GIACOMO CIACCIA INTERVIEW

From where does your interest in exotic automobiles originate?

I’ve loved cars since I was a kid; all cars.

What was the first car you ever owned?

You don’t wanna know! [laughs]

No, c’mon, tell us.

It was a 1989 Toyota Celica; yellow. I had so many problems with that car. But I loved it; it was my car. Oh, that car…

What experience do you have with exotic automobiles?

Well, I started working at Alfa Romeo’s headquarters in New Jersey, back in 1986. By 1988, I was working at Ferrari North America, where I stayed for ten years. I left FNA to start managing Ferrari of Long Island. When Ferrari of New England opened, I assisted with managing that location as well. I went back and forth until things were regulated, then I stayed with Long Island.

What does Universal Autosports provide that consumers can’t get anywhere else?

A family atmosphere. That’s first and foremost. You come in here, you’re family. It doesn’t matter if you’re here to buy a car if you’re just browsing and want to see what’s in the showroom. We welcome you; we want you to come in and be a part of our family in some capacity.

What advice can you give to consumers looking to buy an exotic car?

Have fun doing it. Everyone always says, “Do this, don’t do that, watch for those, take caution with these, be careful, watch, etc.” Just have fun; if you enjoy every part of the process, you can’t go wrong.

Can you tell us about Count Roffredo Gaetani d’Aragona and how he inspired you?

I met Roffredo in 1990. He came to FNA in a 512 BB that he would drive all over the city. He was the man. He and Montezemolo and Luigi Buitoni were inseparable. He turned Ferrari of Long Island into a family dealership. He made buying a car fun and easy; everyone enjoyed coming in to see Roffredo.