■ Alfisti Issue 191 ■ November 2016 The NEC Classic Motor Show is a great end of year event. The AROC Display will feature 10 brilliant Alfas, including from our Section, namely Sal Vitale’s 156 GTA, Dave Atkins’ 155 Q4, Quentin Butler’s 1900 Berlina and Bob Woodward’s 159. (OK he’s from the West Mids but well known to us too!) There is a special discount code available to AROC members too - see the Club members-only forum or email me for it. Please note the discount applies to admission on Saturday and Sunday only. The theme this year is ’powerful Alfas’, though there’s still a question mark over the ‘new’ Alfa Giulia being present as RHD Giulia Quadrifoglio deliveries have been postponed to around March 2017. I can imagine how disappointed people are with deposits down, but happily, as we know, the QV is an utterly sensational car, a true 4-door Ferrari, sure to be worth the wait. Meantime, we (as in AROC management and our display sponsors Chris Variava), are doing everything possible to secure a new Giulia of one sort or other. Anyway, rest assured we’ve some simply wonderful classics and future classics present belonging to Club members, including 3 models never before seen on an AROC display at the show—and that’s in over 20 years now. There is absolutely LOADS more to see of course with displays from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati clubs in our hall (no. 1), then Lancia and Fiat clubs will also feature in other halls, along with well over 1,000 other cars. Then there are the seas of trade stands featuring models, parts, paintings, DVDs, Detailing products and various memorabilia, Classic Carsfor sale, the classic Car Auction, the Restoration LIVE show with TV’s Mike Brewer and Edd China, Sporting Bears’ charity Supercar rides, you name it. Over 80,000 people are expected this year during the 3 days of opening, the show is a whopper! Do come and see our local members too who are helping on the AROC ‘stand’ across the weekend as well. Thanks again to them. Meantime, we’ve meetings to come in November and December plus the “Dyno Night”. See you there! John CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW INSIDE - reports and features: Autumn Fox Run Curborough Sprint Experience 2 Section AGM Report New Alfa News Our Cars and more Alfisti is edited and produced by John Griffiths AROC East Midlands Section Secretary Tel: 0774 8881317 Email: [email protected]Our website for all the latest . . . www.AROC-UK.com/EastMids Alfisti is sponsored by NEC Birmingham - 11 to 13 November OFFICIAL ALFA ROMEO OWNERS CLUB NEWSLETTER FOR THE EAST MIDLANDS November Meeting George & Dragon, Thringstone Weds 9 November, 7.30pm We have a later start time in autumn and winter, so gathering from 7.30pm, using the back room. The November edition will feature a ‘What’s it Worth?’ quiz, so get boning up on the values of classic Italian cars!! Multiple choice format, and always a good laugh, with nice prizes too. The bar meals are really good quality and great value too. All club members welcome! Rolling Road Night at Future Motorsports Syston, Leicester Monday 21 Nov from 6pm on Back for a fun evening of power runs on the Dyno. The cost is £30 payable on the night, and for that you get 3 power runs with full power-curve print- outs of torque and bhp. In the past we have proved the accuracy of their equipment by using a brand-new Giulietta and the stats were bang-on. It’s not stressful on the car, its just like an ’overtake’ through the gears and it gives a fascinating insight. Sadly Alfas with TCT boxes don’t work - they are simply too clever! All car makes are welcome, new or old. This will all be followed by a de-brief in the pub, naturally. No deposit necessary but you will need to BOOK your place with John. (Below Dave McFarland’s GTV on the dyno rollers last time.) Address is Unit 44, The Half Croft, Syston, Leicester LE7 1LD. @AROCeastmids Dave McFarland’s GTV V6 on the rollers Alfa’s new Stevio caught without ‘padding’ disguise. The new SUV will launch at the LA show in mid-November.
Transcript
■ Alfisti Issue 191 ■ November 2016
The NEC Classic Motor Show is a great
end of year event. The AROC Display
will feature 10 brilliant Alfas,
including from our Section,
namely Sal Vitale’s 156 GTA,
Dave Atkins’ 155 Q4, Quentin
Butler’s 1900 Berlina and Bob
Woodward’s 159. (OK he’s
from the West Mids but well
known to us too!)
