NEW YORK — The New York International Auto Show is packed with expensive luxury and exotic cars. However, James Buzzetta Jr.’s collection of Subarus stands out as a favorite among a newer generation of car enthusiasts.
“Everyone I talk to who is under 40 years old says things like, ‘I remember driving that car in Gran Turismo when I was younger,’ or ‘I’ve always dreamt of owning one of those after reading about it in MotorWeek,'” Buzzetta said.
Buzzetta, the general manager at Competition Subaru of Smithtown on Long Island, comes from a family deeply rooted in the automotive industry. His grandfather, Joe Buzzetta, ventured into the business following a successful career as a factory driver for Porsche. Joe even secured the manufacturer’s maiden victory at the renowned Nurburgring race track in Germany. Following in Joe’s footsteps, his children and grandchildren now oversee the family dealerships
James has fond memories of growing up and going to the Auto Show with his dad.
“I used to drive my father crazy. I was looking at all the cars. I was opening them all up.”
This year, it’s his own cars on display in the “Born to Rally” exhibit at the Javits Center. “The New York Auto Show is a dream. When they asked me to display my cars there wasn’t even a second thought. It feels like it’s come full circle.”
Buzzetta fell in love with Subarus after driving one back when he was in school. He says the brand still checks all the boxes, even as a family man years later.
His collection includes some of the most notable vehicles in Subaru’s history, including the 360, the company’s first ever car. James says “the whole thing weighs about 900 pound” and that it still “runs like a top.”
Many of the later model cars in James’ collection are geared toward rally racing. His historic Legacy and WRX’s are symbols of Subaru’s dominance in the sport over the decades.
