• Alternate Text
  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

Gems of car world showcased at Sarasota Yacht Club show


  • By Dana Kampa
  • | 7:00 a.m. March 17, 2025
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

The appeal of unique vehicles for hobbyists is their surprising locations; for example, this year's YachtRodders car show.

Thirty-some exhibitors showcased their stunning vehicles Saturday afternoon on the Sarasota Yacht Club lawn, where particularly sunny skies brought out the radiant shimmer of rare original paint coats and allowed convertible car owners to pop the tops.

Of particular historical interest was the 1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino showcased by Oaks Automotive Enthusiasts Club member Nathan Clary on behalf of a private collector who is a SYC member and has owned the car for three years. 

It is one of only three cars produced in the color "verde medio nijinsky," an extraordinarily bright green with olive undertones. Even among the trio, this car is unique for being the only one built for the United States, from new, in the color — the other two being in Europe.

1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino
Photo by Dana Kampa

Beyond its physical attributes, the vehicle holds a distinct place in history for its ownership history. The first buyer was Beverly Hills socialite Sandra West, who notably is buried in one of her other Ferraris, a 1964 Ferrari 300 America.

The Dino escaped entombment and has accumulated fewer than 10,000 miles since the 1970s, continuing its journey to a collector in Texas — who painted the car red. California-based Legendary Motorcars rediscovered and restored the car to its original color in 2017, completing its journey in Osprey, Florida.

Chairs Bill Hadley and Vic Lippa said the show, held annually in the spring and fall, allows YachtRodders to share such one-of-a-kind rides with fellow members.

"We have such beautiful cars here today," he said. "They're absolutely incredible."

Hadley shared his own 2025 Corvette Stingray Z51, a surprise gift for his wife that he presented at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. 

Ron Manganiello took pride in getting to exhibit his Austin Healey, a British sports car, considering it was a lifelong dream of his to own one, made extra challenging by the fact founder Donald Healey left the company in 1968, and the last production model in 1972.

"It doesn't even have a radio," he said. "Car people will tell you, you want to hear the sound of the engine."

Other favored car brands included Porsche, BMW and Ferrari.

Adrianna and Ron Manganiello wave from the oldest car at the show, a 1966 Austin Healey in Colorado red.
Photo by Dana Kampa

Jonathan Moore took the opportunity to share his 2019 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS, which has a top speed of 195 mph. He said he looked for this particular model for more than three years, with the highly sought-after vehicle repeatedly disappearing from markets nearly as quickly as listed.

By Christmas miracle, he saw the listing for on the eve of the holiday, and he drove 1,100 miles to Pennsylvania to lock down a deal.

"There was a snowstorm, it was Christmas, and it was the end of the year," he said.

But the harrowing journey to get the "red devil" proved successful, and the car with only 7,000 miles on it shipped to its new home in Sarasota.

Moore said he enjoys the camaraderie of the yacht club and was proud to participate in this season's show for the first time as an exhibitor.

Renae Fjugstad exhibited her 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet.

"It's a European car, which means it has a bigger engine than most of the American cars that came out that year," she said, pointing out the pearl white leather interior and roll bar that was only included in cars manufactured that year.

Renae and her husband, Geir, travel almost every weekend to showcase their vehicles in acclaimed car shows, but they were particularly excited to share them with close friends at the club.

Nathan Clary parks a one-of-a-kind 1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino at the YachtRodders spring car show.
Nathan Clary parks a one-of-a-kind 1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino at the YachtRodders spring car show.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Renae Fjugstad smiles from the drivers seat of her 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
Renae Fjugstad smiles from the drivers seat of her 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Renae and Geir Fjugstad exhibit their 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider.
Renae and Geir Fjugstad exhibit their 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Club members check out a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette.
Club members check out a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Jan Anderson, who has been a member of the Sarasota Yacht Club for 31 years, brings her 2018 Jaguar, pointing out the elegant lines of the car's design.
Jan Anderson, who has been a member of the Sarasota Yacht Club for 31 years, brings her 2018 Jaguar, pointing out the elegant lines of the car's design.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Nathan Clary shares the story of the Ferrari that narrowly escaped entombment.
Nathan Clary shares the story of the Ferrari that narrowly escaped entombment.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Sven Kuhnle exhibited his 2011 Maserati GranTurismo.
Sven Kuhnle exhibited his 2011 Maserati GranTurismo.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Johnathan Moore pops the top on his 2019 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS, which has a top speed of 195 mph.
Johnathan Moore pops the top on his 2019 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS, which has a top speed of 195 mph.
Photo by Dana Kampa
10-week-old Odie and owner Luke Lapham, visiting from the Clearwater Yacht Club, give the YachtRodder car show two paws up.
10-week-old Odie and owner Luke Lapham, visiting from the Clearwater Yacht Club, give the YachtRodder car show two paws up.
Photo by Dana Kampa
YachtRodders members peruse the cars at the spring showcase.
YachtRodders members peruse the cars at the spring showcase.
Photo by Dana Kampa
2021 McLaren 720S Spider
2021 McLaren 720S Spider
Photo by Dana Kampa
Ron Manganiello recently restored his 1966 Austin Healey in Colorado red.
Ron Manganiello recently restored his 1966 Austin Healey in Colorado red.
Photo by Dana Kampa

 

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.

Latest News

This truck was driven by 67-year-old Edward O'Neil when he was arrested on charges of attempting to lure two minor girls into the vehicle.
  • May 20, 2026
Sarasota man charged with luring minor girls
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote
  • May 20, 2026
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote
The 1.2-mile stretch of North Tamiami Trail from Myrtle Street north will be resurfaced and safety features enhanced.
  • May 20, 2026
Resurfacing on the way to North Tamiami Trail
Each townhome features a two-car garage and a rooftop terrace.
  • May 20, 2026
Lakewood Ranch development under construction after 20 years of setbacks

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content

The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in Neighbors

Karen and Gregg Sweeney, Chris and Cathy Goglia, and Debbie McPeak socialize at the Longboat Key Club's farewell lawn party on May 15.
  • May 20, 2026
Longboaters jam with Big Z Band to close out season
In a room packed with family members — adjacent to another room with several times as many additional friends — longtime Longboat Key resident Harold Goldstein celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11 at Rosemary and Thyme.
  • May 19, 2026
100 years young takes on new meaning for mold-breaker Harold Goldstein
Author Susan Hanafee speaks to the evolution of the character Leslie Elliott, who goes on a truth-seeking adventure set in Sarasota in the murder mystery "Scavenger Tides." Bird Key Women's Association members read the book before hearing from the author at their May 13 meeting.
  • May 18, 2026
Local murder-mystery author shares insights with Bird Key group
Photographer Rick Waid looks on as curator Anita Pihl affixes a blue ribbon to his piece, "Wild Mare with Foal," at the May 12 reception for a gallery by local photographers up now at Plymouth Harbor.
  • May 18, 2026
Local photographers get exposure at new Plymouth Harbor showcase
Debby Debile joins fellow Longboaters in enjoying a relaxing afternoon at The Paradise Center, where a summer kick-off event featured tea and coloring.
  • May 17, 2026
It's time for tea on Longboat Key
Instructor Suzy Brenner leads her "Stretch and Strengthen" class for the first official activity following The Paradise Center reopening on Sept. 29 at Longboat Island Chapel.
  • May 14, 2026
The Paradise Center expands digital classes

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.


Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free