There is a special discount
code available to AROC members
too - see the Club members-only
forum or email me for it. Please
note the discount applies to admission
on Saturday and Sunday only.
The theme this year is ’powerful Alfas’, though
there’s still a question mark over the ‘new’ Alfa
Giulia being present as RHD Giulia Quadrifoglio
deliveries have been postponed to around March
2017. I can imagine how disappointed people are
with deposits down, but happily, as we know, the
QV is an utterly sensational car, a true 4-door
Ferrari, sure to be worth the wait. Meantime, we
(as in AROC management and our display sponsors
Chris Variava), are doing everything possible to
secure a new Giulia of one sort or other. Anyway,
rest assured we’ve some simply wonderful classics
and future classics present belonging
to Club members, including 3
models never before seen on an
AROC display at the show—and
that’s in over 20 years now.
There is absolutely LOADS
more to see of course with
displays from Ferrari,
Lamborghini and Maserati
clubs in our hall (no. 1), then
Lancia and Fiat clubs will also
feature in other halls, along
with well over 1,000 other cars.
Then there are the seas of trade
stands featuring models, parts,
paintings, DVDs, Detailing products and
various memorabilia, Classic Carsfor sale, the
classic Car Auction, the Restoration LIVE show with
TV’s Mike Brewer and Edd China, Sporting Bears’
charity Supercar rides, you name it. Over 80,000
people are expected this year during the 3 days of
opening, the show is a whopper! Do come and see
our local members too who are helping on the
AROC ‘stand’ across the weekend as well. Thanks
again to them.
Meantime, we’ve meetings to come
in November and December plus the
“Dyno Night”. See you there! John
CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW
INSIDE - reports and features:
Autumn Fox Run
Curborough Sprint Experience 2
Section AGM Report
New Alfa News
Our Cars
and more
Alfisti is edited and produced by
John Griffiths AROC East Midlands Section Secretary
November Meeting George & Dragon, Thringstone Weds 9 November, 7.30pm
We have a later start time in autumn and winter,
so gathering from 7.30pm, using the back room.
The November edition will feature a ‘What’s it
Worth?’ quiz, so get boning up on the values of
classic Italian cars!! Multiple choice format, and
always a good laugh, with nice prizes too.
The bar meals are really good quality and great
value too. All club members welcome!
Rolling Road Night at Future Motorsports
Syston, Leicester
Monday 21 Nov from 6pm on
Back for a fun evening of power runs on the Dyno.
The cost is £30 payable on the night, and for that
you get 3 power runs with full power-curve print-
outs of torque and bhp. In the past we have
proved the accuracy of their equipment by using
a brand-new Giulietta and the stats were bang-on.
It’s not stressful on the car, its just like an
’overtake’ through the gears and it gives a
fascinating insight. Sadly Alfas with TCT boxes
don’t work - they are simply too clever! All car
makes are welcome, new or old. This will all be
followed by a de-brief in the pub, naturally. No
deposit necessary but you will need to BOOK your
place with John. (Below Dave McFarland’s GTV
on the dyno rollers last time.) Address is Unit 44,
The Half Croft, Syston, Leicester LE7 1LD.
@AROCeastmids
Dave McFarland’s GTV V6 on the rollers
Alfa’s new Stevio caught without ‘padding’ disguise. The new SUV will launch at the LA show in mid-November.
Our Section AGM was held at the October meeting
night at the George & Dragon on Thringstone. It’s
our only meeting that you’d call in any way ’formal’,
where as per the Club’s rules, we elect the
committee, review the accounts and discuss the
past year’s events.
We were delighted that again more than 30
people attended, clearly all really looking forward to
the Alfa Quiz I’d set this year—having managed to
win it last time. (What a reward hey? :0) )
Chairman Bryan opened the proceedings thanking
all for attending and congratulating John the broader
team for their efforts in making things a success
again in 2016. Also on behalf of all of the local
membership he thanks Paul Jones and Chris Variava
for the ongoing support of the Section, something
which has really helped it flourish.
