland state line. Where we did a little gambling, and had lunch at the Doo Wop Cafe. Now that we donated to the Casino, it was time to head out to Va. beach. By the time we got the Chesapeake Bay bridge Tunnel, It was dark, so you cannot appreciate it. Once at the hotel, after check in, we longed for a little snack and a cocktail. I ask the hotel desk clerk where we could go, she told me a little place called Abbey Road two blocks down. Now my eyes got big, I said “Like the Beatles Abbey Road” and she said yes, there’s lots of Beatles memorabilia there. Being a Beatles collector, I was 10 steps in front of everyone. Once there, I was like a kid in a candy store. The walls were covered with everything from the Feb 4.

The side of the building had murals of them. What a way to end the night.

 

Tuesday, October 2nd

 

  About 10am, Dennis and Liz Junod that live in Va. about 1 hour away, joined us for the sightseeing trip, where we went to see the light house in the naval fort. Well let me tell you, if you go, just try to enjoy the outside of it. You will not believe how many steps there are. Once at the top, you can see everything. We even caught a few battle ships floating by. After all those steps, we worked up an appetite.

Lunch time, where we went to an outdoor New York pizza place. No No…Why do some places advertise outside their city. I don’t get it. 

 For dinner, we went to a famous seafood buffet called Captain’s Gerore's, it was very good, and Bob had us getting fresh cooked food without leaving the table. “Unbelievable” but true.

 

Wednesday, October 3rd

 

 Free bicycles day, where Bob used his technique to swindle free bikes from the hotel because of the disturbance from the noise coming from the cleaning crew. Hey, was good for me.

 

 Later, some hit the Beach, and some walked the 2 mile stretch of stores and shops along Atlantic Ave. For dinner we went to the Black Angus steak house on the strip

 

Thursday, October 4th

 

 At 10am, we left Va. Beach to travel to Ocean City Maryland. But first, we needed to stop and see the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, and where we will meet Dennis and liz. There is a small restaurant located just before you drive into the tunnel, where we had a small bite to eat, meet up with the Junods and now were are 4 Allantés traveling to O.C.

 

  We made a stop at a Cadillac dealer to flaunt our cars and see the new 08 CTS. We drew a crowd and they took some pictures. Next stop, local car dealer, 1990.5 Met. Beige with 18,000 miles wanted 14,000 for it. Believe me, it was nice.

 

  Coming over the bridge to O.C. the great weather seamed to go away; the whole east coast was getting hit with a heavy fog. But that did not stop us; we stopped for lunch at a local hot spot called Marina deck for steamed shrimp where we caught up with Fred and Neille Koontz.  After that we proceeded to the hotel where you had your option for a room or a condo. Once checked in, 23 Allantés went to Windows on the Bay for dinner, where the owners could not have catered more then they have. Then it was off to a little sports bar called Smitty McGeet's for cocktails and some live music.

 

Friday, October 5th

 

  After Breakfast, We picked up our packet at the convention center and headed to the Inlet, where the Endless Summer car show was being held. Once there we lined up our Allantés for display and walked the grounds to check out all the others cars. There were some real gorgeous pieces. This was just a prelude of what was to come  tomorrow.

 

 For dinner, 36 Allantés went to the Sunset Grill where everyone had commented about how good their dinner was. After dinner it was back to the hotel where they have a large nightclub where we were dancing, and having great conversation.

 

Saturday, October 6th

 

 Allanté day!  Where we lined up 22 of them for our 4th National meet in the lot of the Clarion hotel, so we can pick our favorite one. After the voting, we paraded down to the inlet once again to show our cars at the Endless Summer Show. Once there , the judges of their show had a chance to do their duties. Again, we toured the cars and strolled the Boardwalk till about 4PM, then left to go back to the hotel to get ready for the CAC national banquet.

 

 At 7pm, 40 Allantés took their seats in one of their banquet rooms for a remarkable buffet. We were all pleased with ours and their selections. After dinner, it was time for the awards. And the winners are:

 

1987 Stock      Rich Benardo     

1987 Custom   Kevin Puhe

 

1988 Stock      Charles Linzey   

1988 Custom   Bud & Sherry Harris

 

1989 Stock      Abe & Mona Weiss         

1989 Custom   Thorton & Karen Reed

 

1990 Stock       John & Jan Jankowski

1990 Custom   Armand Palestini

 

1991 Stock       Steve & Naomi Sneed

1991 Custom    Ken & Gerri Candia

 

1992 Stock       Dennis & Liz Junod

1992 Custom    Mike & Kathrin Verchio

 

1993 Stock        Michael Hunt

1993 Custom     Bob & Marie Grande

 

Peoples Choice   Michael Hunt with his Teal 1993

 

Ken Kooge Award   Steve & Naomi Sneed

(Awarded for the best stock)

 

Jay Wisan Award      Kevin Phue 136,997

(Awarded for the most mileage)

Fareast traveled  383.83 miles  

Steve & Naomi Sneed from Roanoke Va.

 

Mark Daul Award     Michael Hunt

(Awarded for the most helpful)

 

And The BEST OF SHOW… 

Ann Tenore / with her 1993 White / Black interior

 

Congratulations to all the winners, and a gracious thank you for all who attended. 

 

After the Awards ceremony most of us went to the night club at the hotel to celebrate and congratulate each other.

