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Morning Coffee with Wayne Carini

Sunday, October 23 was a cool, cloudy day, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the more than 200 CVR members and guests who visited Wayne Carini’s farm in Portland, CT.  

911s arrive early, seeking prime parking spots. Photo credit: Paul Roth

Eight cars from Wayne’s collection were parked in the event area outside his barn and beneath the lighted Wayne Drive-In sign.  They included a John Ivy track-nose 1927 Ford roadster, 1938 Lincoln, Dave Garroway’s 1938 Jaguar with alligator interior, 1969 Ford Talladega GPT, 1961 Ford Galaxy Starliner, Steve Moal custom-built race car, 1965 Shelby Mustang GT 350, and the 1949 Buick Roadmaster (Rain Man movie car). Attendees were able to view the cars and automobile memorabilia in his barn.  Wayne distributed and signed copies of his magazine, The Chase, as he mingled with guests.

Wayne and guests chatted and checked out the cars on display.
Photo credit: Joe Kunecki
The 1938 Lincoln that won an award at Pebble Beach.
Photo credit: Glenn Rozum
Joe Kunecki and Walt Hyjek admire the Dave Garroway 1938 Jaguar. Photo credit: Paul Roth
Unique alligator interior in the Garroway Jaguar.
Photo credit – Lynn Keller
Wayne’s 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350. Photo credit: Paul Roth

Frank Weihenig from CarCareSpecialties had a display of McKees 37 products and demonstrated McKees37 no rinse car wash for attendees.  Wayne informed the audience that he is co-owner of McKees37. After Frank’s demonstration, Marc Natrillo and Alicia Bray shared information about the programs Autism Families CONNECTicut provides for autistic children and young adults.  Wayne had asked that CVR donate all event proceeds after expenses to Autism Families CONNECTicut.

Wayne invited Steven Harris, a CVR member and Porsche collector, to bring a Porsche to the event and join him on stage.  Steven arrived in his chalk 2019 911 Turbo S.  Serving as moderator, Michael Keller asked Wayne and Steven about their collecting history and approach to collecting.  Both recalled being fascinated by cars at an early age and vividly remembered the sights, sounds and smells of the cars.  Wayne’s collection is quite eclectic while Steven collects only Porsche 356’s and 911’s.  When asked about the future of manual transmission cars, both emphasized the importance of introducing the younger generation to driver’s education programs which teach them to drive these cars.  Wayne and Steven believe that until electric cars have a wider range, they won’t be universally embraced.  They both predicted that synthetic fuel vehicles will replace electric vehicles in the future.

Steven Harris, Wayne, and Michael Keller take center stage.
Photo credit: Glenn Rozum
Attendees try to stay warm as they listen to Wayne, Steven and Michael. Photo credit: Paul Roth

To thank Wayne for hosting the event, CVR presented Autism Families CONNECTicut (AFC) with a check for $10,000.

(L to R) Wayne, his grandson Connor, Steven Harris (CVR member & guest speaker), Lynn Keller (CVR Community Service Chair), Mark Natrillo (AFC), Alicia Bray (AFC) & Allen Fossbender (CVR President) Photo credit: Paul Roth

Thank you to the volunteers who helped the event run smoothly, and thank you to everyone who attended and supported Autism Families CONNECTicut!  I hope you thawed out by the time you got home.

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