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Exotic cars become instant classics

Exotic cars were in the gleaming spotlight this week as Perillo Bentley and Lamborghini in Downers Grove hosted the Daily Herald's Passion for Performance and Prestige VIP reception.

During the event, winners of the Daily Herald's Exotic Car Story contest were announced. For the past month, our team has accepted story submissions about some of the finest cars in the area. The grand-prize winner was Jim Shoger of Naperville and his 1970 Triumph GT6 MK II.

Reception guests were given the red-carpet treatment and invited to take a close look at high-class and high-performance machines. Part of the evening festivities centered on a presentation and interview with Perillo Bentley and Lamborghini owner Joe Perillo, who was asked about his first car and what initially interested him about selling vehicles. We also went into some of the performance specs and capabilities, brand heritage and ownership experience on some extraordinary vehicles that were on display.

The supercar lineup included a 2015 Lamborghini Aventador, the brand's flagship V-12 model; a 2015 Lamborghini Huracon, the V-10-powered track star; and a 2016 Bentley Mulsanne Speed, the ultimate in the British carmaker's luxury and performance offerings.

And Shoger shared the story of his sporty hatchback. He purchased his Triumph in 1974.

"It had been the apple of my eye from the first time I saw one," Shoger said.

The auto enthusiast thought it would be an easy task to locate one, but he soon realized that would not be the case.

"They were the 'poor man's sports car.' They were beat up, abused and many owners didn't maintain the finicky English engine very well," he said.

Still, Shoger's determination and two years of looking paid off. He eventually located a well-preserved and rust-free example in Aurora. He purchased it from the original owner. Having his vehicle on display at the Perillo gala was a homecoming of sorts for the GT6.

"The car had been sold new at a Triumph dealership in Downers Grove," Shoger said. "We aren't too far away from where I used to come to get parts for it."

Shoger has thoroughly enjoyed his sprightly hardtop for four decades and is looking forward to many more.

"It's still a blast to drive. It's like getting into a jet - small, compact and very maneuverable."

Two other contest finalists, Dario Fioretti-Frank and his 1960 AC Bristol and Bryan Bransky and his 1941 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet, will also have their vehicles' stories showcased in upcoming Classic Recollections features in the Daily Herald's Auto Sunday section.

To cap off the night, the Perillo Auto Group did its part in getting participants eager and excited to start making their own road-going memories in some newer machines. A raffle was held for a weekend in a 2015 Bentley Flying Spur. The winner was Will Scott and July Myers of Chicago.

"We're thrilled to be able to enjoy such a wonderful vehicle," Scott said. "We can't wait to do some driving."

• Send comments, suggestions to auto@dailyherald.com.

Will Scott and July Myers of Chicago, winners of a Bentley Flying Spur weekend, with Dan Kern, left, general manager of Perillo Bentley and Lamborghini of Downers Grove, and writer Matt Avery, right.
Matt Avery, left, interviews Joe Perillo, owner of Perillo Bentley and Lamborghini, during the VIP reception.
The Passion for Performance and Prestige VIP reception was hosted by Perillo Bentley and Lamborghini of Downers Grove.
The 2015 Lamborghini Aventador is the brand's flagship V-12 model.
The Lamborghini Huracon, a V-10-powered track star, on display during the Passion for Performance and Prestige event.
Reception guests were serenaded by a small band and enjoyed food brought in by Moretti's Catering.
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