 

Sunday, October 7th

 

The Day that most of our members leave to travel home. But at the Endless summer Show, today is the day they give out their awards. So off we went to the inlet to see if any of us won. Unfortunately nobody won as expected because we understand its geared for the older cars. BUT, the Cadillac Allanté Club did win 2nd place for Club participation. If Only  you were there we might have come in 1st, Ok next year you say. I’ll wait.

 

Our Sunday dinner was the best, we went to Hoopers where half of us had all you can eat crabs, shrimp, and chicken. We were 12 at the table, and it looked like 6 did not belong there, because, Ken & Gerri, Dennis & Liz, Thornton & Barbara ordered off the menu and were eating like respectable human beings, now Bob & Marie, Charles, Karen and I were eating like there was no tomorrow. And there was no tomorrow, because this was the last night of the CAC national show. So trying not to let it end, again we gathered to the nightclub for out night caps and to say goodbyes till next year.

 

Monday, October 8th

 

 And then there were 6 left, now Bob & Marie, Ken & Gerri, Barbara & I  left for home hoping to arrive at a nice hour to unwind. No way, we refused to let it end. First off breakfasts, then to see an Allanté for sale, a 1990 Met Beige with 11,000 mileage. What a beauty, he wanted $14,000 for it. Off we went to QVC outlet. Not really any deals there, but Kenny bought a power drill. We all know that he does have some screws loose. Now off we went to our future 5th national meet, Dover Downs Casino and Raceway. They had a tour of their newly expanded hotel, and are in the construction state of expanding the Casino.      

 

  Before we got there, I called Rich Benardo who does not live too far from Dover Downs and asked him to join us, and he did. Now the seven of us did a little gambling. I was lucky to get a run at the new computer black jack table. I’ll be back. After, we checked out their buffet. They had everything we wanted. I’m sure it will be a hit next year. By now its after 9 pm. For wanting to get home early by leaving Ocean City by 10AM, we made it home at 12am, Bob and Maria, 3am.

 

All in all, we had a wonderful time. It was a fun filled 8 days. I sure hope all that attended did the same. Try to plan for next year to join us for the whole meet. By now, after reading this, you should realize it’s not all about a car.

It’s a family, an Allanté Family.  

  

2006

 

Allanté National Show In Newport, RI. August 23-27th, 2006.

Our National Meet was a great success with 29 Allantés representing States from all around (MA, RI, CT, NJ, NY, IL, MD, VA, and PA)

 

The independent judges had a difficult task judging so many Allantés of high quality caliber. At the end of show day at Colt State Park, awards at the banquet dinner went to the following car owners;

 

Best of Show - Ann Tenore & Roy from NY     - White Allanté'

Peoples Choice- Ken & Sandra Kanner from NY - Peal White Allanté'

 

Best 87' - Jason & Jen Leavitt from CT          - Silver Allanté'

Best 88'-  Bud Harris from NJ                         - Black Allanté'

Best 89"- Steve & Adrienne Krieger From NY - Red Allanté'

Best 90'- Armand & Joanne Palestini from NJ - Black Allanté'

Best 91'- Steve & Naomi Snead from VA         - Red Allanté'

Best 92'- Mike Verchios from NJ                      - Pearl White Allanté'

Best 93'- Dave Moore from MD                        - Polo Green Allanté'

 

Mark Daul Award - Cheryl Grysell from MA (Host and Newsletter Editor)

Jay Wisen High Milage Award - Bus Harris from NJ

 Furthest Traveld Award - Bob & Karen Musa from IL

 

Our club wishes to extend their appreciation and thanks to the following individuals for making this meet such a success;

 

Host - Cheryl Grysell

Co-Hosts - Moria Christy, Charles Grysell, Brian Christy, John Monzo

Judges - Bill Callahan, Brian Christy, Allen Feltman, Brad Christy

 

Finally we wish to thank all those for attending our National Meet, both old and new members which made this meet so enjoyable

                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dent Party In NJ April 2, 2005

Dinner In New York March 22, 2005

Dinner In Delaware March 15, 2005

On March 15th, we had our first Allanté outing of the new year.

Held at the First State Dinner in Glasglow Delaware.

 

 In attendance were...

 

Guy & Carol Turner / Pa.

Rich Bernardo / De.

Jack Younce / Md.

Chuck Eisenberger / Md.

Bob Yeatman / Md.

Alex & Judy Persons / Md.

Joe & Iezzi / Nj.

Clifford & Carmen Duncan / De.

Dave Moore / Md.

Geoff Olive / De.

Rodger & Margie Woolaver / Md.

Rick DiCardo / Md

John & Barbara Monzo / Nj.

 

At this Dinner / Meeting, It was just to get together to meet with other Allanté owners to express our awareness of the club, cars and the upcoming meets.

 

Thank you all for coming, and we look foward to seeing at all Allanté gatherings

2004

 
Allantés Fall Into The Glen / CAC Nationals Meet September 5-13, 2004

The First Annual National Cadillac Allanté Club Meet


Monday "The Gathering"

September 5, 2004, at 10 AM, Barbara and I loaded the Allanté and ½ to set
out for Niagara Falls from Turnersville N.J. Lenny Abrams was getting
impatient waiting, so he left a 9 AM, from Philly. We caught up to him in
Allentown Pa.

Bob and Maria Grande left New York about 1 PM. There was no way he was going
to catch us even with his Northstar. As planned, leaving on Labor day worked
out great. No traffic at all heading north, south, forget about it!

We were only about 20 miles from the falls, one of my pipes snapped off my
muffler. Wow! Was it loud?