The Committee was re-elected; John G as
Secretary and prime organiser, Bryan as Chairman,
Brian Smith as Vice Chairman, John and Bryan as
joint Treasurer, with Duncan Langford as Social
Media Administrator.
Alan Lathwell was thanked as Assistant Secretary;
he has to stand down owing to outside commitments
as Chairman of Oadby Town FC. He states he will
still be involved with activities where he can.
John again emphasised that though a few
members have formal titles necessitated through
the rules of AROC, our regular core of attendees are
all seen as just as involved - and all were thanked for
their efforts at events like MITCAR and NAD this year,
and John commented how pleased he was that when
new members attend our events they are
immediately ‘embraced’ by our regular attendees
too, which is really appreciated by all.
Both John and Bryan then covered the Section’s
financial position, which is very healthy thanks to
higher than expected income from MITCAR this year.
It was reiterated that there is no intention to charge
for local Section membership, and that where
possible, funds would be used to subsidise things
whilst ensuring good provision for ‘risk’; for example
venue hire.
In terms of Club membership. John covered the
fact that at a national level it has been on a
continued, if slow, rise (now at @3,200) and that is
reflected locally in our Section too. It was also noted
that event attendance, particularly the regular
meeting night at the G&D, has been extremely
healthy, often with over 50 people along with 40 or
more cars. The G&D was universally accepted as
our continued home for regular meetings.
Regarding communications, it was agreed the
volume of emails sent via John was not seen as a
nuisance, John with one monthly update with
occasional messages/reminders close to the bigger
events.
Our local newsletter - Alfisti—will continue in
printed form for our active members. John re-iterated
that he likes to receive content directly from
members to publish in it. The website continues to
be well used, and John announced the plan to get
the MITCAR pages their own URL for ease of
reference and direction (e.g. MITCAR.co.uk).
On Social Media—Twitter has over 470 followers,
and John thanks Duncan for setting up the local
Facebook Group that has over 180 members. He
also covered the set up of the new ‘AROC
Marketplace’ pages that also has a growing number
of members.
People were asked if they’d be interested in local
regalia or car stickers, and there was a degree of
interest shown.
Reviewing events - John stated there were 34 to
mention since last AGM. Reference was made to the
event ‘overload’ in June 2016, something that can
have the side-effect of watering down attendances.
Better thought would be given to that in 2017 with
some activities being ’rested’, notably ones which
did not attract large numbers; e.g. the Melton Classic
Car Night and the Glider Club Open Day.
Looking ahead, John invited ideas for new events
in 2017 - notably for an outdoor display with an
indoor attraction for end of March similar to this
year’s Coventry Transport Museum event. The Bass
Brewery Museum in Burton was suggested.
Some past mid-week tours were suggested for re-
run; notably the Rolls Royce Heritage museum in
Derby, Morgan Cars in Malvern, and the JCB Factory/
Museum tour near Uttoxeter. All will be looked into
for early 2017. Also, potential of a visit to the
Formula-E HQ at Donington Park was muted; Section
regular Viv Stephens has contacts there and will see
what might be available.
Some other Classic Car gatherings were
suggested, including Bosworth Water Park, Stoney
Stratford (New Year’s Day) and Bourne. The idea of
a driving holiday/weekend was also raised, for - or a
drive or fly/drive to the Alfa museum near Milan.
As time was pressing on, John thanks all for their
ideas and the good discussions and promised to
have the draft 2017 event Calendar together in
January. With that the AGM was drawn to a close.
THE ALFA QUIZ
As per tradition the winner of one year’s quiz has the
honour of setting the following year’s. Last time
John won Peter Farley’s quiz so had developed a 23
question multiple choice answer quiz. Furrowed
brows abounded for the next 15 or so minutes… but
with not too many curses heard! The traditional
show of hands around scores showed the lowest
total was 7 - Matthew Manners managing that, his
partner Franki delighted she beat him by one! The
vast majority managed to get more than half correct,
with joint winners, Alan Lathwell and Roger Smith,
with Alan winning the tie-breaker (number of Alfa
Romeos sold in 2015 in the UK according to the
SMMT = 5,069. Alan won an Autoglym Aqua Wax kit,
Roger a nice bottle of Prosecco.
