The Difference Between a Collector & an Enthusiast

Thursday night marked the 2014 annual Cruisin’ the 50’s Classic Car Show in downtown Newburyport, Massachusetts featuring hundreds of vintage automobiles from throughout New England, but none was more impressive than this year’s Mystery Car.

Spectators lined State Street early for a VIP glimpse of the highly anticipated Gem of a Car. Many buzzed with excitement taking guessing at its make and model.

“Lamborghini!” said one man. “No, no, it’s the Ferrari from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” said another.

One by one the rest of the vehicles cruised into position, with proud owners perfectly angling their beauties throughout State, Inn and Pleasant Streets until….

A GORGEOUS 1948 Delahaye purred into its special spot in front of Newburyport VIP M.K. Benatti Jewelers on State and Middle Streets.

Wearing a brilliant smile, Parisian cap, Delahaye owner Bruce Male of Swampscott, MA set his classic auto in position as attendants quickly closed the red velvet ropes before viewers circled the luxurious lady for a closer look.

Myself included, I could smell the leather putting my iPhone to good use, including posing for a shameful selfie with the car’s owner as he told me more about his treasure.

“She was hand-built in 1948 in Paris, France and found in India,” said Bruce.

After a quick Breaking #NewburyportNews video upload to Newburyport.com’s Facebook page, Bruce turned to me and said, “So do you want to know the rest of the story?”

“You know I do Bruce,” I fired back!

“In 92′ I was with my wife in London when I first say her (the Delahaye). She was scheduled to be a centerpiece that week in the Coye Auction. So I made a deal that if I purchased her, I would still showcase the car in the auction since all the promotional materials and advertisements were anchored on her presence. Well, that night I almost lost her when someone came within $25,000 of the reserve,” beamed Bruce.

Bruce, who I jokingly called ‘Bruce Wayne’ then taught me the difference between a Car Collector and an Automobile Enthusiast.

“Collectors buy cars, clean them up and store them. Enthusiasts find cars and drive the heck out of them,” said Bruce.

When asked which category he falls into…

“Well, I drove her here didn’t I?” Bruce said with a wink.

Touche Bruce, touche.

When not Cruisin’ the 50’s in his Delayhe, Bruce can be found Vintage Racing in Europe and throughout the U.S. behind the wheels of various Ferraris and Macerates.