Great Italian car thread

[Fantuzzi]

Thought this would be a good place to put cool, interesting or important pics, your cars, cars you want (or need!), hell just a place to put cool stuff from Alfa, Lancia, Abarth, Fiat, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati etc!



Sleeves rolled up, ready for a proper drive. Also love the license plate being very much an after thought!




Great period photo, goggles, Maserati 200si, mild oversteer. Very cool.

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

One i took a few weeks ago of my A500

That's a great picture, put it in black and white with only the badge in colour and its the sort of thing I used to see in TopGear magazine! Which had nice pics but awful reviews...




Seen a A6 in Harris' Mille miglia vid, for got how great they look

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

Hmm yes good idea. Im not a dab hand a photo shop but ill give it a pop sometime. Glad theres finally a thread for all italian cars not just Alfa's and Lancia's. I was beginning to feel a bit left out with no 'show us your Abarth's' thread!

A few pics of the Stratos i quite like....

73' Targa Florio. I like the way there just sat inches from the track.

That is a great picture, the Targa was pretty mad, even for a road race!

I remember watching a video where they followed the Alfa team in 73 I think, or 72, with the tipo 33s, with the drivers talking about the practice they did on open roads...gloriously mad times, will have to get over to Sicily and do the Florio my self, Although bit worried given it didn't have the best surface 4 years ago so I don't think mr 'oh no its a speed bump' here will like it as much as I hope...

On a side note, I think the Stratos is best viewed from the rear, one of the best kamm tails ever, so bare and basic, so perfect.

On the subject of nice rears, and nice abarths, heres one, 1000sp, love the no nonsense exhaust, so crude.


Hint hint abarth, you have done some of the best light racey cars of all, (1300 OT is a personal want...) DO A BLOODY TRACK DAY CAR!

500KG, low as a my knee and a that fiat formula 3 engine that you made and did nothing with (I think...).

Another awesome abarth with some people for height perspective...

Edited by Fantuzzi on Saturday 10th August 23:01

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

I think the video your thinking of is The Speed Merchants. Its a great film following Alfa and Ferrari through the 72' World Sports Car Championship. In it Vic Elford talks about crashing into locals during practice.

Here's the clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eles2jD3VYs

Ha forgot to post the link to the video!

Yeah that's he one.

jacklewisno1 said:

As for the Stratos maybe you would prefer this pic then...

That pic is awesome, I think its the light-to-kamm ratio that works so well with the large lights.

jacklewisno1 said:

And as for the Abarth well there doesnt seem to be any sign of a track day car soon although originally i think the new Alfa 4c was penned in as an Abarth....

Sadly I wasn't under the impression Abarth were going to make a very focussed model, although that's a good point, a cf tub with a fibreglass body would be nice.

jacklewisno1 said:

Having watched Chris Harris's latest vid on the Mille Miglia i wouldnt mind going to that.

I share your thoughts, although its right behind the Vernasca silver flag and the Villa D'este Concorso.

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

I do hope Abarth produce more than just Punto's and 500's. I think perhaps part of the problem is not many Abarth's have sold over here, so there may not be much of a market for them. Which is surprising when you consider the success of the Fiat 500.

It would be a shame if they didn't do more with it than that, given Abarths history, an elise rival would be a nice touch, something that looks like a 1300 ot, mid engined 1.2/3, light weight - try and get it down to the 700kgs then the less power you need to match the 160 bhp per tonne of the Elise.

Not sure if you've seen this site, rather good, the music pause button is top right by the way...

http://www.bernimotori.com/

jacklewisno1 said:

I have to admit i'd never even heard of the Vernasca Silver Flag. But having had a look on the web it seems to be an outstanding event. Im surprised it doesn't seem to get a great deal of press. Or maybe i just live a sheltered life.

A few pics i found of the event which caught my eye....

Yeah I think one mag described it as the one classic car event that hadn't been spoilt by large crowds and safety regs, helmets are optional I believe!

I only noticed the event when I saw it in auto italia (not a big fan of the mag quite a few inaccuracies in their pieces) when flicking through it in a whsmiths, thought it looked like my cup of tea!

Fantuzzi said:

Ha forgot to post the link to the video!

Yeah that's he one.

jacklewisno1 said:

It's well worth buying the film and watching the rest if you haven't already!

I will have to look at getting the film on dvd, rather in enjoyed the youtube clip.

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

A very lightweight track day Abarth would be cool. Unfortunatley they seem pre-occupied making special editions of the 500 at the moment.

Cheers for the website, theres so much i want on it!

I know, but that said, a 1300 ot went for 18000 a while ago at auction, the estimate was 100000-130000, so keep an eye on those no reserve auctions...

