Auto dealer, former racer and Midwest 356 Club member John Weinberger is also an avid and discriminating collector of sports and recing cars from the 356 years.  So when he invited the club to see his collection, we eagerly accepted.

John's collection, like his business, leans heavily toward Italian marques, but among the Ferarris, Maseratis, Alfas and Abarths a couple of 356s were present to represent Germany. Although all the cars were spotless and shined, the stickers they wore and the battery tenders connected to each of them made it clear that these cars get exercised regularly at vintage events around the world.  This was not a museum, it was a stable, and it was exciting to be there.

Lisa Weinberger was on hand to speak to the guests about a charity she and John help to run in Chicago named ModaEsperanza.com, which markets, at fair trade prices, hand-crocheted ladies' handbags made by women in Honduras from colored thread and, of all things, recycled pop tabs from beverage cans.  The baqs are very nice--your Webmaster bought one for a lucky person on his holiday list, and you owe it to yourself to check them out as well.

Many thanks to John and Lisa for hosting this wonderful event.

John Weinberger, in the yellow sweater, introduces his wife, Lisa, who will welcome everyone and tell them about Moda Ezperanza.

photo by Curt Crowell

That white convertible is an early 1950s Lancia Aurelia.  An almost identical car was featured in Brigitte Bardot's first movie, And God Created Woman.

photo by Wally Wright

No, that is not a 1962 Roadster with a Speedster windshield fitted to it.  It's a 356C coupe that has been painstakingly converted into an outlaw Speedster.  Note the air ducts for the rear brakes where an earlier car would have the access caps for the rear torsion bars.

photo by Wally Wright

The engine of the outlaw Speedster generated considerable discussion of its unusual plumbing.

photo by Wally Wright

Betty Boop seemed quite taken with that fancy Italian fuel filler.  Or was she just flirting with the photographer?

photo by Wally Wright

John told the assembled guests a little about each car in the collection, beginning with this pre-war Fiat Balilla.

photo by Wally Wright

Frank Fleeger and Al Gordon share their impressions.

photo by Pat Yanahan

Ray Hoeffleur was on hand after a spell away from Club events.  It was good to see him again.

photo by Pat Yanahan