My Weekend at the Turtle Invitational
This year’s Turtle Invitational began for me with a trip down to New York alongside Parker from Parker’s Packards. Our transport for the weekend was a real showstopper: a tri-color 1955 Packard Caribbean. Only 500 were built that year, and its pastel scheme has earned it a nickname from my wife, the Neapolitan cookie.
We hauled the Caribbean to Coker Farm, parked in the trailer lot, and made our way over to Philip Richter’s Turtle Garage. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was welcoming. The food was exceptional, and the evening featured a panel of well-known automotive figures. The room fell quiet as stories of history, passion, and preservation unfolded. Everyone seemed to be savoring the chance to listen and connect. As a photographer, though, I had to keep moving. My job is not just to capture the speakers or the cars, but to chase the atmosphere that makes the Invitational special.
The next morning began with breakfast alongside Mike, Holly, and Shawn Palmgren. Mike, who runs Vintage Motorsports and has made a name for himself restoring 1980s three-wheelers, had brought along a new pipe for Philip’s Honda 350X. After a quick swap, he could not resist giving it a test, complete with a wheelie that set the tone for the day.
From there, we packed into the Caribbean and headed to the official start of the road tour at 1600 Veloce. The shop welcomed us with lunch and a tour of their facility before three groups of cars were lined up for the drive. I noticed four Mercedes that had been separated from their group, and I asked the organizers if they could join ours. To my delight, they agreed. That decision paid off with some spectacular photography opportunities as the cars wound through scenic roads.
Leading our convoy was one of the quirkiest machines of the weekend: a BMW Isetta Police car. Comically tiny, with its rear wheels tucked closer together than the front, it looked even funnier following behind a Ford GT. At one stoplight, the two were separated, which gave us the chance to lead the group as he was driving by himself. At the next light, the Isetta driver flicked on the blue light and an absurdly loud siren, hilariously oversized for such a small car.
The road tour was pure fun. Like any long ride in a convertible with the top down, the sun and wind eventually left me feeling worn out by the time we arrived at the Malcolm Pray Achievement Center for dinner. Another panel awaited, including my good friend Tom Cotter. Hearing him recount his legendary barn-find stories was a highlight. It was a reminder of how many forgotten treasures are still out there, waiting to be documented.
As the evening set in, I found myself resting in the back of the Packard for half an hour, waiting for golden light. I had hoped for some strong dusk shots, but the way the cars were staged made it a challenge. Still, that moment of quiet reflection felt fitting after such a full day. It was a pause before the centerpiece of the weekend: Sunday’s show.
Sunday began early as we arrived around 8 a.m. We unloaded the Packard and I followed my friends as they drove across the field toward the entrance of the show area. The event is held on a horse training facility, which means you have to keep an eye on where you step. I had more than a few close calls along the way.
From the moment I stepped out of the truck, I slipped into camera mode. Even though I was not the official photographer of the event and was not technically working, my mind only has one setting. I move the same way I always do, searching for the angle, the moment, the atmosphere. If I try to attend an event like this as a spectator, I always go home disappointed. Without photos, I feel I have no way to tell the story of the day, both mine and that of the people around me.
One of the elements I appreciated most about the Turtle Invitational was the awards ceremony. Instead of handing out dozens of trophies, they kept it to about six. The focus was not on the most expensive or the rarest car, but on the story behind it. That philosophy fits perfectly with the spirit of the event. There was also a youth judging section organized by 1600 Veloce and Bring a Trailer, which was wonderful to see. Watching younger enthusiasts get involved gives hope that this passion will continue to the next generation.
As always, I was able to reconnect with friends and make new ones, which is one of the best parts of these gatherings. I am grateful to Philip for the invitation and to his team for hosting such a well-run event. Everything appeared to flow effortlessly, which speaks to the hard work behind the scenes. Since the Turtle Invitational only happens every two years, I am already looking forward to returning in 2027.
For me, events like the Turtle Invitational are as much about capturing moments as they are about cars. The photos become the thread that ties together the stories, the friendships, and the atmosphere that make weekends like this unforgettable. Looking back through the images, I am reminded not just of rare machines and scenic drives, but of laughter, shared meals, and the people who bring these cars to life. That is what keeps me coming back, camera in hand, ready to tell the story all over again.