It can be a bit funny to use, and most of the mag articles and old brochures are in Italian, but its rather good.

jacklewisno1 said:

The films definatley worth buying. It has many drivers from that period, including the likes of Helmut Marko. Someone i had previously only associated with Redbull F1 but who i now have a lot of respect for.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Speed-Merchants-DVD/dp...

Thanks will get that.

jacklewisno1 said:

and heres the TopGear version of my Abarth badge....

That looks brilliant, I take that's your new screensaver after all that photoshop work!

(I was going to say that's the best picture 'in the world' but refrained...)

Might try pouring some water on my Mr2s hood then videoing it in slow motion, maybe that's taking it too far...

We should rename the thread by the way, 'Fantuzzi and jacklewisno1 have a chat'.

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

Im ashamed to admit i didnt photo shop it, but instead got somebody from the Abarthisti forum to do it for me. The computer with the software to do it is about 200 miles a way at the moment. So credit goes to Porthos from www.abarthforum.co.uk

Fantuzzi said:

That looks brilliant, I take that's your new screensaver after all that photoshop work!

(I was going to say that's the best picture 'in the world' but refrained...)

Yes maybe that is a bit over the top. But perhaps its the best Abarth Badge in black and white photo, thats been photo shopped 'In the world' ?

Ive also passed on the berni website to somebody who has an original 595ss and is looking for an original manual. So hopefully that will provide leads.

I dont think pouring water on your hood is that mad. My dad used to be a photographer and did similar things with good results. Ive thought about spraying water on the badge and taking photos before but never got round to it.

Yes i think that thread name is more appropriate, i feel as though i may have hijacked the thread a little and sent it off course.

The 'in the world' thing was more a reference at the topgear mag thing, as Clarkson said 'in the world' a lot.

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

Yeh i know. I was just joking!

Ah right, woosh scorpion needed (see what I did there...).

Been looking at my uncles 240Z all day, got me thinking about this,

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

Fantuzzi said:

Ah right, woosh scorpion needed (see what I did there...).

Been looking at my uncles 240Z all day, got me thinking about this,

I couldnt work out what that car was at first. Thought it was a Ghibli at first or maybe an Espada....but then the penny dropped.

Beautiful looking thing, found a few on the classifieds. They appear to be fetching big money too 35k for this one...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
Not so sure about the mats though.

Although personally i'd rather get something more outrageous and go for one of these...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...

Those mats are bizarre!

I think the Montreal is a little too pricey for what you can get for 25-30k. Especially as it wasn't meant to be very good at the time. But then it does have a tipo 33s v8 (well sort of)...

The SZ is definitely on my 'dangerous amount of want' list. Plus front engined, so I could fit my guitar in the back where the seats use to be.

Keeping with Alfas and Zagato



Also found this when on wiki



Im avoiding going on Alfaholics website incase I start phoning up and get some price estimates for something that looks like that...

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

Im sure you could get a custom made roof box for the guitar. Plus it would give you extra downforce

That white Alfa is gorgeous! Alfaholics is a great site for daydreaming about what i could buy if i decided to spend the house budget on a car.

Hopefully there will be a few examples this weekend at the Silverstone Classic to drool over.

Turns out I might see you at the Silverstone classic my uncle cant go so I've, got a ticket now!

And there is a Tipo 33/2 there, perfect. As well as a load of GTAs in the U2TC. Oh and couple of Iso A3Cs and a Bizzarini. Oh and a Abarth 2000....

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

So i went to Silverstone and had a cracking weekend. Here are a few pics to share.......













Did you go in the end? Apart from the sun stroke it was a cracker!

Indeed I did, awesome day, hard to pack everything in! Did get a chance to see the international paddock in the end, but god it was so good, did you see the Alfa TZ1?

Mad day inches away from some of the best cars in the world, so surreal that you could just waltz on into a garage and peer into a DBR1...

Shame beckets grandstand wasn't open, my legs were killing me by the end, shame the group Cs didn't come out, but what an end show with the GTs at the end.

I'm hoping to go to Goodwood revival as well this year, that is meant to be rather good track wise, I was talking to someone who said you can see a great deal from most of the stands.

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

I didnt see the Alfa no...gutted.

My highlight was seeing the Porsche 917. Its been my hero car ever since i saw the film Le mans when i was 2. Id never seen one before so that was great. It was also great to see the Ferrari 512 too,even if did only last a few laps before being taken out.

The italian cars didnt have a great Saturday when i went. The 1000 tc's came last in the classic touring cars, 512 crashed out and the alfa 33/2 was being driven very cautiously so came last too i think. At least the 156's did well in the touring cars, one of them even won too

We left just before the heavens opened, which was just as well as you said the group C lot didnt race.

My dad went to the Goodwood revival, he said it was amazing. You can get tickets to get you into the paddock, but you have to go dressed as if its the 1940's.