About 7 PM, we arrive at the Embassy suites. We were looking for the lower
parking garage because the hotel had planned to park us all together and
they would rope it off for us. While driving up to check in, I notice a few
Allantés parked right in front, under the canapé. Chuck and Cheryl Grysell

and Dennis and Elizabeth Junod greeted us and told us that the manager
wanted all the Allanté parked up top and in front. Who were we to argue?
Could not ask for better.

Once settled in our room, and what a room it was, It was the first time the
picture on the internet was exactly the same and this went for everyone. The
view of the falls was breathtaking. You can lay in bed or sit in the sauna
and see the falls. After changing, we met in the lobby and took a short walk
to the new Casino, where we had a great buffet dinner and some of us (Chuck)
had a good time gambling (Not Me).

Tuesday "Seeing the sights"

At breakfast we met up with Bob and Karen Musa from IL. About 10 AM John and
Beverly McDivitt from Pittsburgh joined us in the parking lot. Then along
came the Pie Piper, Doug Sargent from NY met us at the hotel to lead us for
a driving tour of the city. His wife Diane could not make it so since there
was an open seat I took it. This way I took my car to Midia Muffler, $69.00
lifetime. Can't beat this. We had planned to do the Maid of the Mist, but
nobody wanted to get wet. So Doug took us to the Butterfly Conservatory.
This was very interesting; Butterfly's flying all around and even landing on
us. For lunch we went to the Falls Country Club. Then after we went to
Niagara on the Lake. This is a quaint community for shopping, eating and
people watching. Located on this strip is the Prince Albert Hotel, and what
a glorious hotel it is. At $300.00 a night, we can plan the first XLR meet
there.

After getting back to the hotel to freshen up, where we meet Fred and Nellie
Kootz and Ken and Terry Candia, as planned, we were going to a local car
show in N.Y. its been raining but when Doug called, they informed him its
not there. So off we went, going through customs on the US side was easy.
While driving, the rain never stopped and the time we got there, "Ghost
 Town" everyone left. We did pass an Italian Restaurant and also a
Cadillac/Chevy Dealer. Here's another reason I don't like Cadillac, We drove
in the dealership with all the Allantés and one XLR. No response, Its like
we were not even there. Anyway, we left for the restaurant, after seating,
we were met by an Allanté owner who had a gray one. You don't see many of
these. Here is a highlight of the night, for those of you that know Bob
Grande, our waitress had him lost for words. Her being from N.Y. knew how to
handle him. We had a most relaxing dinner.

Now heading back to Canada, it seems that I was the only one having a
problem getting in. Customs asked me if I had firearms 3 times. Maybe he
thought I was a terrorist (don't laugh) One by one we crossed and pulled
over to wait for everyone. Some wanted to go ahead, but General Grysel took
charge and made everyone wait till all got through customs. After some Eye
Eye Sir's we were on our way back to the hotel where we took in some late
night cocktails, where General Grysell picked up the tab without knowing it.
(what a guy).

Wednesday "Water in surround"

At 10AM Even though it was raining slightly, still no one wanted to go on
the Maid of the Mist. So we all settled on taking the tour under the Falls.
You actually walk through hallways till you get to the edge of the cliff,
where you are behind the water. It's really fascinating. After this we
walked the waters edge until lunch. After a little more sightseeing, we went
back to the hotel to freshen up for our dinner at the Skylon. And what a
wonderful dinner we had. Some people that have been there said that the
atmosphere is better then the food. Believe me it's not. Even though the
floor spins and you take in all of the city and a great site of the falls
with all the colored lights. We all agreed that the meal was great. I would
not hesitate to tell others to go.

We celebrated Bob and Maria Grande's Anniversary (they were very surprised).
After dinner some of us headed downtown to the old casino (in the pouring
rain, hurricane Charlie hit) till 3:30am, some were big winners and others
lost, but all in all we
had fun. Now you want to talk about funny, If only we had a video camera to
film Bob trying to teach Maria to play slots. Now that was funny. Chuck's
side still hurts.

Thursday "waiting for Friday"

Watkins Glen, here we come. So about 10 AM, 8 Allantés and 1 XLR, took to
the roads. Right before our exit, we stopped to gas up. As we were having
some lunch, we saw a white Allanté pull in. everyone wondering who it was.
It turned out it was Ken and Jerry Candia from N.J. They were with us in
Niagara Falls, was it a coincidence that they stopped at the same place or
do these Allanté need to be together? Well Fred and Nellie were getting
excited. We planned to stop at a winery and were getting close. After
getting off the highway, we took route 9 into the glen. On route 9, there
must be at least 50 wineries . One after another. So we call ahead and when
we got there, everything was set up for us. Meanwhile Rich Bernardo from
Delaware called me and said that he was at the hotel and decided to join us
at the winery. After a little boozing, smoothing, we headed to the hotel in
Horse Head that's just outside of Watkins glen. Rich never did find the
winery. This was a good thing because driving through town, we spotted a
silver Allanté parked on the side of the road, and here comes Rich running
out of a store and said follow me, I'll lead you to the hotel. It was a 1/2
hour ride and we might have never found it.
Thanks Rich.
We check in and here is where we met Paul and Susan Nielson from N.Y.
Without them, this meet would not have been. They did most of the leg work
with the Glen. Also waiting for us at the hotel was Don and Harriet Booth
from Michigan. Now one by one here they came, Kit and Priscilla Bonham,
Jerry and Lori Williams. After dinner we discuss the big day.

