Keith Goring

Drivers headed west on Route 44 towards Canaan have probably noticed the low-slung stone garage that hugs the left hand side. There are always a few interesting vehicles to be seen. Although many commuters may be frustrated waiting in line for the stoplight to change—a reality of life while the retaining wall across the road is rebuilt—it’s also an opportunity to peer into Alfas Unlimited. Proprietor Keith Goring has been repairing Alfa Romeos and other European cars for decades. Norfolk Now caught up with Goring to hear his story. 

Where are you from originally and how did you come to this area?
I was born in New London and then lived in the Springfield, Mass., area for 15 years. I’ve been in Northwestern Connecticut from 1965 to the present. In 1968, my dad, Al Goring, bought what is now the Manor House. I’ve lived in and around Norfolk for over 50 years. I don’t currently live in Norfolk but come here to the Alfa garage six days a week. My son, Jonathan Dixon-Goring, and my daughter-in-law, Tamara Morrison, live on Winchester Road, where my late wife Susan and I originally built our house. Susan remained active at Alfas until she died two and a half years ago. She is buried in the little cemetery on Winchester Road.

How did you get into this line of work? 
I was always mechanically inclined. I was the kid who took apart alarm clocks. I had VW Beetles and MGs. I finally bought an Alfa in 1973 while working in a foreign car garage. I met Susan through the Alfa Club, and we just started working on them. Ninety-nine percent of my business is focused on fixing Alfas. 

What are the challenges you encounter in your work? 
Finding parts is the greatest challenge. I often get parts from England. 

What do you like best about your work? 
Alfa has a 100-plus-year history. The production cars grew from the racing cars. 

Does your work have any connection to Lime Rock? 
I’ve raced at Lime Rock since the ‘70s and drove pace cars (which lead race cars around a track at the start of a race) and safety cars in the ‘90s. Jonathan races and teaches at Lime Rock now. 

What’s the market like for Alfas in this area? 
Litchfield County and the Berkshires are good markets for interesting, exotic cars. The roads are beautiful for driving. 

What do you like best about Norfolk? 
Norfolk is a great, small town with a vibrant population. There’s always something going on at the library, Yale, Tobey Pond, and there are three state parks with hiking trails. No matter where I’ve traveled, I’m always glad to return to Norfolk. Not many towns this size have their own publication like Norfolk Now! n

—Interview by Mike Cobb