Tuesday November 4, 2025

Celebrating Legacy, Luxury, and the Roar of Classic Engines

Dear automotive enthusiasts, restorers, collectors, and investors,

Since our last newsletter in August 2025, the engines have been roaring louder than ever! From the unforgettable 10th Annual Dick Shappy & New England Region Cadillac LaSalle Club Show to the star-studded Audrain Newport Concours and the elegant Boston Cup, this season has been a celebration of legacy, chrome, and community. The Tropigals’ swing dance flair, Ryker’s show-stopping debut, and heartfelt moments honoring friends like John Ricci have made these events unforgettable. Thank you for riding along with us—stay tuned for more vintage adventures!

Drive safe, preserve boldly,

10th Annual Dick Shappy &

New England Region Cadillac LaSalle Club Show:

A Decade of Dedication

On September 6th, 2025, we celebrated the 10th Annual Dick Shappy & New England Region Cadillac LaSalle Club Show at our Warwick, RI, residence overlooking Narragansett Bay. Over 70 stunning Cadillacs, LaSalles, and select classic vehicles graced the lawn under perfect skies, uniting enthusiasts from across New England.

The event was bittersweet as we mourn the loss of our beloved club member and friend, John Ricci, who passed away on October 7th, 2025, shortly after the show. John's impeccable 1934 Cadillac Convertible Coupe earned the prestigious Best of Show award, a testament to his lifelong dedication to automotive preservation and his infectious enthusiasm for these magnificent machines. A devoted family man, skilled craftsman, and proud Rhode Island native, John’s passion for classics shone through in his cherished restorations, particularly his award-winning 1934 Cadillac Convertible Coupe, meticulously restored over years with his family. His legacy will forever inspire our community.

The show also featured young Ryker Shappy, Dick’s grandnephew, proudly debuting his late grandfather Bob Shappy’s 1961 BMW R69S motorcycle, which won Best European Motorcycle—a poignant family moment. Ten years in, it’s about legacy—John’s, Bob’s, and now Ryker’s.

A 1948 Indian Chief was raffled, with proceeds benefiting Charlie Mike Racing—a veterans’ charity that funds adrenaline therapy for veterans. The motorcycle was also awarded Best in Show, adding to the event’s memorable moments.

Chifferobe Atelier’s Tropigals, led by Kristen Minsky, brought vintage swing dance to our show, their '20s-'30s frocks complementing our Cadillacs. Their lively performance sparked cheers and impromptu twirls.

Save the date for our 11th Annual Show in 2026—invitations coming soon!

The Boston Cup:

A Showcase of Timeless Elegance and Bold Winners

On September 28th, 2025, the Boston Cup—one of New England’s premier classic car events—transformed Boston Common into a symphony of steel and style for its 14th annual edition. Over 100 collector cars competed under the autumn sun, celebrating the Northeast’s finest restorations.

Among the highlights was our stunning 1917 Locomobile Model 48 Dual Cowl Sportif Body by Farnham and Nelson, a masterpiece that previously won the prestigious Zenith Award at an earlier show. This rare vehicle, with its bold design and impeccable craftsmanship, captivated attendees and reaffirmed Dick Shappy Vintage Auto Sales’ commitment to preserving automotive history. The Locomobile’s appearance at the Boston Cup was a testament to its enduring legacy and the meticulous care taken in its restoration.

Spotlight on Winners: Josh Sweeney’s Tiny Triumph

The crowd went wild for Best of Show winner Joshua Sweeney’s ultra-rare 1992 Autozam AZ-1, a Japanese kei-car icon with gullwing doors and mid-engine magic. This pint-sized powerhouse, imported and impeccably maintained by Sweeney (a talented photographer known for capturing concours magic), edged out heavy hitters in a peer-vote. His win underscores the Boston Cup’s love for the unexpected gems that redefine "classic."

Alan Rouleau: Tailoring Timeless Style

Adding flair to the festivities was master custom tailor Alan Rouleau, whose bespoke suits turned heads as much as the cars. Dressing event VIPs in sharp tuxedos and sport coats inspired by Gilded Age elegance, Rouleau hosted a pop-up atelier on the Common. Spotted mingling at the post-show party with Sweeney and Dick Shappy, Alan’s touch elevated the event’s sophistication. Look for his custom pieces in next year’s lineup!