After the quiz the group carried on having a good
old natter, and despite the necessity of the
formalities, it was a very enjoyable night. Thanks as
ever to all who came along. John
ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter November 2016 - Issue 191
Mike Swinfen swooshes past in his Spider V6
at our October Meeting Night
Doing the Quiz… listen hard you can hear the thought processes!
A nice shot at our Fun Concourse Night taken by Duncan. We know how to fill the G&D’s paddock!
We had our second visit of the year to the
Curburgring at the end of September - the
wonderful, challenging sprint track near
Lichfield. It’s a great ‘no pressure’ track day with
just us there, no timing, 3-lap stints so cars not
over-stressed, and drivers aren’t either as you can
go as fast or slow as you like.
We were delighted to have several first-timers
along this time too; Matthew Manners who is
currently Alfa-less, brought his brand new
‘company’ Focus ST diesel estate that had about
150 miles on the clock - a good way to run it
in! Next, Stuart Sims was down from Mansfield in
his Alfa red 147 JTDm, then David and Michael
Faithful in GT Selespeed and 147 T-Spark
respectively who’d travelled all the way up from
Bournemouth! David had responded to my appeal
on AROC Facebook – as we didn’t want to let spare
spaces go unfilled.
We had another first - Martin Brackenbury
brought his phenomenal 125cc 2 -stroke kart for
some extra testing, and boy did it go! Otherwise we
had ‘Ring veterans Brian Smith with his 4C Spider,
Mark Gunston with his 4C LE Coupe, Dave
McFarland with his track-tuned GTV V6 fitted with
3.2 Busso, Alex Pope with his cracking Giulietta QV,
then a pair of bonkers 180bhp Abarth 595s
belonging to Matt Yousuf and Mark Sangster. Since
his last visit, Matt has done some mods on his
notably replacing his rear seats with a sturdy cross-
brace and fitting a bigger roof spoiler extension. It
just needs a few badges to be a real Biposto
Anyway we were able to enjoy a lovely warm and
dry late summer day. There were no on-track
dramas this time - bar the odd cone sent flying,
which is all part of the fun! We were delighted
that El Presidenté, George Cole, made it over in his
new-to-him Giulietta Collezione along with Mrs El
Presidenté, Janet. George didn’t take to track this
time but enjoyed zooming up the paddock track
anyway! Our thanks as ever went to him for
booking the event with the owning Shenstone &
District Car Club.
Sadly I had to leave early, but as well as taking
photos I managed to grab a few passenger laps. I
was impressed with Matthew’s ST diesel (they don’t
call it an STD do they? ) - and its torque-rich power
delivery and heavily bolstered seats; then it was
brilliant to ride in Dave McFarland’s GTV. That
seems to be even better now its brand-new 3.2
Busso has done some miles. Dave recent rolling
road session proved it is up on power and torque,
giving over 250bhp now. It certainly zooms along
making a some great sounds too of course!
Also along on the day were Dave Atkins with his
brother-in-law Chris Cheal aboard Dave’s 155
Q4. Bob Woodward also brought his brother over
for a bit too. Brian Smith thoroughly enjoyed giving
rides in his 4C Spider as always – that car is so in
its element there. Mark Gunston was giving hot
laps in his LE too – with the odd, quote, “Whoops,
braked a bit late there” incident along the way
Talking of which, we should give some awards out
for extreme braking; Matt Yousuf’s 595 and Alex
Pope’s Giulietta had their ‘emergency brake’
indicators on more than off for some laps I
reckon! They were having a ball anyway, Martin
was having a great time with his kart too. The 125
beastie was absolutely flying – on the long straight
he had to keep letting off the gas or the rev counter
would have gone into orbit! Those things are just
SO quick. Anyway, I had to depart at around 2.30
but the laps carried on until 5, the sun still out. Oh,
thanks also to Brian Smith for getting the keys and
facilitating on the day. Curborough is a wonderful
place and we plan to return for another bash in the
spring when hopefully the weather will be as kind.
