Italian Trip - 2011

[Rob 131]

Kev

Indeed a very 'Special' 124. I also have very fond memories of my Dad's 124 Sport Coupe in the 70's. And amongst friends it was the best car, with the competition as I can remember being Mk 3 Cortina's, Avenger Estates  ( Remember those) and loads of Volvo Estates

Below is a picture of the Abarth's bought independently by my wife and I at 12 Euro Each. I got a discount of 3 Euro on mine (the one on the plinth) and an unhappy shop keeper that I should ask for discount 

[bellamacchina]

Very nice pictures Kev. I had holiday in Hungary but did it in style
Next month Padova Fiera
Love the 124 SpecialT, super combination. And of course the blue coupe. I visited Imola once around 10 years ago with my Alfetta. I was with my mum north of lake Como, so a one way trip was close to 400kms. It was on saturday and we had to leave home sunday. I left very early and had a great day buying 30 years of Quattroruote(65-95) so the interesting years. Problem was, it was my last money and at that time I didn't have a credit card. The guy who sold it to me lived in Bologna and I had to come with him after the event to pick the mags up. No problem, but coming at his home he still had to search al the mags separately as he had hugely a lot of them unsorted. 3 Hours later I had a huge pile of mags in the trunk and left to Lake Como. Had to drive careful as I hadn't any money to refuel. The next day I had to pack the car with 2 weeks of holidaystuff. My mum wondered why there was such a lot of stuff in the car and it waggled a bit. She didn't see the lights shining to the top of the trees. Till now she don't know what I transported and she knows I was so late because a huge traffic jam    BTW this magazines are marvelous material for us italian car nuts.

[kev131]

Good story Albert - You can always find space in car when you need to!!!

I said earlier that there was a second very special car at Imola. This one would be of particluar interest to people reading this in Britain or Ireland....check the pics!! 

It was a very clean Trevi 1600 Automatic with low mileage and a set of wheels that will look very familiar to regular readers - I think my views that they suit an "elegant carriage" are borne out here and it'll be interesting to hear Robert's views...

[kev131]

Rob I had the same experience with that model seller - I made him an offer for a model that was available much more cheaply on Ebay, but he said he'd prefer to give it away to charity than accept what was to me, a fair price.

I did indulge myself in Fiat group car models in Imola though... being able to buy some rare and (usually) expensive models such as the Linea and 128 3p (with stickers) at reasonable prices. Also picked up beautiful Giulietta (1980's version), Trevi and Beta Berlina for very small money. Also found that a model of the Sedici had been made ...which I wasn't aware of. Totally spoilt with the choice and prices...

[Robert]

It was a very clean Trevi 1600 Automatic with low mileage and a set of wheels that will look very familiar to regular readers - I think my views that they suit an "elegant carriage" are borne out here and it'll be interesting to hear Robert's views...

wellwellwell, you remember my words of wisdom?

The Trevi, however, will not lose any of its beauty when fitted with these wheels

and I seem to be right 

maybe they are just too classy for a workhorse like the 131, better suited for a luxury ride from Vincenzo Lancia's stables 

[Thotos]

What a lovely Trevi. I WANT IT! And of course those wheels look great!!  Did you find out what a right hand drive Trevi was doing in Italy Kevin?

[Rob 131]

The Trevi Looks Lovely, Especially with those wheels ; which is a much better place for them then certain incarnations 

Kev

It can't be nice being a shopkeeper with people trying to knock you down 

[mirafioriman]

How much is/was the Trevi?

[kev131]

How much is/was the Trevi?

Either ?3000 or ?4000 depending on which internet advert you see. 

[bellamacchina]

Beautiful Trevi

[stathe174]

Terrible wheels though 

[Thotos]

Terrible wheels though 

Lovely wheels!  (but maybe the wrong colour....  )

[kev131]

This is the last instalment of the trip. The route was always intended to take in one of the more spectacular Alpine passes normally closed in late Autumn/Winter/Spring. I'd often read about the Stelvio Pass being a great driving experience so that's what we picked. It certainly exceeded expectations being quite a long climb on the Italian side (definitely the more scenic). The actual road rises almost to the level of the highest peaks visible in the photos and you really have to concentrate on the hairpin bends - especially the tight right hand turns.

The roadway is exceptionally popular with bikers and we must have been overtaken by at least 100 on the ascent alone. Popular with car enthusiasts too as the Lotus club of Italy along with a collection of Ferraris were parked in the village at the top. The actual elevation is just short of 3kms and the air is thin. On a dry sunny clear day though, it is certainly worth the diversion from the quicker routes north.

The descent emerges into Switzerland and our route was taking us North West to Cherbourg. We had about 4 hrs driving through Switz to do and not having bought our motorway sticker that permits motorway driving we were a little nervous about incurring a fine. However the rule didnt seem to be enforced as we entered the country on a non motorway road, only joining the network internally. Maybe that's the secret to avoiding the charge. 

[kev131]

The peaks in this picture indicate how high the road climbs...





24 turns to go...














Coming down the Swiss side...





Having some fun with an X5...

[mirafioriman]

I need to emigrate