With new competitive classes and a vibrant afterparty, the Boston Cup proved once again why it’s among the nation’s top five shows. Discover more at thebostoncup.com.

Boston’s Finest on Display:

The Gathering at Audrain:

Stars, Stories, and Supercars Unite

Kicking off the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week on October 3rd, 2025, The Gathering at Rough Point Museum transformed Doris Duke's historic estate into a haven for automotive icons and celebrity enthusiasts. Under sunny Newport skies, over 200 rare vehicles—from pre-war phaetons to modern hypercars—gathered on the lawns, drawing a crowd of collectors, restorers, and fans.

Renowned restorer Wayne Carini, star of Chasing Classic Cars, made waves with the launch of his memoir Steering Through Life. Signing copies amid the chrome and curves, Wayne shared tales of barn finds and barnstorming restorations, captivating attendees with his signature wit.

Adding star power, Jay Leno headlined the noon talk, delivering a hilarious stand-up set followed by an intimate Q&A on everything from his Big Dog Garage collection to the evolution of American muscle. Leno's energy electrified the crowd, especially during his chat with Donald Osborne. Dick Shappy was spotted deep in conversation with both, swapping notes on Cadillac V-16s and the thrill of the hunt.

A thrilling moment came when Dick met Nate Burleson, former NFL star and CBS sports analyst, at The Gathering. Making his Audrain debut, Nate revealed he’d admired Dick’s Cadillac legacy since his football days. The two “Cadillac men” bonded over chrome, curves, and classic car history, their energy lighting up the event.

This intimate kickoff set the tone for a week of elegance, with live music, luxury tents, and that unmistakable scent of polished history in the air. A must-attend for any gearhead!

Gathering highlights:

Audrain Newport Concours:

Ryker Steals the Show,

Jay Leno Brings the Star Power

On October 5th, 2025, the 6th Annual Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week lit up Newport, RI, against its stunning Gilded Age backdrop. With over 100 vintage vehicles and a record-breaking Cars & Coffee, the event was a triumph of automotive passion.

Ryker Shappy’s Show-Stopping Debut

Dick Shappy, legendary car collector with decades of expertise, passed the spotlight to his grandnephew Ryker this year. In his first-ever concours appearance, Ryker showcased a pristine 1961 BMW R69S motorcycle, a heartfelt tribute to his late grandfather, Bob Shappy. Dick and Ryker attended the car show on Sunday, soaking in the Bellevue Car Display where Ryker’s BMW turned heads. “Watching Ryker honor Bob was my proudest moment,” Dick Shappy.

Jay Leno Brings the Star Power

On Sunday, October 5th, Dick and Ryker joined their friend Jay Leno at the concours, where they were photographed together, celebrating their shared love for classic vehicles. Leno, a longtime pal of Dick’s, hosted the star-studded fundraising gala at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, emceeing with anecdotes from his Big Dog Garage and spotlighting homologation heroes like the Porsche 911 GT3. Joined by Donald Osborne for a seminar on "Form & Function," Leno’s insights on design—from road to wrist—drew thunderous applause. Newport has the best backdrop for cars—only the good ones show up here—while toasting winners like the Boch Collection’s entries. See more exclusive photos on our social media!

Discover more about this unforgettable event at audrainconcours.com.

Concours glamour:

What truly sets this vehicle apart is its verified provenance: Registered to 1031 Chicago Avenue in Oak Park, Illinois—the historic Walter Gale House, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's earliest independent commissions from 1893. Designed at age 26 after leaving Adler & Sullivan, the house blends Queen Anne elements like its prominent turret and shingled roof with hints of Wright's emerging Prairie style, including curved diamond-paned windows. Commissioned by Walter H. Gale of a prominent local family, it stands as a foundational work in Wright's oeuvre, restored in 1977 and preserved in Oak Park's architectural heritage district. This tie links the car to a landmark of American modernism, offering a rare crossover for enthusiasts of both automotive and design history.