IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
Twenty twenty-six marks five-for-five first place wins at the Grand National Roadster show for Threshold Aviation Group’s collection of restored classic cars. The team, led by owner and CEO Mark DiLullo — and a devoted fast-car enthusiast, especially when it comes to Corvettes — has now captured Best-in-Class honors five consecutive years at the granddaddy of them all, the Grand National Car Show held at the Pomona Fairplex.
What began as a meaningful project for DiLullo’s father, and a way to keep employees engaged and productive during the COVID pandemic, has grown into a remarkable success story.
Previous award-winning restorations include an L88-powered Grand Sport Corvette, a 1969 ZL1 Camaro, a 1966 427 Corvette Roadster, and a 1955 Bel Air Hardtop fitted with a 427 tri-power engine. This year’s entry, an ultra-rare LS6 1970 Chevelle, raised the bar yet again. The car earned two major honors: First Place in its class (1970–1979 Restored Domestic) and Overall Best Restoration.
“Obviously I love cars, especially the muscle cars from the late ’60s through the early ’70s,” DiLullo said. “By today’s standards, these were incredibly powerful machines with unapologetically large engines. Cars provide a vital release of stress for me. Taking on a project like this is a wonderful distraction, and pursuing it at a very high level makes it even more rewarding. It creates focus and direction outside the daily demands of the business, yet it still connects back to the company. I can run the business while also working on a car in the same facility with the same level of energy.”
He adds that the hands-on work is a welcome contrast to office life. “It keeps me from being stuck behind a desk trying to keep everything moving in the same direction. I enjoy it. It’s a beautiful release with a fantastic end product.”
A core part of the company’s aviation business involves maintaining and customizing aircraft interiors — work that requires artisan-level skill in woodworking, upholstery, and fine finishing. Applying those same talents to classic car restorations gives technicians a creative outlet while sharpening their craftsmanship.
“The team really enjoys working on the cars,” DiLullo said. “And winning is always a great testament to your ability to create quality. It’s also great for morale.”
And for next years entry? A 1969 ZL1 Corvette.