Friday "off to the races"

The BIG DAY. After cleaning the cars, About 10 AM, most of us signed up in
advance for the Founders Tour Run. We had to be at the Logan ridge Winery by
10:30 AM. When we arrived there they had us line up to get ready for
departure by 12 PM. During this time, they were getting lunch ready for us.
A few Allanté owners did not sign up in time, so we were asking if they can
join up now. By the time it was time to leave, 3 Allantés got in but
unfortunly 2 did not.

What a tour it was. There were 102 classic cars, which they broke off in
two. Each pack went different ways. It was a 50 mile run. In the packet they
gave us, was a questionnaire. Along the way, your co-pilot was to answer the
questions related to land marks etc. Thank God I got good eyes, cause
Barbara got baffled. When you hit the 25 mile point, we cross with the other
pack. It was cool. At the end of the tour, we stopped till everyone caught
up and drove into town for the Watkins Glen for the reenactment race which
accrued in 1930"s. This 10 mile race started at the main street in town, up
the back hills and back down into town. The streets were crowded like New
Years Eve in South Philadelphia (without the kisses) after our run, then it
was time for the race cars to take the track. They started with earliest to
modern day racers. As evening came, you got it! Dinner time. So off we went
to a seafood restaurant. After dinner its back to the hotel, where we forced
the bar to stay open later. Some people don't understand, us Allantés
really know how to eat and drink.

Saturday "The official Cadillac Allanté club National"

At 10 PM, while cleaning the cars again, we hooked up with Lewis and Louise
Sargent from KY, they were only here for the one day, but they do not like
to miss a national meet.( that's what I'm talking about) Now its time to go
to the Zippo US Vintage Grand Prix, at the Watkins Glen International
Racetrack. Arriving at the track, they had a spot blocked for us, turn 3 at
the edge of the track. If you liked you could of sat in you Allanté and
watched the race. Now here comes Jack Bodle all the way from Texas. Now here's
a die hard. Actually he planned it to stay with his best friend in upstate
NY. After a few hour's of ZOOM-ZOOM- ZOOMING, Most made their way back to
the hotel to get ready for the banquet dinner

Saturday Night "The Loneliest night if you don't win"

About 7:30 We met in the ballroom for our banquet dinner. Where we dined and
danced to the sounds of Elvis and others, spun by our very own Bobby G.
During dinner we had a lot of giveaways to give out, and for the second
time, we gave out the door prizes in the order that I received car
registration.

There were no lonely nights here, because everyone won. What I did was
presented everyone with a plaque. We did have two trophies to give out as
followed:

Lewis and Louise Sargent , for the Farthest Driven in his 1993 H/T peril
flax ( Yellow)

John and Beverly McDivitt for the Best of Show with their 1993 Dark side of
the Montana Blue Moon equipped with a natural beige convertible top and
nitrous to put out the Ghost Flames.

At the end of the night we all discussed the future plans for the Cadillac
Allanté Club. I know I have a lot of work to do and it will get done.
Remember to make any club a success; you need to attend as many meets as
possible.

Sunday And then there was one (me)

After a lot of goodbye's, hug's and kisses, most left at the same time,
which was cool, we had a large convoy driving home. Sadly, one by one, you
see an Allanté turn off. The farthest you drive, you don't want to look into
you mirror any more. When I did, I was alone. I looked over at Barbara and
she said don't worry; next year will come soon enough.

Barbara and I would like to thank everyone who came and joined in with the
first national meet of our club. Even though I was a little busy with
things. I had a great time. Its so wonderful to see your friends that you
only see maybe once or twice a year. And how great is it to meet new ones.
It is really fantastic to know where ever you are there is always a member
of the Allanté family close by.

Thank you, Johnny & Barbara Monzo

Allantés At Carlisle Pa. AAG NAtionals

Cadillac Day Boston

2003 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allantés Cruise Memphis / AAG National Meet  September 10-19, 2003
 

 

September 10^th Start Time

 

Bob and Maria Grande left at 2 PM. from NY. The plan was that we would leave at 5 Pm and we would meet up. 1st hitch, this did not happen because we left at 10:30 PM. Barbara and I left Turnersville NJ for the long trip to Holly Springs MS. Wanted to leave earlier but could not do so. We at least figured if we get by Washington DC. We will have a straight shot to Mississippi. 2nd hitch, we got to the Maryland line, traffic jam cause by men working. So with the stop and go, I guess the brake lights on the trailer were too much. Blew a maxi fuse. Good thing I had extras. Once we pass the construction, it was all systems go. I installed the XM radio before I left, and let me tell you, it’s a great system. We laugh all the way down with the comedy channel on, we lost track of time. Barbara mentions to me that because of the XM, she really enjoyed the long drive. By 3PM we were somewhere in the middle of Virginia^.

 

September 11^th

 

After Breakfast, and quite a few hours later, we caught up with Bob and Maria in Knoxville TN. for dinner. Now there were two. By 10 PM. We were in the town square of Holly springs MS. were we meet Jim Summerland for the first time. He showed us around and where we are going to park our Allanté’s for the show. We followed him to Kirkwood Country Club where we are staying. When we entered the cottages, we were very impress with them. The living room was so big, we could have had a party in them, with built in fire place, could not ask for anything better. By now its 1Am. We are beat. Had to throw Jim out to get so sleep.

 

September 12^th Show Time!