John
See lots more photos on our website.
ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter November 2016 - Issue 191
Sprint Experience Day
After a long dry spell, wouldn’t you know it, it had to
end just in time for our autumn run. Still, our
gathering of 30 were undeterred, very probably as
the lure of the breakfast bacon was just too strong at
the George & Dragon….
We had a nice variety of cars, along, Alfas of course
with Lynda Langford’s Abarth and Leigh Nethercot’s
Maserati as the Italian interlopers. The oldest Alfa
being Peter and Linda Farley’s Giulietta
Spider. Sadly that one didn’t make the run proper as
first a brake problem then a refusal to start kiboshed
it! Peter thinks it was due to a recent lack of use, but
at least we got to see them early on.
After a good natter at the start and a group photo
after the rain, we were set to drive over in
convoy. Our route took in several very pleasant
roads and villages as we skirted the Vale of Belvoir,
admittedly quite a few were very muddy though!
Hathern, Wymeswold, Eastwell and Waltham on the
Wolds were all taken in. I lead the way having
nabbed the keys to Maria’s ‘Yellow Peril’ MiTo,
making sure I kept religiously to the speed limits so
we could keep together - though I had provided route
maps in case.
We we arrived on the edge of Grantham at ‘The
Muddle Go Nowhere’ pub at about 12:15 just as
planned, and annexed a nice corner of the car park.
We were soon met by Bryan Alexander who’d come
over direct from Wollaton, and inside of course the
inspiration for the run, our Octogenarian Section
President George Cole and his wife Janet.
The lunch at the Harvester restaurant was of
decent quality and affair price too, and we had a nice
big area all to ourselves too.
It was great to see our George and he was
absolutely delighted we could all come over. All were
invited back to his and Janet’s and a group of us
enjoyed further refreshments there at their
bungalow. George tells us he’s no longer taking cars
to bits - indeed he only has his black Giulietta now,
bur there’s a lovely blown-up photo of his Alfasud
Super on the lounge wall. I don’t think any of us will
forget that one.
All in all a very pleasant day out, we will certainly do
some more morning runs like this next year. Thanks
as ever to all who came along. John
(More photos on our website.)
ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter November 2016 - Issue 191
Early rain cleared by about 10;30, and after bacon rolls all round we were ready for the off.
ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter November 2016 - Issue 191
Above; In the G&D - Derek Duffil’s 939 Spider nearest Above: Bob and Gill Human’s Giulietta Above: Navid and Julie Jan’s Spider in the foreground. Below; Leigh’s Maserati Spyder Below: Spot the mud on Derek’s Spider! . Below; Sun beaming down on us at the finish
Above; Mirror image on the run.. Above: Janet and George (El Presidente of course!) Above: Belvoir Castle, spotted in the distance!
Giulia Veloce Alfa Romeo pulled the covers off a new European-spec Giulia
at the Paris show in October. The Veloce boasts a deep front
bumper similar to the Quadrifoglio, plus a rear diffuser. A
new colour too, a bright Misano Blue. 19” QF style alloy
wheels are available. Importantly, the drive train is 4WD with
2 engine options: a 280hp version of the all-new 2.0 Multiair
turbo petrol unit and a 210hp 2.2 JTDm. The Q4 badge
returning. No word yet on UK availability.
155 Silverstone - They need to be saved! For the 1994 British Turing Car Championship, Alfa Romeo went for it all guns blazing.
The 155 introduced to race circuits in 1992, had already seen success with the 2.0
turbo 4WD ‘Q4’ based version - essentially a Lancia Delta Integrale in disguise—plus
the astonishing 2.5 V6 Ti 4WD that won the DTM in 1993. For the UK series they
needed something a little more prosaic, the rules being 2L front or rear wheel drive.
Alfa very cleverly homologated some very clever parts in a European Special Edition,
named Silverstone in the UK. They took a ‘base’ 1.8 8v Twin–Spark, adding a jutting
front chin ‘splitter’ and the boot spoiler from the Alfa 33 - complete with raisable
metal ‘stilts’ provided in the
boot. This aero kit worked a
treat, the race car benefitting
from a clever LSD too, meaning
they could ride the kerbs
incredibly well, cutting bends
whilst getting power on early.
