The Last Checkered Flag: Andy Picariello

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I had interfaced with Andy via phone calls and email for a number of years before our paths finally crossed at Monterey some 20 years ago.

I have since attended and participated in several Allard gatherings and tours where Andy played major roles in planning, organizing and leading. They include The Gathering of the Clan in Texas (2004), the Allard Northwest Tour (2006), the Southern Festival of Speed in New Zealand (2008) and The Glen in Ten (2010). Andy was instrumental in Allard being a featured marque at Amelia Island in 2011, and he helped to organize the second Texas Gathering in 2012.

Those experiences gave me a healthy appreciation for the work that Andy, Judy and other team members had invested in partnering with the event organizers – a process that often began a year or two beforehand. This included arranging for the on-track and paddock activities, promotion, lodging, banquets and finances. We especially appreciated how Andy and Judy did this all with their touch of grace and courtesy to assure that everyone had a grand time.

We appreciated how Andy facilitated bringing David Hooper over from England on at least three occasions to participate in the Northwest Tour and the Southern Festival of Speed, as well as serving as a judge along with Darell Allard and Brian Redman at Amelia Island. In the course of this David graciously shared a treasure of detailed and in-depth insight that he got from his years as an engineer with the Allard Company.

We were especially intrigued by Andy’s first-hand report of Tiller’s Bonneville Odyssey – 2000 (www.allardregister.org – issue #30). Andy’s report vividly described how he and Judy transported Jim Tiller’s heavily modified “Old Fella” Allard J2 and related equipment 2/3 of the way across the United States to Bonneville Utah. They then served as pit crew in support of Jim’s very innovative efforts to reach the 200 mph barrier with his Allard, before packing up and traveling back east to Massachusetts. Click here to read the story

Andy bought his Allard J2 sixty years ago in 1963, and his Allard K2 in 2003. Both cars received concours quality restorations, and they gave Andy much honor and respect as he toured and showed them at events around the country. But then Andy – like a lot of us – realized that he was not getting any younger. Since none of his offspring were ‘car guys’, he decided it was time to put them up for sale – without reserve – with RM Sotheby’s at Amelia Island.

While the cars did not bring as much as hoped, Andy was gratified that his J2 went to one of his long-time friends who had become ‘hooked’ on this Allard J2 when Andy gave him an opportunity to drive it a few years earlier. Andy told me that the new owner is planning to use this car for its intended purpose.

As Allard prices have ratcheted upward over the years, it can be tempting to entertain illusions about impending wealth. On the other hand, we respect and support Andy’s philosophy about the real value of the Allard ownership experience – and the doors it opened in terms of developing friendships and experiences beyond his wildest expectations

Chuck Warnes
The Allard Register

For twenty-four years, Andy has been my guiding light into the world of Allard cars. For his friendship, his guidance and his support, Andy will always be remembered by me. His wit, his humour and his generosity were contagious. Andy’s devotion to the AOC knew no bounds and his inclusive nature provided venues and opportunities for new members and veterans to join in events, exchanges and forums that reenforced the bonds between them.

Andy, you have joined your life partner, Judy and have closed a chapter of life that will be fondly remembered by all of us. To Andy and Judy’s family, I extend my sincere condolences and would like you to take solace in the fact that your parents have left behind them large community of people that were touched by them and will never forget them.

Roger Allard
AOC member

I first met Andy and Judy in person at the 2010 ‘Allard returns to Watkins Glen’ event which he organized. Had only corresponded with Andy via email prior to that. Communicated with Andy regularly throughout the years, often in search of various parts for my Allards. In fact, recently had purchased some parts for my upcoming J2 restoration from him, so was really shocked when I heard of his passing. Andy was always generous with his time and knowledge, and we have lost a true patron of the Allard marque. Hew will be missed but not forgotten.

Peter Bowman