 

At 10 AM, We meet at the club house. Before we left, the Mayor of Holly Springs gave a speech to welcome us to his town. With a Police escort we drove to the town Hall. Every single car that approached us, pulled over to the side of the road as we went by. (They may have thought that we were a funeral) We lined up the cars along side of the court house. We had a total of 30 Allanté’s

Our Allanté’s were watch over by the Mayor and follow Police officers during our stay in town. We also had a lot of spectators enjoying the car show. Most of us took a horse and carriage ride to the Montrose home for a planed lunch. We toured the home and others in the area, and the Civil War museum and art gallery. At 2Pm, guess what? Here Came the Rain. Some left, some stayed under cover in the gazebo. By 3 pm, the rain stopped and some of us went to see the biggest Elvis fan in the world. His home was painted pink, and had about 15 Christmas trees that he painted blue around his property. upon entering his home and collecting 5.00 per: person, he gave us a tour and told us all about his life with Elvis. He had so much stuff on the walls, you could not tell the color of the wallpaper. ( I can understand how someone could get so wrapped up into something)-(he-he) I had to speed him up a little, it was getting late. So back to the cottages to get ready for the awards banquet.

By 7Pm, the banquet hall was full and we were enjoying a fine dinner. After dinner we gave out a lot of door prizes. Everyone there got something to take home. ( By the way, We gave out the prizes in the order we received the car registration, So next meet you go to, send in fast.)

 

Now for the WINNERS:           Check Out these Awards

 

Most Mileage-------151,600 -------------------------------------------------------Bob Musa IL.

Least Mileage------ 21,415-------------------------------------------------------- Cappy Stahlman MS.

Mishap Award--- broken Power steering (a few times) ----------------Vic & Dee Yingst Al.

Best Interior----------------------------------------------------------------------------Jessie & Maxine Cox AL.

Best Paint------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Russ & Paula Vopelak GA.

Best Engine----------------------------------------------------------------------------Bobby & Hellen brown AL.

Farthest Traveled-------------------------------------------------------------------- Bob & Maria Grande NY.

Shortest Traveled-------------------------------------------------------------------- Odell Pullen TN.

Cleanest Trunk----------------------------------------------------------------------- Norman & Linda Pinfield GA.

Best Wheels---------------------------------------------------------------------------Fred & Nelly Kootz MD.

DVAAG Coolest Custom Award---Painted Boot to match car------ Frank Schwartzott OK.

State Participation Award ( goes to club with most attendance)- GA.

Jay Wisan Award / Daily Driver over 100,000 -----------------------------George & Jenny Ray AL.

Mark Daul award / Most Helpful----------------------------------------------- Al ( Jestal ) cline MI.

 

Now for the Best Automobiles to grace the roads today,

The People’s choice Awards for the AAG 2003 Nationals

“THE ALLANTE CRUISE GRACELAND”

1987- Stock Donald & Terry Johnson MN.

1987- Custom Rich Binardo DE.

1988- Stock NA/ should have come

1988- Custom NA/ Could have been yours

1989- Stock Thurman Love / Phyllis Latour MN.

1989-Custom Jay ( Pizza Man ) Senoff GA.

1990- Stock Bob & Hellen Brown AL.

1990-Custom Jim & Trish Summerlin MS.

1991-Stock NA/ I told you so…

1992-Stock Steve & Ann Zeleznik FL.

1992-Custom Boyd & Clair Mesecher Fl.

1993-Stock Jessie & Maxine Cox AL.

1993-Custom Lewis & Louise Sargent KY.

The Best Stock of All Years

Diane & BL Lewis from AR. 1993 Pearl Flax / Dusty Yellow

The Best Custom of All Years

Harold Kleinschrout from FL. 1993 Golden Pearl Red

The Best of Show / The Peoples choice

Ken Kogge from GA. 1993 Mount laurel / Mary Kay Pink

Congratulations to all the winners, I know what it takes to get your car ready.

And for the ones that didn’t win including me , theres always next time, and always remember, when your driving your Allanté ( Top down ) no one can tell you your not a WINNER!

And for the folks that could not make it, lets try to make some next year. There will be at least 4 big meets from Toronto Can. to florida. It seams that the east coast draw larger attendance. Why? I don’t know. I won’t give up.

For the folks that sent me you registration for this meet, and did not make it, you will have got your dogge bag by the time this goes to print.

 

September 13^th Sunday Elvis Lives

 

We meet at the club house at 9:30am to drive to Graceland. We parked in the guarded lot on the church grounds. We toured all of Graceland, car museum, airplane’s , took a group picture in front of a painted picture of Graceland. It seamed that everyone enjoyed themselves, I know I did , before we left we ask if we can get a picture of an Allanté driving out of the gates. They agreed to let us do it. It had to be Ken Kogge with his Pink Allanté ( Elvis would have been proud) and I’m sure he would of owned at least one. Now being about 2:30 , the plan was to meet at 5 Pm back at the club house to charter a bus to Beale Street. This is where I screwed up. Since it’s a 40 minit drive back and its only about 2 min. to Beale St., all the folks there said since their there, its not practicable to drive back , no time and they will miss the duck walk at the Peebody hotel. So I’ve tried my best to call kirtwood and I told the desk if there is any allantes there, to tell them to come to the Peebody hotel. I was told later no one told them.. So please except my apogees . I will do my best to make sure this won’t happen again.

So we saw the ducks, got into the Blues and ate jumblayle soup. We miss meeting B.B. king by 5 mim. A good time have by all. By 8 PM we left for Kirkwood, to get back to say our goodbye’s and get a early start for Nashville.

