Richard has been an auto enthusiast since the age of three, when he startled his parents with his ability to identify a Ford from a Chevy from a Plymouth. He spent his childhood reading automobile magazines and assembling plastic car models. High school (the prestigious Regis H.S. in New York City) and college (a B.A. in economics from SUNY Stony Brook) led people to erroneously conclude that he would pursue a “traditional” professional career. Instead, he took a job as an apprentice mechanic at a Honda/Volvo/Alfa Romeo dealership, and over the next seven years at three different retailers, worked his way up to Service Advisor, Assistant Service Manager, and Service Manager. The goal of working for an imported car distributor was realized when he accepted a job with Volvo Cars of North America, where he remained for the next twenty-three years. His final position there was Manager of the Technical Engineering Department.
Just months after graduating college, he dove head-first into the collector car hobby by purchasing a 1957 Ford Skyliner retractable hardtop, on which he performed his first engine rebuild. After the Ford came a Dodge Dart convertible, an old Volvo, and an MGB, none of which stuck around very long. The hobby car he kept the longest (thirty-five years) and of which he is most proud, is his 1957 BMW Isetta “bubble car,” which underwent a five-year restoration with Richard performing 100% of the mechanical work. The Isetta went on to win multiple awards at various car shows on the East Coast. A Mazda Miata joined the fleet in 1998 and stuck around for twenty-eight years.
Richard’s first Italian car, a 1970 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe, got him through college before the tin worm caused its demise. That car created an everlasting love for anything Italian, and at present, he owns a 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia coupe. Richard is a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) and composes a monthly column called “Rich’s Ramblings” for the NJ Region’s monthly newsletter. He is also very active with the Alfa Romeo Owners Club (AROC), and is the editor for New Jersey Chapter’s quarterly newsletter. He is also a member of the Vintage Motor Car Club of America (VMCCA), the Volvo Club of America (VCOA), and the Road Map Collectors Association (RMCA).
My Alfa and I at the 2024 AACA Nationals in Saratoga Springs, NY
richardscarblog 
Hi Richard, I live in Rochester,NY. I’m looking to buy a 64 Marauder. I have a 65 Marauder. I would love to own this car. Can you put me in touch with Larry. Thanks George Nick cell 585-697-4487 home 585-323-1286 email gnick56@gmail.com
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Hi there, and thanks for your comment. The car is a ’63. The car will be sold at Mecum’s Harrisburg PA auction on July 30. If you’re interested in it, you’ll have to bid, as that is how Larry has decided to sell the car! Thanks again.
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Hey, Richard, Craig Johnson here, the guy who just posted about the Fiat 124 Sport Coupes. I did a search on line and discovered that you’re my age and that you live just south of me and just west of my office: I’m 64, I live in Randolph, just west of Morristown and my office is in Iselin. Small world! We should get together and talk cars some time. Email me at Craigj3534@optonline.net if you’re interested.
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Hey Richard, just a quick note to say hello from Bill and Marcie, and a big thanks for all the photos and information on the New England 1000. You were our inspiration to join the rally and we’ll continue to follow your blog and enjoy your car adventures. Hope to see you another rally in the future. Happy motoring !!
Bill and Marcie (Red 65 Vette)
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Hey Bill and Marcie, what a thrill to have met you! Your Corvette is awesome! I’m honored and humbled that you found me through this blog. Please keep reading, as I’ll be posting weekly exploits, both past and present. Hope to see you again at an event! All the best, Richard
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Hi Richard, really enjoyed reading your Isetta blogs. Perhaps you’d like to join this group https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBMWIsettaFanClub/
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Tried to subscribe but did not receive confirmation email, not even in spam. I’m using Gmail.
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Hi Richard,
I would like to invited you and your club to attend a FCA Penn/NJ Region Ferrari event. This event “Ferraris in the Park”
will be on 10/10/2020 at North Branch Park in Somerset, NJ from 9-2pm. If interested, please contact me
for details.
Pat Linton: Linton13@yahoo.com/917-853-0245 cell
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Hi Richard i have a 1969 duetto 1300 jr and came across your blog while searching how to replace my master cylinder. when searching your blogs i couldn’t find all your brake blogs help
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Hi there, and thanks for reading my blog. If you’re referring to the overhaul of the hydraulic system (caliper rebuild plus replacement of the master cylinder and all brake lines), this was covered on the blog in 8 parts. Part 1 was posted on Aug. 25, 2019, and Part 8 on Jun. 28, 2020. You can use the Search feature on the blog, or search for them via Google. Thanks for your interest! Best, Richard
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A dear friend and mentor (Mr. Maxwell) gave my son Max (named after him) a 1924 Maxwell touring sedan when he retired and downsized. While I don’t know much about them, we got it running and its fun to take it for a spin around the neighborhood. As it is 100 years old this year, I thought about taking it to a car show (its in decent shape but more of a driver than a show horse). Saw your post on the 2019 Hershey car show. Would that be the best one to go to? Seems like there might be more Maxwell parts, interest, etc. at that show than others.
Never done this before so any guidance is appreciated. I really need a “first time to Hershey” guide! 🙂
Thanks.
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Hi Monte, thanks for reading the blog, and thanks for the question. Your car sounds fascinating! It’s great that it’s running. Hershey is a great show, and the car would be very welcomed there. Some logistical issues: how far is Hershey from you? Do you own a trailer and a vehicle to pull the trailer? You might want to start by joining AACA National (www.aaca.org) and then joining the local AACA Regional club nearest you. There, instead of making the trek to Hershey right away, you can immerse yourself with like-minded hobbyists near you who can lend some guidance. Hope this helps! Best, Richard
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Hey Richard, Love the blog. Curious if you ever used a GPS tracker or have an knowledge about them for cars?
Thanks,
Scott
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Hi Scott, thanks for reading the blog! I’ve personally not used a GPS tracker, presuming you mean a device that would be hidden in a car, typically as an anti-theft measure. Not a bad idea, though, should a collector car ever be stolen. Best, Richard
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