Ferraris on Oak Street took place on Sunday, June 11th from 11:00am to 3:00pm on historic Oak Street between Michigan Avenue and State Street. A distinguished collection of more than 80 Ferraris were on display for this "Oak Street-style" celebration of the onset of summer in Chicago and one of the most exotic automobiles ever created.

Chicagoans and visitors had the opportunity to view these extraordinary cars up close, purchase raffle tickets for spectacular prizes and shop along the famous street -- as most of the retailers are open for business -- creating a Ferrari and Fashion-Fabulous day!

Organized in a partnership between the Oak Street Council and the Ferrari Club of America (Central States Region), the fourth annual event was spectacular, Ferrari owners and lovers from across the Midwest displayed their Ferraris on a red-carpeted, white French barricaded, Ferrari-flagged Oak Street.

Hard to believe this was the seventh year of the largest Italian car gathering in the Chicago area. From its humble beginnings in July 2000 at The Car Club in Vernon Hills, IL where the cars outnumbered the available spaces, Automobili Italiane has really grown to become a not-to-be-missed event in the Midwest area. Organized by members of the Ferrari Club of America Central States Chapter, the event features static displays of all types of Italian cars and motorcycles, both judged and display-only categories, drive-by trophy presentations, and several vendors exhibiting a wide range of products and services including artwork and photography, car care products, and automotive apparel.

As is so often the case in the Midwest, the weather was a bit of a gamble once again. The forecast called for possible rain during the week leading up to the event, but luck prevailed and Sunday remained dry, as it has since the event’s inception. The kicker was on Saturday when the cars were to be placed on the fairway. The Eaglewood catered a delicious outdoor welcome reception/buffet for event participants Saturday evening, but the threat of late afternoon thundershowers kept some folks away. The threat of rain soon turned to reality, but resort staff quickly gathered everything up and moved it all into an indoor banquet room overlooking the fairway. Unfortunately, it also meant another detail job for those who had already placed their cars. By Sunday morning, the rain had passed but there was still a chance for another round of afternoon showers.

As the field took shape, all manner of Italian cars made their appearance to be admired by the spectators. The Ferraris made up the largest group, with a couple of highlights being a 333SP and a stunning 250PF Cabriolet, which ultimately won Best of Show honors. Other clubs showing large turnouts were the Allantes with their Pininfarina bodywork, the Alfa Romeos and Fiats/Etceterini each with about twenty examples. Once again, the Maseratis were scarce with only two vehicles eligible for judging, but beautiful cars they were. A carefully prepared red 1980 Merak SS and a 2006 GranSport vied for judges’ votes, with the Merak taking class honors. Several other new Maseratis were shown for display by co-sponsor Continental Ferrari/Maserati, including a Quattroporte Sport GT and GranSport Spyder, thoughtfully positioned in a trident pattern on one of the greens overlooking the fairway. And the weather held out – sunny, 80s, and no rain! After the awards were presented, the winners drove off with their trophies, and the volunteers packed up the displays, the event was declared a success with bigger plans in store for next year.. So, why so few Maseratis at the Midwest events? I know the cars are out there, but why aren’t they being shown? Of course there are fewer Maseratis than some other Italian marques, but still... these are special cars with a special history and deserve to shown and admired by the public. They’re all welcome – racers, GTs, Biturbos, and current models. If they’re dirty, clean ‘em up. If they’re not running, fix ‘em. If they’re not 95+ pointers, bring ‘em anyway. But please get the cars out. If you have suggestions or ideas for events that would increase the numbers of cars at the Midwest events, please let me know.