IAP Customer Appreciation Day 2011

Ominous clouds and the threat of rain could not stop a wonderful group of car enthusiasts and their vehicles from rolling into the International Auto Parts headquarters this past Saturday. Our third annual Customer Appreciation Day (this year we also celebrating our 40th year in business) was a tremendous success!

Over 70 cars showed up on Sept. 17 for a wonderful day of tech sessions, hands-on workshops, and car talk. The event was scheduled to run from 9:00 - 2:00 but we had other attendees in the parking lot an hour before and hours after!

"This day is a great opportunity for us to say thank you to our customers. This year was particularly special since we are celebrating our 40th year in business. It was great to have the opportunity to speak to customers and see their cars. We are already looking forward to next year's event," said Paul Opiela, Founder of International Auto Parts.

The turnout was impressive but easily surpassed by the quality of the cars in attendance. "We had owners from as far away as Tennessee. All the cars seem to be getting better and better and with an outstanding Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, this IAP customer appreciation day was the best," said Opiela.

During the show, customers voted for the "best of the best" in seven categories. This year we had our first tie! In total nine enthusiasts walked away with plaques and plaudits from the other attendees. You'll be reading about these cars and others in future catalog and e-mail articles. For now, enjoy these photos from the show!

Award Winners:

• Best Alfa Romeo Spider: Alex Sullivan 1960 Alfa Giulietta
• Best Alfa Romeo Coupe/Sedan: Three way tie!
• Chris Thompson 1960 Alfa Sprint
• Russell Jones 1958 Alfa Sprint Veloce
• Judge Parker 1979 Alfa Alfetta
• Best Fiat Spider: Lawrence Fuccella 1980 Fiat Spider
• Best Fiat Coupe/Sedan: Chris Fumagalli 1973 Fiat 124
• Best 2012 Fiat 500: Nick Vadala 2012 Fiat 500
• Best Fiat x1/9: Todd Rosenthal 1987 Fiat X1/9
• Best Special Interest Car: Sharon & Jim Dillard 2008 Alfa 8C Competizione

Thanks to all who attended. We had a wonderful time and we’re already looking forward to next year. We'll look forward to seeing you (and your cars) again next year!