Roadster Salon
Roadster Salon, a great way to spend a Saturday
Many thanks to the guys at Roadster Salon for treating us to a couple hours at their shop on Saturday, September 29th. Ray and Robert were most accommodating in showing us their various works in progress including many Fiat 124s, ALFAs and a handful of Brits. It would seem the Fiats are their specialty but I saw some striking ALFA restorations.
In the early 1990's John Marchica started a small detail shop in Barrington called The Auto Spa. Auto Spa prospered and grew into a full fledged restoration shop. They do pretty much anything from interiors, cut and sewn on site, mechanical, electrical. You can even have your ride modernized to include the latest techno-gadgets such as a satellite controlled speedometer. Fortunately for the car guy world, John passed his passion for Italian aesthetics and design on to his son Ray. Since John’s passing in 2012 Ray and his wife have taken over and oversee every aspect of a restoration.
In 2013, echoing the success of the shop, they moved to their current location at 1201 S. Northwest Highway in Barrington. The showroom on the front of the building is packed completed cars ready to move to your garage. A green Duetto with wire wheels particularly grabbed my attention. The shop is a group of large work areas packed with cars. Up on the lift was a nice yellow Fiat 124 getting closer every day to completion. Other rooms were packed with cars so tight you could hardly walk through. I understand more cars are stored in a facility in downtown Barrington. Cars ranged in condition from “parts” cars to cars awaiting restoration. Even some on “death row” out behind the building.
I understand the “engine guy” is Robert D’Avola, brother of our friend Giovanni D’Avola. Mechanical aptitude surely must run in the family. Robert was our primary escort throughout the visit and had a story about most cars in the shop.
About 20-25 of our members came out for this visit, including a fellow named Tom who just bought a 4 C a week ago. I get the impression Tom will be joining us in the near future.
I also extend a hearty thanks to Wayne Toberman for putting this visit together. I will be posting some photos to our web site shortly so please take a look.
To contact Roadster Salon call Ray at (847) 769-7880 or visit their web site at www.roadstersalon.com. I’m sure you will find it to be a treat.
Sincerely,
Dennis M. Sbertoli, Pres.
