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’19 Governor’s Cup Rallye Stops in Globe

Rally drivers gathered at the Old Train Depot in downtown Globe for a lunch stop. Photo by LCGross

The Governor’s Cup Revival made a lunch stop in Globe on Friday, Oct. 25, offering participants a great meal and area residents a chance to see some amazing vintage cars.

Organized in 1984 by Allen and Carol Nallie, Arizona’s Governor’s Cup Rallye was the predecessor to many vintage charity rallies that followed. The event benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona.

As the president of Fred Harvey Corporation at the time, Allen Nallie wanted to promote renovation of the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, while evoking memories of a historic event staged shortly after the turn of the century.

In Nallie’s words, “Arizona Territorial Governors Hunt and Campbell, who alternated in the job, wanted to promote the new (gravel) road connecting the territorial capital, Prescott, to the Grand Canyon.”

Today, the event takes place over three days, with participants required to make the trip in period dress. The group made its first stop in downtown Globe after traveling north on State Highway 188. Catered by Jordan Johnson, with Vida e Caffe, lunch was served at the 1910 Historic Train Depot. 

Rallye organizers Scott and Gerri Dames, of Scottsdale, said this year’s event brought out more than 60 people and nearly 30 cars, which ranged from 1957 through some rare, modern exotics.

The outfits chosen were as varied as those who wore them.

For driving their 1965 Corvette with 68,000 original miles, Larry and Jan Pfirtzenmaier, of Sonoita, chose a military theme, honoring those—including Larry—who were in military training in the late 60s, he said.

Married in 1973, Chuck and Ava Stanford, of Scottsdale, drove their 1970 Mercedes Benz, choosing a California-themed, 1970s Hollywood look, complete with flowing blonde tresses. Photo by LCGross

“There were many Corvette owners in the service,” Larry said. “I am matching my outfit to my experience with cars.”

Terry and Darlene Larson, of Mesa, chose Western attire in memory of their dear friend Norman Dewis, who passed away in June. From 1952 to 1985, Dewis was the chief test driver and development engineer for Jaguar Cars.“He was from England but he loved Arizona,” said Terry Larson. “He was a Western fanatic.”

The Larsons drove their “mostly original” 1966 Jaguar XKE Roadster in the rallye. 

Married in 1973, Chuck and Ava Stanford, of Scottsdale, drove their 1970 Mercedes Benz, choosing a California-themed, 1970s Hollywood look, complete with flowing blonde tresses.

Referring to the Benz, Chuck Stanford said, “These cars don’t come out everyday. They come out on a gorgeous day when there are good roads to travel.”

On the subject of hair, Corina Curtis, of Scottsdale, admitted to ratting hers in honor of the 1966 Shelby GT350 Ford Mustang she owns with husband Alex.

For his part, Alex sported his 1966 letter sweater from the year he graduated Orme School in Mayer.

With her own Arizona pedigree, Corina’s great grandfather was William Jordan Flake, co-founder of the Town of Snowflake in 1878.

Father and son duo Christian and Devon Roe, of Scottsdale, drove their 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC in the rallye while dressed as “Italian mafia guys.”

The Roes with their vintage Ferrari. The interior was completely restored. Photo by LCGross

Dad Christian bought the car in 2004 and is its third owner. The car was originally sold in Switzerland to a TWA pilot who ordered it and had it shipped to the United States.

The Roes had the Ferrari completely restored, which included sending the interior to Italy because “they have the best stitchers.”

Though Christian is an executive with Discount Tire, where Devon is also an employee, the Roes are unable to buy tires at work for a 1967 Ferrari, he explained with a chuckle.

The car, which Christian described as “so rare,” boasts a V-12 engine which can easily cruise at 100 mph, he said.

Dad has been collecting cars—primarily MGs—since he was the age of son Devon, who is a senior at Chaparral High School.

Devon has grown up with Dad collecting cars and enjoys taking road trips with him. “We go to all kinds of these events,” Christian said. 

After the lunch stop in Globe, the group planned to take Highway 60 to Show Low then onto Canyon de Chelly, including a stay at Thunderbird Lodge, before heading home on Monday.

 

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