Unsurprisingly, protests
abounded, Alfa setting
eventually for lowered spoilers
and retracted splitter. Having
two brilliant race drivers no
doubt helped, but Alfa
annihilated the opposition with
Gabriele Tarquini winning
overall from Giampiero Simoni.
Alfa Vince. But what of the
road car? Back in 1994 it was
super-cool, if not terribly fast; 0-
60 in 9.5 secs and 124 flat out.
Many gained painted bumpers
and several got stickers of
course. Today a tiny number
remain, and they are a special
part of Alfa’s history. Checking
‘How Many Left’ - just 6
registered and 14 SORN. John
The road-standard Alfa 155 Silverstone. (Photo John G 1994.)
Simoni at Snetterton, May 1994. (Photo John G.)
Quick Detailing Even if you aren’t too bothered
about Detailing and are happy for
the local guys to wash your Alfa for
you every Blue Moon, there are a
couple of products here that are SO
easy to use they can make all the
difference when you fancy getting it
smartened up for a show. I’ve
mentioned them in this mini feature before, but both are so good I
just have to again, certainly for newer readers. Both are classed as
Quick Detailer sprays, but are actually quite different. ‘QD’ sprays
can fulfil different roles; some are better cleaners, others gloss
enhancers and others protective sealants. Many will claim to do all
three, but they rarely do and their prices can vary wildly. They are
generally silicate and wax based, and PFTE, ’Nano’ and Carnauba
are common buzzwords, but often clever chemistry is involved.
So - my favourite cleaner (or fingerprints, drying spots, light dust
etc) and giver of a high-gloss finish, that’s also a great ’clay bar’
lubricant is STILL Autoglym Rapid Detailer. A 500ml spray bottle is
available in Halfords for under a tenner - but you can get the 5 Litre
trade size online for under £30 and it will last ages. That’s called
‘Fast Shine and Lube’. The latest formula is superb! Next up - a
chemical phenomenon. Sonax Brilliant Shine Detailer. It will clean
and shine but is actually a superb protective sealant which keeps
water beading for simply ages! Around £14 on eBay for 750ml. I
use both all the time; simple to use with fantastic results. John
How to import a car from Italy With the value of the pound having dropped significantly
the question is will European buyers be tempted to buy
more UK Classics I guess. In more recent years we’ve
seen it the other way around when Euro was at @135
cents per pound. At 110 perhaps the pendulum will swing the other way. With
Classic car values on a steady increase we have seen an influx of left hand drive
cars in recent years - including plenty of 105 Series cars, including from USA of
course. We still hear about barn finds and fantastic bargains out in Italy however -
exchange rates aside! It was interesting to read in Classic Car recently some tips
on importing a car from Italy, which I will paraphrase here.
You need 5 things: the original registration document (a copy won’t do); a
declaration of sale, signed by a Notaio or local public-office bureaucrat. If you are
driving the car back, you need insurance (based on the chassis number); an Italian
MOT; and a registration plate. This last one is awkward as an Italian plate belongs
to the owner, not the car, The new owner brings their own, but as a non-Italian, you
can’t register a plate…. So you need either a temporary export plate, which can
take days, or you drive back on the owner’s plates then post them back to Italy.
Now, some Italian towns have an ‘Auto Agency’ which can assist with all aspects of
the sale. Now, back in the UK you have 14 days to let HMRC know you’ve
imported a car, using its online NOVA service. They then let you know how much
import tax you owe - but the good news is for an EU car over six months old that’s
zero. Older cars don’t need type approval. (Good news). Now you’re not allowed to
drive on those Italian plates here, unless you are driving straight to a booked MOT.
Once you have your MOT you fill in a V5/5 form to register it in the UK, costing
£55 all in.
So, not terribly complicated. At the moment! John (Thanks to Classic Car.)
ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter November 2016 - Issue 191
Is the new big Alfa looking more likely?
