3ma13 in Miesbach, Bavaria - Wednesday 8th to Saturday 11th May 2013

[simon131]

I'm the fourth person 

Lorf, 3MA is a must for all 131 enthusiasts.  When will you ever be able to see so many of our favourite cars driving along together or filling a car park or "taking over" a small village 

Whilst we have plans for a couple more yet there is nothing certain about anything and we have no idea how long this will all last (hopefully a long time but we really can't tell) so I'd say get along as soon as you can.  I'm sure you'll make some new life long friends - I know I have.

[Rob 131]

I've always questioned    whilst admiring and having respect for those undertaking the distances covered in 3MA's. However, i'm not convinced I would want to be travelling those distances in a 131.

We (the family) are looking to go to the Cote D'Azur this year by car. The wife isn't too keen on 1,600km (each way) in the Alfa 

Maybe I should suggest a 131

[Sev131]

Driving last year to Germany/Holland was the best experience ever. I would definitely do it again and in any 131. Our return trip covered about 700 miles in a 2 litre twin carb'd motor pulling at 4500/5000 rpm constant in 5th....2 litres are great high speed long distance cruisers. The only problem is the wallet gets very light quickly!

[Rob 131]

Bobby

Your ear drums must also of taken a beating  .

However 700 miles return is manageable. Kev's proposed 1,200 miles (one way).

That is going some.

[Thotos]

However 700 miles return is manageable. Kev's proposed 1,200 miles (one way).

That is going some.

It's not really (says he who only has to do 800 miles one way) because 700 miles were done in a day while the 1200 miles will be done over 3 days I believe.  As to the ear drum beating, I'm sure it wasn't as bad as in my car because Bobby wasn't playing the Eurovision Song Contest songs 

[Rob 131]

I remember in 1991 travelling down south in my Sport (about 220 miles each way) and wishing I had my previous Cavalier Mk2 GLS.

However, back then my Sport was my only car. Any 131 purchase now would be for different reasons and I am sure noise and refinement (or the lack of it) would not concern me. It is not what 131 Sports are about.

[Robert]

Rob,

I'm sure you are a very nice chap - so please excuse me for being frank. Reading your posts I would strongly recommend you keep fond memories of having once owned a 131 and stick to a) owning modern cars and/or b) getting yourself a 1:18 scale model of a 131 Sport - this will not make any noise, ist not uncomfortable, and you can carry it around in your up-to-date car (I even wonder if the 159 is the right car for you if you cannot make a 1600 km trip without complaints) to destinations not close to home.

You are very much welcome at 3MA2013, in your Alfa (it might not be the only Alfa, since my 1974 GTV might also be in the game, piloted by one of my closest friends), or if you prefer effortless travel: there's a quite prominent airport close to Munich which is connected to England as well, so you could fly in, pick up a comfortable rental car (definitely much more comfortable than the Cavalier you were so fond of 22 years ago) and cover the remaining 60 miles to Miesbach without any hassle.

Already back in 91 you preferred a Cavalier to a Sport for short distances - so what now, 22 years later? A Sport will not make you happy. Face it - it's fond memories, it's not the future. Come to Miesbach, indulge in seeing/hearing/feeling the 131 spirit, take a ride in various models - you are certainly welcome as a passenger in my car - but don't try to buy a 131 anymore. It won't make you happy - and even less your family.

Rob, no offence meant - English is not my native tongue, so this might sound harsher than it is intended.

[simon131]

Just to add my two-pence worth here too if I may..

Not only am I planning to drive to 3MA13 in my Abarth in May but I'm also now planning to take it on my family holiday (that means with wife and both daughters) to Sorrento, southern Italy in late July 

(I couldn't go to Italy and leave it behind)

Yes noise and refinement are likely to be an issue, but as you say Rob, that is not the point of owning a 131. Trans-continental journeys in a 37 year old car are not everyone's cup of tea, but there is simply nothing like driving your favourite machine through the mountains and along by the lakes and sea on a hot sunny day. It's what they're for!

[Rob 131]

Robert

No offence taken. Like I have said in previous posts I?ve always admired and respected those of you undertaking thousands of km distances in your 131?s. Not quite in the way I admire Motorcycle Racers (especially those on the Isle of Man TT), but respect all the same.

It is just at this point in my life with a ?youngish? family and having just returned to the UK after 4 years abroad, I don?t have the time or inclination to cross continents by 131. I?m sure in years to come when I have less demands on my time, I would love to drive 131?s over such distances. I may come to 3MA this year and it would be flying to the nearest airport and hooking up with you all.

I may not be as enthusiastic or committed as some on this site as regards 131?s. If I was then I?d make a compromise somewhere in my life and immediately purchase a 131 and be travelling in it this May to Germany. However, I have been very enthusiastic about 131?s since I was a toddler (I?ve recently turned 40) and would like to think I am fairly knowledgeable on the subject having demonstrated this through contributions on this site for approaching 3 years. Moreover having met Simon, I am sure he can endorse my 131 enthusiast credentials.

[Rob 131]

Simon

As I have said in my previous post, I am a 131 enthusiast but nothing like you.

Sorrento in July with the family in a 131. This shows serious 131 commitment that I would suggest has not been bettered by any other 131 enthusiast on this site. Especially considering how hot it is down there. We flew into Rome last year and hired a Fiat Bravo and stayed for 2 weeks near Florence. I found this hot and after a few years in the Middle East would be more accustomed to such temperatures.

Moreover, with such a trip planned in the 131, you have bypassed your Two 6 Cylinder 5 Series, that would be perfect for such a trip.

As much as I like my Alfa and in the context of what I paid for it with the miles that I am currently doing (another 435 mile drive after work this coming Thursday night) I have been spotted on the BMW Used Car Website looking at year old 520D?s. Note the sensible (maybe even boring to some) 4 cylinder models.

If I was going for a 6 cylinder, I would have to abandon BMW and go for one of the big Cats (the mighty British XF), with either the 240BHP or 275BHP Diesel Engine.

[simon131]

Rob,

I am happy to endorse your 131 credentials Sir! There is absolutely no doubt you are a 131 fan!

Your 6 cylinder big cats wouldn't stand a chance matey. My 6 cylinder diesel BMW has 286bhp and that's just one of the reasons why I love it so much.

I hear what you say about the heat in Sorrento - Kev131 said the same - oh, but I want my 131 Abarth when I'm in Italy, but with all the comforts of my 535d M Sport!

Si

[Rob 131]

I haven't got a Big Cat  yet

And probably won't for a while 

I can see the 535D Sport making the trip to Sorrento. Now that would be something.

A few years ago in the Dordogne (2007) we travelled there in a 320iSE, the family opposite me in the caravan park had an Irish Plated Dark Metalic Blue 535D Sport. How I lusted after that one 

XF Jags had not been launched at this time 

[hammerbeirne]

How many does usaly come to thise events? I was thinking about going but i have 1800km one way  

My trip is 2050 km one way Lorf so you won't be alone with a big petrol bill!  

Cool chart Rene...! 

Are you going in the sport Kevin?

[kev131]

Plan is to take the Super Enda - At my age, comfort is king on a journey like this.   

I know I'll miss the Sport on the challenging Alpine roads that Robert has lined up for us.

Maybe I'll leave Heidi (blue Super) in the hotel that day and ride shotgun with Simon on the way up and Theo on the way down (Hugo has better brakes)!! 

[Sev131]

Power steering is great on the S3.