Cars on Fifth in Naples: Ferraris, BMWs, auto auction, 650 cars ... that's how they roll

A city that loves cars will get Valentine's Day two weeks early.

A 100-car auction will align with the annual Cars on Fifth events to expand what was one day for car-gazing into four days celebrating high-appeal, high-end vehicles. Now known as the Naples Automotive Experience, it's set for Feb. 3-6, and all events will benefit St. Matthews House homeless shelter and rehabilitation center.

This was natural growth, say officials of the Ferrari Club of America, Naples chapter, which has been sponsoring Cars on Fifth for 18 years. Some 650 cars with come-hither features will angle neatly down Fifth Avenue South and spill out onto several side streets in a wide-ranging exhibition of automotive design, technology and engineering passion. 

If that's not enough, the Ben Allen Band is among the entertainment. 

Show at capacity, but room elsewhere

Steve Brooder, CEO of St. Matthew's House, said he's been told Cars on Fifth, this year 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, is the biggest one-day event in Naples. Bruce Barone Jr., executive director of the Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District, agreed.

Even during the pandemic, in 2021, it attracted 21,100 attendees, he said via email, and before the pandemic; in 2020, the number was 29,900: "It brings in visitors from all over the world."

Those who want to dine are smart to make restaurant reservations. The closing hour attracts major crowds for its "drive-off" at 4 p.m. that lets the cars do the wheeled equivalent of a hip roll through Naples. They parade down Fifth Avenue before they peel off and go in their various directions. 

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The additional events cater to a strong affection for cars in a sunny climate without road salt and snow. At least seven car clubs operate in Southwest Florida, and they will have members in Cars on Fifth.

The show may have grown to capacity for vehicles, but not for the public appetite. To keep a number of ultra high-end Ferraris protected during the growing show, the club has instituted a $100 VIP "Scuderia" section two blocks away.

It offers drinks and nibbles like mini chicken-and-waffles and pimento cheese puffs, along with intimate views of its highest-ticket cars, the ones most of us only see in foreign films. There are restrooms, a relaxation area and a shuttle to and from Cars on Fifth. (Tickets for all events are available at stmatthewshouse.org/cars)

They found a pro with their standards

This is the second auction for the group, but its first with a professional team from the Saratoga Automobile Museum. 

"They're the pros. They do the auctions like Mecum or Barrett-Jackson," Brooder said of the nation's major commercial auctioneers based in Walworth, Wisconsin, and Scottsdale, Arizona.

The difference, said Tom O'Riordan, president of the Naples Ferrari Club, is that Saratoga is a nonprofit like St. Matthews House; its emphasis is historic preservation and education. The proceeds, a percentage of the auction income, will be split between two nonprofits.

"We've got someone we know and trust, with similar DNA, similar values to what we have here in the Ferrari club," O'Riordan said.

Further, it has the experience the local organization does not. The cars will be under contract so they can't be sold before the auction, and owners and auctioneers negotiate a reserve price below which the car can't be sold. 

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That's critically important when you're auctioning off a sleek V-8 Ferrari with its highest resource hidden inside: one of the last naturally aspirated V-8 engines that rumbles like a jungle cat at traffic lights and whines like a hornet whine at high speeds. 

O'Riordan is doing his part to bring unusual cars in for the auction: "I think I have 20,000 names of car owners — all over the U.S., but a lot of them in Florida — and they have a network of 30,000 cars themselves. So all of those people are being contacted." Auctions with cars that haven't sold over their reserve and car dealers are also in play.

That means buyers can bid on some late model cars for everyday driving. Ritopecki sees late model Mercedes Benzes and BMWs on the list. But a number of cars are art with tires:

• A 1959 Ford Skyliner, the only convertible with a retractable hard top
• An Ocean Blue 1949 Chrysler Town and Country convertible in nearly original condition, with white ash wood trim, Art Deco ornamentation and tires white walled to the brim
• A hunter green 1973 Porche 911E, known for its mechanical fuel injection engines and performance handling
• An offbeat consignment, a 1964 Mercury Comet in "a perfect Florida color, kind of a cool aqua green," said Dan Ritopecki, auction coordinator for the Saratoga museum. "With the aqua vinyl (interior), it's spectacular. It's probably a $12,000-$13,000 car. It's not very expensive, but very cool, a great design."

Ritopecki has been making trips to Florida for consignment analysis. The auction is still accepting cars (see the website for details), and Ritopecki had appointments through earlier this month that involved walking carefully around the car to inspect its frame, any telltale signs of fill material in the metal that signal an accident, its ownership and obvious changes in materials."

"They’re very thorough. When you put a car up it has to be pretty much perfect. It can't be damaged. It can’t have any liens on it. People will bid on it by the knowledge you receive on it," explained Dennis Flint. 

Automotive Experience still formative

Flint, who's on the board of the Naples Ferrari organization and St. Matthew's House, is the link to the Saratoga museum. He also has a home in Saratoga Springs, and has been a major supporter of the museum. As a member of its Silver Arrow Society, has brought Saratogans down to experience Cars on Fifth in past years.

He pointed out the opportunities at the auction in a year following a breakdown in production everywhere over the pandemic: "If you put an order in for a Lamborghini, you may get it 2023, but you could find one right here at the auction."

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A list of cars will be available the week before the auction Friday, Feb. 4, at Ultimate Garages of Naples. The auction is open to registered bidders only, but bidding can be by phone or online as well as in-person; bidder passes are $200. A VIP area for in-person bidders is $300. 

O'Riordan's goal for the show has been for it to grow in scope and ability to raise funds for St. Matthew's House.

"The first show we had we had 20 cars and raised $200," he said, reflecting on its history. "Last year we had 650 cars and raised half a million dollars." 

The fledgling Naples Automotive Experience has overtones of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, but it's dedicated to wheels. A Thursday night, Feb. 3, reception to kick off the weekend is back for its third time, situated in the Jet Park of the Naples Airport.

"We have some great airplanes coming, a helicopter, several boats and some phenomenal high-end cars," he said of the reception. With tickets at $300 and up, patrons can saunter among the luxury transportation with a drink and nosh on baja peninsula mini tacos, bourbon meatballs and more.

There's a Sunday morning poker run, but buyers and Cars on Fifth entrants have first option for the limited tickets. It includes a gourmet lunch in LaBelle, catered by Delicious by Design, the St. Matthew's House caterers.

A long-term goal is to have a Friday event as well: an entertainer who is a car aficionado, such as comedian Jay Leno, O'Riordan said. This year it has already filled a bus with visitors who will see a musical Friday night at Artis—Naples. And on Friday morning that week, Naples' own car museum, the Revs Institute, likely has a good number of visitor tours booked.

The two see the whole concept as almost organic to this city.

"Naples is a car town," Flint declared.

Harriet Howard Heithaus covers arts and entertainment for the Naples Daily News/naplesnews.com. Reach her at 239-253-8936.

Opening reception: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3; Jetport area of Naples Airport $300-$500

Naples Motorcar Auction: Noon-4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4; Ultimate Garages of Naples, 3101 Terrace Ave, Naples; $200 registration in-person, online or by phone; $300 for VIP area 

Cars on Fifth: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5; Fifth Avenue South business district $30, $60 for family pass, $100 for VIP Scuderia access with shuttle to and from the event; 

Sunday Poker Run and Last Chance auction: Details TBA

Something else: Sponsors may call Nick Porter at 239-774-0500, ext. 161, or by email at nporter@stmatthewshouse.org. Volunteers may  call mmendoza@stmatthewshouse.org or call 239-774-0500, ext.114