After the various Giulia
renderings, the current
Internet favourite is the
‘Alfetta’, a potential name
for a new D-Segment Alfa
(a big one) along lines of 5-
Series and E-Class. These
are fuelled by the rumour
that it is firmly back in
FCA’s plans.
Date Activities
Weds 9 Nov from 7.30pm
November Meeting Night at The George & Dragon in Thringstone - starting at 7.30pm. An evening of natter at our favourite ‘local’. Great pub grub available too served til 9pm. Features a ‘What’s it Worth’ quiz too with nice prizes!
11-13 November
Classic Motor Show - NEC Birmingham. AROC stand featuring historic Alfa Romeos and something new. Our Section members will be helping on the stand as normal, do say hello!
21 November from 6pm
Rolling Road Night – Back to Future Motor Sports in Syston for a night on the Dynamometer to measure the power of our Alfas. Price £30 for 3 power runs. (Any type of car welcome. Please note that Alfas with TCT gearboxes cannot be measured.)
Nov / Dec TBC Giulia Arrives! - A special open day at Chris Variava where we can get close to Alfa Romeo’s long awaited new Berlina. Check our website for details - members will receive an email about it too.
Weds 14 December
December Meeting Night at a venue TBC. It will not be our normal one as they are too busy with Christmas party bookings. We’re planning another ‘talk night’ with a special guest speaker. More info soon!
Fri 6 January 2017
New Year Meal at La Torre, High Street, Coalville. A super 3 course Italian meal for under £25. With fun charity raffle and more. Please book your place with John.
Sign up to get latest news, info and chat! www.facebook.com/groups/arocukeastmids
LOTS to come this year - always keep an eye on our website too.
AROC East Midlands Section Events 2016
The Small Print: Alfisti is the newsletter of the Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club UK East Midlands Section. Chris Variava Alfa Romeo Nottingham supports the cost of Alfisti’s printed production carried out at cost rate by a Section Member’s company. Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club UK ltd cannot endorse or recommend services or products advertised in its publications. Any opinions published in ‘Alfisti’ or its sister website, Twitter account and Facebook group are personal ones. Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club Ltd registered Number 01106134. Please contact John Griffiths if you have any queries about the Club or our active local Area Section. See cover for contact details.
Gazetta News Snippets
ARE YOU ON DIRECT DEBIT??
For many members,
December is
renewal time…
dating back to the
days when
subscriptions were
on an annual
calendar basis.
Don’t forget that if
you sign up by
Direct Debit, you
save £2.50 on the
renewal cost.
Basically AROC
passes on the savings it makes by using
that method. A DD form is included in your
renewal notice. (NB it is a ‘one off’ DD
payment - and not a trick to catch the
unwary, you will always get reminders each
year.)
DAVE IS OFF TO ISRAEL!
Section Regular Dave Atkins recently sold
his 1970 Alfa Giulia 1300ti to an Alfista out
in Israel, and he and his wife Chris have
been invited out there in November by the
owner who is also a stalwart in the Israeli
AROC. They will be guests of honour at an
Club gathering there and also being taken
for various sightseeing, like a visit to
Bethlehem. We look forward to see the
pictures! (Dave’s Giulia is pictured here,
now on Israeli plates, with another Italian
machine owned by one of the enthusiasts
out here.)
MITCAR 2017
Plans are afoot
for next year’s
venue - and
another new
one! Subject o
a visit in
November we
hope to announce it all in the next edition.
And it promises to be another event with a
difference!
Giulia Sportwagon on the way?
Stop Press… Internet lit up on rumour that
an Alfa Giulia Sportwagon is on the cards
for end 2017. Meantime, in September
the saloon got to no.4 in its class in
Continental Europe sales charts, above the
Jaguar XE, just behind the Audi A4.
VISITS IN THE NEW YEAR
We’re conscious that there have been no visits to
interesting motoring venues in 2016, but we plan to
make up for that in 2017.
In early 2014 a large group of us had a really good trip
to the Rolls Royce Heritage Centre in Derby - it’s a
simply amazing, and quite vast, museum celebrating
the company from its earliest beginnings through to
today, with everything from original cars, machinery,
restoration shops, a complete Spitfire through to a full
RR Trent aero engine! Last time we even got to see a
Merlin Engine being run with a prop mounted on a
‘dolly’ - Oh the noise and power of that thing! Quite
amazing. Our tour will take place most likely in
February or March, a morning visit followed by a pub
lunch.
