Visiting Aprilia and Ardea

Older Lancias are not common in the US - by older, meaning pre-Aurelia or Appia. So any chance to see one or go for a ride is a treat. A recent visit to New York led to an afternoon in the Connecticut countryside with two Lancia owners, Judy Stropus and Chuck Schoendorf. 
Judy is a legend in the auto sport world - having been involved in high level PR for racing teams for many decades. She's one the few people who could time multiple cars on a track by herself - up to 30 or 40 cars running, and all back in the day of three or four stopwatches. Amazing. 
She got the Ardea about 10 years ago, its her only "other" car. Its been in the New York area since Iggy Franciamore brought it over some decades ago - Iggy was a Lancia's serviceman in the 1960s, going around the US in a Jolly van, taking care of Lancia cars across the country. He even visited us in Chicago. 
The 1952 Ardea has done the California Mille in years past, and is a happy runner in its blue paint. Its accompanied here by Chuck's Aprilia berlina, from 1938, which apart from newer paint, is very original. Chuck was good enough to chauffeur for the afternoon, and the Aprilia was well behaved in 90 degree heat, without discomfort.
​Lovely to see the two cars and enjoyed the afternoon with two lovely people as well.