 

Monday 14^th to 17^th Vacation Time

 

Meeting at the club house at 9:30am, we packed up and said our last goodbye’s. Some 3 hours later, we graced Nashville with 10 Allanté’s.

For those of you that have never been to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, it’s a site to see. Barbara and I will be back soon. This was almost the best part of the meet. Everyone loved it. As if the hotel was not enough.. We did the General Jackson river cruise, Grand Old Opry (Live on Radio) Opryland Mall. If you go, carry your cell phones.. You will get lost

 

Wednesday 16^th XLR 8 to Bowling Green

 

We took a 1 hour trip to see the Corvette plant and museum. This is where Cadillac is building the new XLR. Sorry I could not get us in the XLR plant. They told us their not gear up for it , safety issues. But they held their promise on bring out a new XLR so we can see, feel, touch and sit in it and boy did all the buttons get a work out. Most of us were impressed with it. We enjoyed the corvette tour, but lets face.. “Its not an Allanté”

 

Thursday 17^th Hello Dolly

 

In the morning, we said our goodbye’s again and off to Dollywood. We graced Dolly with 5 Allanté’s ( Wow, the pack got smaller) Ones there, we were told to check out Gatlinburg, only 5 mim away. Great town, there is about 1 mile strip with everything you may want. While driving down the strip, I saw the red Allanté sticking out the seconed floor window. The place is called “Stars Cars” they have a lot of cars that are in movies. I have sean the picture of this, but did not take notice where it was. When passing it, I honk the horn and pointed to my car and their car. The worker took a double take and gave us the thum’s up. For a great steak place, try the Peddler. Its off the strip.

 

Friday 18^th Where’s Dolly

 

Now its time to find Dolly. Late morrining drive to Dollywood, stroled her Park in search of Dolly. We did not find her but we had a good time trying. After doing the park, we went back to the hotel to freshin up and went back to Gattlinburg, where we walked the strip, did Ripleys aquarium, Rode the cable car . Unbeleiveable high

 

Saturday 19^th Shows over

 

Now its time to say goodby to Dolly and all her kin. By 7AM we were rolling. Destination, Hickory NC. Barbara needs furniture. She lucked out, she found what she wanted. Everything went well till we needed gas. All the gas stations were close. No electric due to the storm. I quess you could imagin what happand, I ran out of gas in Richman VA. Luckly Rich found the only station open. There was a 4 block raious with electric. Thank god there was a gas station in it.

The Allanté Appreaction Group and the Delaware Valley Allanté Group want to thank all of you that came and made this 2003 AAG National a success. And a personal thank you to Jim & Trish Summerlin. I would like to keep doing these car shows / Vacations in the future. If anyone has any input good or bad, please do not hesatate to call or e-mail me

 

Regards,

John & Brabara Monzo

Itsonlyluv@comcast.net

609-634-6518

 

2002

Allantés At Carlisle Pa. AAG Nationals June 16-18, 2002

Barbara and I got to the hotel Thursday by 9:30 pm (Yes we were driving in the rain). We were greeted by Joe and Vicky Masar, his Mon and Dad and Chuck and Cheryl Grysell and Gary and Pamela Sutt. It rained through the night. Friday morning about 6 more Allantés joined us. By 10:30 it was still raining very lightly. So we suggested making the best of it and head to the Carlisle show. At least we could get our Allantés registered before the mad rush and check out the concept cars. (Wait till you see the Pontiac 2 seater) Barbara wants to start the PAG Club. When we arrived at Carlisle, the rain stopped and we had plenty of time to shop the auto venders. After we arrived back to the hotel it started raining off and on, it stopped in time to drive to Rillos restaurant where we had a wonderful meal. After we got back to the hotel and settled in for cocktails. And again it rained through the night.

 

Saturday:

 

Woke up to a parcel sun, still calling for showers all day. By this time we don’t give a darn, were ready to have a good time no matter what. We left the hotel with 22 Allantés strong. When we arrived the sun came out (thank god). We lined up the cars around our tent by 10:30. Guest what happened by 12:30? The sky started falling. It rained so hard that you should have seen the tent. It looked like a pack of sardines.

Now by 1:00 pm the rain stopped and the sun came out for the rest of the weekend.

By 1:30 there were 33 Topless Allantés all dried of. Carlisle officials came by to pick out there best of the show and we were also doing our voting also. By 5 pm, we were on our way back to the hotel to get ready for our 20 minute scenic drive to the taverin on the hill restaurant (another great place for dinner) After we all got back to the hotel by 10:30 pm, we meet in our conference room that was set up for the AAG weekend. At this time we gave away all your goodies that you sent down to me. Ron Liedel gave all of us plenty of “THE GLOSSER” a great cleaning towel with wax in it, and U.S. air fresheners in every car. The Delaware Valley Gave Coffee cups for every seat. Everyone got something to take home with them. It was getting late and we all decided to give out the trophies Sunday morning.