Another absolute favourite is a visit to the Morgan
Motor Company in Malvern. We’ve been many times
over the years but again not since 2013, so it’s time for
another visit. It’s a fascinating place where you can get
up really close to the cars under construction as you
can see in the pictures opposite, and the archive
museum will be better established by now too. Our
resident vehicular engineering expert, Dr Viv Stephens,
who has done work with the company, will be doing his
best to sort out a special ‘free’ tour for our party which
will again be a morning tour followed by pub lunch, also
to be arranged for Feb or March. All details will be in
future editions of course. Meantime, here are a few
photos from the past visits to whet the appetite.
I will require names to book places, but more on that
in due course. All good to look forward to. John
ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter November 2016 - Issue 191
Alfisti no.192 will be out in December
Alfisti’s production is sponsored by Chris Variava Alfa Romeo Nottingham
147 GTA - Martin Brackenbury
This photo dates from 2014 when Martin brought his Busso V6 flier to the
AROC National Alfa Weekend event at Bruntingthorpe Proving Grounds. The
graphics and
numbers were
only temporary
but look great!
Currently the car
awaits some
attention after
collecting a bad
dent on the
passenger door,
but it will be
fighting fit again
soon,
Unusual news from the world of motoring
- SCOOP! -
New Alfa Giulia Crash Test
Talk about a
nightmare. Brand
new 60K Giulia
Quadrifoglio
bashed up a kerb
and into a fence.
We’re not sure if
this was a test drive
or a crash test. Bad
news for somebody
anyway!
Giulietta Collezione 1.4TBi - George Cole
Both Janet and I would like to thank the committee and members of the
Section’s decision to make the journey to Grantham for the Fox Run in order
to bring an event local to which I could attend. The choice of lunch at the
'Muddle go Nowhere' Harvester pub was excellent. Easy parking, good food
in a reserved area with friendly table service from Harry. We enjoyed the
light refreshments
afterwards at our house too.
Most convivial and the Sun
shone. Maybe my condition
will allow me to drive to the
G & D next year when
daylight prevails. This I shall
look forward to. Thanks all
involved for providing a
most memorable
day. George & Janet
We love
seeing Peter’s
Giulietta at our
gatherings. Sadly a flat battery
precluded it joining in our Fox
Run in October after meeting at
the start. Here’s a rare shot of
it with its hood up, Peter and
Linda far more used to driving
Al Fresco!
MiTo Speciale 1.3 JTDm - Tony Flanagan
Local member and driving instructor Tony Flanagan is pictured here collecting
his latest-spec 95hp MiTo from Aaron Clark at Chris Variava. The latest red
machine replaces
his first MiTo 1.3
JTDm that
covered 160,000
miles!
The MiTo has a
terrific standard
spec and
includes the new
Giulia-look nose
of course, It joins
his Alfa Red 156
GTA on his
driveway.
4C Spider - Andrew Morrish
Andrew took his 4C Spider on track with us at Curborough in September
2015, but here’s
a cracking ‘pro’
photo if the car
at Brands
Hatch,
specifically It
was taken from
Druids looking
back to
Hailwood Hill
during a track
day event on
the short
circuit. The car
really looks the
part!
FOR SALE GTV 2.0 Twin Spark - (Ben Rutter) - £1,150
1998. 155,000 Miles, used daily. It is a beautiful car to drive. A/C blows Ice
Cold. It had a Cambelt, Service, Radiator, AC condenser in Jan 2016. Rear
tyres were changed in Jan 2016 with the fronts changed OCT 2017. Oil and
Filter changed in August (done 6 monthly). MOT until Oct 2017. All receipts
have been kept and are displayed in a folder. No mods EXCEPT for the CAT
back SS Exhaust. This is not loud or imposing. It has a life time guarantee.
Bodywork is ok for a 19-year-old car but does have the usual stone chipping
