The Stony Brook University Center for Italian Studies has rescheduled the 19th annual Robert D. Cess Concorso d’Eleganza Annual Celebration of Italian Vehicle Excellence and Beauty to Sunday, September 14. The event, originally planned for September 6, was postponed due to inclement weather.
This car show is free and open to the public. It will be held from 10 am to 1 pm in Parking Lot 2, off Circle Road, next to the Charles B. Wang Center and Tubman Hall. The show highlights “art forms on wheels” as a way of showcasing Italian culture, with various Italian vehicle groups participating.
The Concorso was established in 2006 by Mario Mignone, founder of the Center for Italian Studies, and Robert (“Bob”) Cess, a SoMAS Distinguished Professor recognized for his work in atmospheric sciences. Cess received the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal for his contributions.
According to the release: “Cass also loved classic Italian automobile design, and particularly enjoyed restoring post-war Alfa Romeos, which is what prompted him to approach Mignone about the possibility for a car show. Seeing an opportunity to further connect the center with the local Italian and Italian American community through shared praise of one of Italy’s finest exports, Mignone and Cess organized the first Concorso d’Eleganza on May 21, 2006.”
Further details and directions are available on the Center for Italian Studies website.