 

Sunday:

 

We got to the fairgrounds by 10 pm. Getting ready to present the awards and was informed by Carlisle that 10 Allanté were picked by the Carlisle staff, and that we were needed to line up at the winners circle by 12 pm. for the drive by award ceremony so we started our awards at 1130. Here is how they turned out:

 

 

Here are the winners for Carlisle:

 

87-88 1st Place......John and Beverly McDivitt

 

2nd Place.....Jason Leavitt

 

3rd Place......Leonard Abrams

 

89-91 1st Place......John and Barbara Monzo

 

2nd Place.....Charles and Cheryl Grysell

 

3rd Place......Gary and Pamela sutt

 

92-93 1st Place.......Robert and Maria Grandy

 

2nd Place......Bill and Gloria Bailey

 

3rd Place......THERE WAS A TIE... Robert Hellyer and Ron Liede

 

Winners for the 8th Annual AAG National

 

1987-Stock-Rich Bernardo, DE. (Silver)

1987-Custom-TIE - Leonard Abrams, PA.(Burg) Jason Leavitt, CT.(Silver)

 

1988-Stock- John and Beverly McDivitt, PA. (Pink)

1988-Custom-Doug and Diane Sergent, NY (Silver)

 

1989-Stock-Jay Wasan,NJ (P.White)

1989-Custom-TIE - Joe and Vicki Masar (Red) Cliff and Carmen Duncan (Purple)

 

1990-Stock- not a one

1990-Custom- Same here

 

1991-Stock-Gary and Pamela Sutt, OH. (Black)

1991-Custom-Chuck and Cheral Grycell, MA (Beige)

 

1992-Stock-Tracy and Bridget Teter Wash DC (Red)

1992- Custom- none there

 

1993-Stock-Bob and Corinne Hellyer VA. (Polo)

1993-Custom-TIE - Ernie “Spokes”Wasser, NJ (Red)  Ray Serret, NY (Polo)

 

Peoples Choice Award

 

1st Place....John and Brabara Monzo, NJ. 1989 1/2 Red

 

2nd Place..John and Beverly McDivitt, PA. 1988 Pink

 

3rd Place..Rick and Joanne Margulies PA. 1989 Blue

 

“Afraid to drive it Award” or the least mileage................................. Joe Masar OH. 1991 Bright White 28K

 

“One who drives just to rack up mileage“. Most mileage...................Jay Wasan, NJ 1989 Peril white,190K

 

“One who drives so far just to meet us crazy folks“.

Farthest traveled and the Cracked Cup Award.. Mike and Heidi Feldel MI. 1993 P.White

 

One who can’t make up his mind on what color they want. (One who had the most Allantés)

The Steward Rosenthal Award...Cliff and Carman Duncan NJ. 1989 Purple

 

The Mark Daul Award (One who contributes the most in any giving year) Jim “the Jam” Marseller PA.

 

The “Better then Expected Award” went to Jay Wasan (If anyone knows what this means let us know)

 

The AAG and the DVAG wish to thank all that attended, and hope you all had a wonderful time.

Thanks again, John and Barbara Monzo

Cadillac Bicentennial / CLC Grand National Meet August 15-19, 2002

100 Years of Cadillac

Cadillac's birthday

Tuesday,

Barbara and I started out at 3 pm, Lenny and my son Andrew left at 1pm, Steve Krieger left at 10 am from N.Y., Cliff and Carman Duncan were packing and Jay Wisan stayed home. While driving on the Penn. turnpike, unexpectedly, we meet up with Fry and Dottie Mathers. We all meet up at a hotel in Mentor Ohio at 12am. Fred and Nelly Koontz were already there. After checking in, we hung around and chatted for awhile. Vickie Masar came by to make sure all were tucked in.

Wednesday,

By 9 am. Vickie Masar greeted us with (Joe was getting his beauty sleep) Chuck and Cheryl Grysell. We were ready to meet up with the Georgia group in Toledo Ohio at 12 pm, but Lenny forget forgot his medication at my house, so he and Vickie had to go the CVS to get it. By that time, the Georgia group called and said they will meet us at the hotel in Detroit. So by 11 am we were on our way to Detroit along with Chuck and Cheryl Grysell. Joe and Anita Iezzi were coming by way of Canada and the Duncan's were still packing.

We arrived at the Hampton hotel by 3 pm. (And the Hyatt hotel is not across the street) about 1 mile away. After we check in, we went to the Hyatt to get registered for the CLC. There, we were handed a goody bag with books etc. (not one picture of an Allanté) You should have seen all the old Cadillac's, They were parked in the front left side of the hotel. Can you guess where we had to park? In back and not only that, they would not let me keep the trailer connected to my Allanté. They made me park it in the very back. O well, after we got all our assigned parking spots, we headed back to the Hampton to get ready for the Cadillac reception.

After a 15-min bus ride to the GM world (the Renaissance center) a very unique building. It's really a site to see, they crammed over 2,000 Caddy lovers into this building. While waiting in line for 40-min to try to get a piece of cheese and cracker, they told everyone to go into another room for the speaker from Cadillac. Forget it, the room echoed so bad, you could not hear anything they said. So after they were done, a lot of unhappy campers boarded the bus. This was the best part because they gave everyone a Cadillac collector set of Caddy pins, and a Vision book all about Cadillac 100 years (And not 1 Allanté picture in it).