Ah shame will upload the tz1 photos, yeah the Alfas and Abarths didn't have a great day in those classes, Maserati did ok though.

I think Ive got to be a 'goodwood club' member to get to the good pits....

Fancy going haves on something prototype-y from the 70s and just entering ourselves?
We'd see it all then...

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

Fantuzzi said:

Ah shame will upload the tz1 photos, yeah the Alfas and Abarths didn't have a great day in those classes, Maserati did ok though.

I think Ive got to be a 'goodwood club' member to get to the good pits....

Fancy going haves on something prototype-y from the 70s and just entering ourselves?
We'd see it all then...

YES! that sounds like a barrel of laughs, we'd need a bit of backing though. Ive got about £3.50 on me. What have you got?

Well Ive got 28 pounds in my wallet,

hang on let me google some cars for sale

Ok back,

Found this
http://www.rmd.be/index.php/cars?pid=55&sid=13...

Bloke on the phone was very nice, he said that sadly I would have to make an offer over £31.50, I've asked my Dad for a fiver so Ill ring him again tomorrow and see what he says.

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

Well i found this... http://www.racecarsdirect.com/listing/49233/alfa_r...
The Ad says the price is £0.00. The owner is obviously doing a clear out and try to get rid of old clutter. I reckon we could take it off there hands.

Or if you insisted on spending money and were willing to flog a spare kidney off and combine the proceeds with my recent birthday money we could get this...http://www.racecarsdirect.com/listing/47907/1972_alfa_romeo_2000_gtv_bertone_coupe.html

I think the TZ1 is a goer, Favourite colour as well.

You get on the phone Ill book the tickets to Germany (Don't mention the war)


EDIT- the Zagato alfa wasn't a TZ it was a SVZ, I wasn't sure about it after looking at the pictures after, at the time I was rushing to try and see the Alfa 33 in the pits, although I was in the wrong one...

Edited by Fantuzzi on Wednesday 31st July 14:13

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

Post any of the pics you have, id be interested to see them.

Going back to our earlier chat about the SZ i spotted this in the classifieds today....

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...

...almost seems to cheap.

Yeah there is something very tempting about the current SZ price, partly because you just know with that Zagato badge it will be worth double easily fairly soon, and because they are meant to be rather stunning to drive.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/triggerscarstuff/sets...

[Fantuzzi]

jamieboy said:

Fantuzzi said:

Yeah there is something very tempting about the current SZ price, partly because you just know with that Zagato badge it will be worth double easily fairly soon, and because they are meant to be rather stunning to drive

they've been threatening to double in value for the last fifteen years and have really just stayed static. You should still buy one, though.

Ah fair enough, must admit not much of a 'market man'!

Sadly not in the market for one, cant help feeling Id stray off with my 30kish and get a 308 gtb...

[Fantuzzi]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaL02TR150w

Wow, just wow the sounds are savage.

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

I'd be seriously tempted to get an SZ even at 30k. Struggling to think of what id rather have. Good review you posted, i was never aware of the bonnet and wings being one piece. Makes me like it even more!

Good vid there too. The good old days when it was acceptable for a spectator to be run over. I like the how there are cars actually parked on the road too as you go round the right hander.

I went to something similar in France about 10 years ago when i was a wee nipper with my dad. He didn't think that the cars were going to drive quickly so we sat with our feet on the road itself. The first car that went round was a Daytona at full speed nearly running us over. So we moved about 2 feet back up the bank. It was a great day, i saw 8 GT40's! Never seen so many in one place since!

That's pretty much what the Vernasca silver flag is like from what Ive read, its not timed so its no restricted to things like helmets...

Ahh, If only I was a retired millionaire with a 33/2, TZ2 and a 1300 OT to take historic racing,oh the life of a gentlemen racer...

[Fantuzzi]

jacklewisno1 said:

Is the Vernasca silver flag free to watch? Is it just a case of pitch up at the side of the road and then camp nearby? Sounds very appealing.

I often wonder about the cars i'd own if i was a millionaire. It gets me through the day at work

Im not sure I think so, looks pretty much perfect.

Better late than never Silverstone pics,






























Rather annoyed I didn't get to the pits for the Masters series sports cars, alas.

Also, is this the best everyday car? Meant to be rather good to drive, comfortable as a GT, now has 4 seats and looks like the GT4.





That's the GT4 my summer sweetheart of 2009...

[Fantuzzi]

http://www.petrolicious.com/vernasca-silver-flag-i...

You wanted to know some more on the Vernasca silver flag...

"For someone who thinks Carlo Chiti and Abarth are gods, the place is truly petroleum heaven"

Do these people sound familiar?

Edited by Fantuzzi on Friday 9th August 20:41