Autostrada: Westport’s Exciting New Classic Car & Event Space Club

Westport’s latest, most novel principle — a private customers club/traditional vehicle storage location/function area — hides in plain sight.

You move it just about every day. You have no concept it’s there.

Much too undesirable. You’re lacking one thing very cool.

Gioel and Ronni Molinari.

Autostrada opened, softly but efficiently, in January. Considering that then it is hosted a number of private parties (most not too long ago, a collecting for Land Rover lovers).

Its 10,000 square feet are filling bit by bit with exceptional Porsches, Ferraris and Alfa Romeos.

Members acquire for coffee, conversation, or just to lounge on incredibly at ease home furniture with like-minded collectors, a couple techniques from both equally a full bar and those people beloved automobiles.

It all transpires at the previous Steinway showroom, amongst Hearth Section headquarters and the Connecticut Humane Culture, on the curve just prior to Compo Purchasing Centre.

Autostrada, on the site of the former Steinway showroom.

Gioel Molinari and his spouse Ronni have lovingly created a distinctive venture. He’s a tech entrepreneur she’s an architect. They’ve lived in Westport for 10 years. Pretty quietly — appropriate under our noses — they’ve made a multi-functional house that brings together his passions for cars, foodstuff and beverages, and her beautiful eye for style and design.

The thought — a put for collectors to retail outlet their vehicles and collect casually, when doubling as a special place for rewards, social and corporate events — took root numerous a long time in the past.

The challenge was delayed twice: very first when the authentic companions dropped out, then by COVID and supply chain difficulties — but the intestine renovation of the piano showroom is truly worth the hold out.

The gleaming vehicle storage space, with a ability of 22, presents 24-hour entry (and a raise/detailing/ washing space).

A catering kitchen serves as a staging space for On the Marc, the highly regarded group that functions exclusively with Autostrada. The exact staff is on hand for each occasion.

Private capabilities array from a several folks in the lounge only, to up to 150 men and women with dancing on the vintage automobile flooring.

The Piston Foundation held an celebration not long ago at Autostrada.

“Most automobile storage areas truly feel like a garage. Or they’re in a fewer than attractive spot,” Gioel (pronounced “Joel”) claims. “This is a place you truly feel quite comfortable coming to. It is like sitting in your residing room, with your automobile, comforting and chatting to your good friends about your passions.”

“Comfortable” is an understatement. Ronni’s welcoming lighting, glass doors and specifically designed floor enhance the “mid-century aptitude, present day Milan lounge” really feel of the furnishings.

“You really feel at home, but you’re transported outside of Fairfield County,” she claims. “There are masculine information, but it is not a man cave. It appeals to any individual who appreciates stunning areas.”

Autostrada’s lounge overlooks the motor vehicle flooring.

Those individuals do not have to personal classic or exceptional cars. Social memberships are offered much too.

There are 40 or so customers suitable now. Autostrada may perhaps go to 75, but not past.

Members appreciate weekly pleased several hours. Coffee is accessible weekdays. Regular specific events focus on diverse themes, like food items, wine, bourbon or barbecue.

Autostrada also characteristics a whole bar.

Autostrada implies “highway” in Italian. Gioel was born in New Haven, but grew up in Milan.

“The Submit Road” seems less glamorous than “Autostrada.” And site visitors sure does not move smoothly earlier Westport’s Autostrada.

But Gioel and Ronni Molinari have produced something new, one of a kind and special, hidden in the heart of their adopted hometown.