Thursday,

Ok here goes... We all boarded the bus to go to the Cadillac museum. Before we left, we were told to ask to see the Allantés behind the curtain. When we got there Ken Kogge and I did ask and he said if he has time. I guess you can guess what happened. No time for Allantés. But I got time!
We just drove 600 miles to see Allantés, and I'm determined to see them, so behind the curtain I went. There they have the last complete one made, a 93 Pearl Red/Natural beige interior, also they have a white one, without wheels and drive train on the scissor lift that's from the airplane, and what I call a Pre: prototype. It was silver 1987 that had the rear redone like the 95 prototype. It had a white convertible with a plastic back window and no backside windows. It had the inset door handles; also had the 87 recaro leather seats in white, with the window switches in the upper door handle, where they have the mirror switch in the 93s. Some of the interior was missing like the steering wheel and a few other items. YES it was a 1987 with a 4.1 motor and front end. The real Prototype as of other Allantés is housed in another Cadillac warehouse that is never open to the public.
Well after about 4 times that another Caddy worker told us that were not allowed back here, we had to leave because the bus was leaving. After returning back to the Hyatt, they told me they had a few rooms left. So we transferred over as well as 6 more Allantéans. Heres another clue for you all, Whenever there is an event to take place, Please book your room ASAP because its so much better to be in the mist of all the action. (No driving, no walking)
During the day the CLC was judging the older Cadillac's and there was some fine cars there. Then we all had to go get ready for the Motown Experience. This CLC show featured the singing group the Contours and was held at the Detroit Yacht club. A good time had by all. Also the Chicagoland group had their Allanté dinner at the hotel. Most of us were not aware of this, if so, I would have been there.

Friday,

This is the day that the CLC will be judging our Allantés. We found out that this is a concourse show only. So for the most of us with personal custom touches, we need not to apply. So off we went to the CTS plant tour. I for one was very impressed with the plant, I had never seen an assembly line, but was a little disappointed because we got there in time for their lunch break. So for most of the time, we did not see anything moving. When we got back, Ray Serret told me, he and ken went on the DTS tour in Hamtramck. There they talked a little about the Allanté, Because that is where they installed the wheels and the drive train. Speaking of Ray, wait till you see his 95 prototype grill on his 93 Allanté.
Also on Friday, around 12 pm while we were on the tour, Bob Klopfer President of the Chicagoland Group held a Allanté Tech talk with Bill Bushman and Ed Anderson. Again we were not aware of this. I'm sure if we were members of his newsletter, we would have known this.

Friday night,

The AOA Dinner, Mike did a nice job of getting a nice room in the restaurant that held over 50 of us. He also provided flyers with all phone numbers, and Allanté events in all the hotels to contact him. This was a really nice time to get to meet old and new Allantéans. Because most of the week everyone was scattered all over the place. We had good food, A small Tech talk and the Mike Eggert flee market. Afterwards about 20 of us went up to the revolving dance club in the penthouse for cocktails. Where some of us were talking to Mike about the AAG and the AOA coming together. I feel this needs to happen. To have one big Allanté club to get the recognition our cars deserve from Cadillac and the CLC. I feel a that the CLC will not recognize our Allanté as the automobile it is, and lets face it, you can't put our Allantés next to a 1929 Cadillac. This is another story for Later.

Saturday,

Some time around 9 am, a CLC member went around putting badges on the winners cars. There were 3 Allantés that won out of about 30 there. It was hard to get a total count because they were coming and going all week. Brian Christy's 91 won 1st place in his year (they judge all caddys in years) again, how do you judge an 87 Allanté with an 87 Eldo? Chuck Grysell's 91 was disqualified because of custom wheels. A CLC board member told me that the CLC would be having a separate judging for Allantés next year. I told him they should have had it this year.

By 10:30 am Mike Eggert had all the Allantés drive across the parking lot to get a group picture along with Ed Anderson. It was a site to behold: One Big Allanté Family. On the way back to the hotel, We made it a point to circle the entrance twice with the Allanté song playing loud back with 500 watts of power and with the late appearance of the Duncan's waving behind to show the CLC that the ALLANTEANS WILL NEVER GO AWAY

At 12 pm, they had the drive by awards ceremony. This was great, you get to see all the winners and eat 5.00 hamburgers.

Saturday night,

The CLC Banquet. About 1,400 People in one very large room. After the dinner, most of the talk was about the CLC Board members, new and old and presented them with trophies. Mr. Lutz the new GM VP spoke to us in great detail how Cadillac is going to be the number one Luxury car again.

The Best part for me! I got in contact with Pininfarina and ask if they would like to send something to me so I can present it to Cadillac for their Birthday. So Sergio Pininfarina wrote a letter, sent it to me the day before I left. I wanted to present it to Mr. Lutz at the dinner but could not. So I waited and then saw he was leaving early and I went into the hall, Introduced myself, on behalf of the Allanté clubs, I would like to give you this birthday wish from Mr. Sergio Pininfarina. I wish you were there to see his eyes. He must have thanked me about 6 times. Here is what it said.....


Dear President,

I remember that in August 1999, Cadillac, major sponsor of that Edition of the Concorso Italiano in Carmel, dedicated an important part of this event to highlighting the historical creative and industrial collaboration between Cadillac and Pininfarina, in particular for the Allanté project.

As I told on that occasion to Mr. John F. Smith, then the General Motors Vice President, General Manager Cadillac Motor Car Division, Working on Cadillac automobiles has always inspired us to reach for designs expressing the distinctiveness of this singular marque. We at Pininfarina are proud of our historic close association with Cadillac and I am very enthusiastic because of the technical excellence it has produced and the personal relations that have developed.

Now I am therefore particularly glad to express my best wishes to this prestigious brand for its 100th birthday! May this festivity be celebrated with all the success it deserves!

With my best regards,
Sergio Pininfarina

 

 

And finally, during dinner there was a slide show.. And it only showed one Allanté over and over and over ..MINE.. I'm sure the trailer had something to do with it.

Thank you, From the Delaware Valley Allanté (now the Cadillac Allanté Club)

John Monzo

2001

Allantés In The Land Of Lincoln

AAG National Meet

2000

Allantés Cruise The Coast

DVAG Grand National Meet  September 6-8, 2000