Magazine article on the Mirafiori

[kev131]

One of the feature writers for Irish Vintage Scene has been in touch to say that he would like to do an article on the Fiat 131. He had mentioned this at GKMR09... plus doing something similar for the 127.

Where the 127s are concerned I'm expecting that we will have orange, black and silver 127 Sports attending GKMR10 and that will present a good opportunity to provide some photographs for a magazine article.

Where the 131s are concerned the writer has requested a range of 131 variants including 4 doors, Sports in a range of colours and possibly an Abarth. If anyone is interested in being part of a future magazine article on the 131 please post here and once we have a sufficiently large group we can make arrangements for a date and venue. 

[c.a.c131]

Put my 131 Super down.

[kev131]

Put my 131 Super down.

Great - Would you consider the Panorama as well as we are not short of 4 door models? 

Robert (Ros) is bringing his series 1 S 4 door and we have one (maybe 2) Abarths lined up.

[c.a.c131]

Would take the Panorama too, its is a irish 131 with a nice history. How soon will it happen ? have a bit to do to the Panorama.

[kev131]

Probably in Aug some time - I'll leave the posting there for a few days and see how many we have and see about dates.

I was speaking to Pat Horan tonight and apparently Auto Italia came to Ireland recently to do an article on the three Abarths in Ireland. 

[sam22]

hi kevin put me down as well please.

[kev131]

This looks like it will happen on Saturday 28th Aug. The venue has yet to be decided but we are looking for somewhere scenic and central - Cars are coming from the South West, North, East, Mid West etc. A nice parkland or upmarket hotel grounds could be suitable. Suggestions would be very welcome please.

So far, the following 131 variants are promised to attend:

Series 1 4 Door S
Series 2 Supermirafiori
Series 3 Supermirafiori
Series 3 Panorama CL Auto
Sport x 3
Abarth
Modified for racing Sport

If these cars can all attend, I think that this could be the most comrehensive representation of the 131 history of any article that I've seen on the car. Fingers crossed for a full turn out.

If anyone else has a 131 to contribute (or even if you don't), you are very welcome to come along and see the line up. It's an opportunity not to missed for 131 fans. 

[kev131]

Well the venue is selected. Challenge was to find somewhere central as 131 owners are coming from opposite ends of the country. One location that would have been ideal was Birr castle but this is the one weekend of the year that they were having a County Show with expected attendances of 30/40k people.

Luckliy a second similar venue in the vicinity was discovered in the form of Portumna Castle which is fairly near the centre of the town. Portumna is on the Shannon and the castle has extensive grounds.

Plans are to meet up at 1.0pm at the main gates and then to search out suitable locations for the shots. If the weather is good it might be a nice idea to bring along portable bar-b-qs and have a little bit of al fresco grub afterwards.   Some pictures of the venue...and all 131 owners are welcome.

[jack1]

hi kev,does condition matter with it being a photo shoot

[kev131]

hi kev,does condition matter with it being a photo shoot

Of course not Ivor - Bring her along - If you decide not to have any close-ups don't worry - I'm hoping to have a group shot of all the cars that turn up to prove to the Capri & Escort boys that there is a very healthy 131 scene in Ireland!!! 

[jack1]

will see if i can make it ,cheers 

[jack1]

will see if i can make it ,cheers 

aug 28th damn ,,, cant make  it as she has booked a hotel in dub for the night

[kev131]

will see if i can make it ,cheers 

aug 28th damn ,,, cant make  it as she has booked a hotel in dub for the night

Cant you go to Dublin via Portumna - Are you in Offaly...? Just a short hop West.....

[kev131]

The last piece in the jigsaw is now in place - We had to get permission from the Office of Public Works to gain entrance to the Castle grounds which despite being a little bit involved, permission was willingly granted.

Obviously we need to respect the grounds and other visitors while we are there but we are allowed to enter past the Adams gate (sharp turn right after entering the main gate) on to a tree lined avenue leading up to the Castle itself. No other vehicles are allowed past this gate so there should be no other cars within picture frame...except for the odd estate tractor maybe..

One idea for a group shot was to re-create this photo from the series 1 range brochure.



And if anyone could bring along some hay, we could have a bash at this one too...!  

[daverwd]

haven"t got a 131 yet kevin but going
to go down for a look at the cars.. hope you get some sunshine  for the shoot