Alfisti is edited and produced by
John Griffiths AROC East Midlands Section Secretary
Tel: 0774 8881317
e-mail: [email protected]
See our website for latest news and more:
www.AROC-UK.com/EastMids
Alfisti’s production sponsored by
Our curry night last year at Out of India
near Shepshed proved very popular. This February though we’re in for an eastern treat at our newly refurbished regular monthly meeting place, the ‘G&D’. Star chef Josh will be putting on a special Indian platter for us at just £10 a head. Now you can’t say fairer than that! If Indian is not your thing, you’ll be able to chose from the G&D’s normal extensive menu.
We will need to know if you plan to attend of course so do let John know as soon as possible please.
The George & Dragon’s new owner, Danny
Gallacher, is delighted that we still meet at the G&D and looks forward to welcoming us every month in 2015. Josh is also eager to put on a barbecue night for us in the summer - our August meeting probably looking favourite for that. We can readily tie that in with some other out door car-related entertainment, like Drag racing on the A512 perhaps… (Maybe not!) Anyway the paddock area is grassing over nicely and will be ideal for our meetings on the lighter nights. Our Fun Concours in June this year should be a cracker!
Alfa Romeo Owners Club UK
East Midlands
Section
Formerly Central & East Midlands
■ Alfisti Issue 171 ■ January 2015
Inside:
2014 Review
2015 Events
December meeting night
New Alfa Berlina out in June
Our Cars
. . . and more
ALFISTI / EASTMIDS
Free to Club members
We’re gearing up for another year packed with tons of different activities for Alfa fanatics. Inside you’ll see a review of our bigger events from 2014 – everything from track driving, karting and navigational rallying to museum tours, ‘show and shines’ and even a curry night! Surely something for everyone?
We are lucky in being in the centre of the country of course so the main Italian car events are all readily ‘doable’ in a day. At time of writing National Alfa Day is still being finalised for June, but I’m delighted that Spring Alfa Day on 26 April is returning to The Imperial War Museum at Duxford. That’s a dazzling venue for those into planes and general wartime stuff. AROC’s been able to get discount admission rates too, certainly advantageous if you buy in advance, and though the Club’s been there several times - the last time being in 2011 - it should feel fresher again this time as the American Hangar is being refurbished and all of the aircraft are going to be parked up outside. (Can’t wait to see the B-52). Anyway, it all points to a cracking day, and being before the Auto Italia spring event at Brooklands should help it pull in even more Alfas. There were 600 along there in 2011, real proof of its popularity! We will plan to travel there in convoy again after meeting up at a Service station for breakfast and will be extremely wary of speed camera vans this time after two of us got ‘nicked last time – me included!
Back to things on a slightly smaller scale, coming up in January after the New Year Meal on the 9th, on Wednesday 14th we’re back at the George & Dragon where I’m going to treat you to a ‘What’s it Worth’ quiz. Basically that’s applied guesswork on the asking price of various classic and more modern Italian cars from Fiat to Ferrari. It’s all multiple choice and we’ll have some nice prizes too, including a lucky dip.
In February, the new manager/chef at the G&D, Josh, will be putting on a special Curry Night for us. His food at the pub is of a really high standard so this promises to be very good and a bit of a bargain too. See the panel on the right.
Into March and we definitely want to repeat the Fox Run which was so enjoyable last year. Date is still a tad fluid but Sunday 29 March is looking favourable as BST begins and it misses Mothering Sunday too. Anyway, an early rendition of our 2015 events calendar is inside on page 7 giving a view of things through to the summer. At time of writing several things are still coming together but if you have a look at our 2014 events review in the middle pages it will give you a good idea of what’s to come. Basically, lots!
As I put here quite often, I’m always keen to hear what you’re up to with your Alfa so do please keep pinging me things on email, photos too please so we can get them in here.
Here’s to a superb 2015. Cheers! John
@AROCeastmids
December 2014 Meeting Night The George & Dragon, Thringstone
We were delighted that vehicle dynamics expert, Peter Cambridge could come along
and give an informal talk at out December meeting night. For those who don’t know,
Peter worked at Prodrive for many years, including on the many Subaru ‘specials’, the
Aston Vantage V8 and Mazda RX-8 Prodrive editions, and most famously the Alfa
Romeo Brera S. More recently Peter has gone independent, working for companies as
diverse as Jaguar, Mountune and currently MG, which has involved him visiting China
and Thailand.
Peter was able to draw upon all of this to give us over 90 minutes of entertainment
covering host of topics. He kicked off with some insight into premium car
manufacturers’ latest thinking on suspension, notably the double front wishbone set up
and integral link rear - exactly what equipped the Alfa Romeo 166 back in 1998!
His recent visit to China was particularly interesting too with stories from the SAIC
test facility (owners of MG) and its hundreds of employees and gigantic test track. His
tales of bizarre cuisine and extreme road rage were also rather eye-opening!
We were interested to hear about all the effort that goes into suspension settings
nowadays to not only maximise grip, handling and ride, but to also lower drag and
reduce CO2 emissions - that are nowadays so vital for manufacturers!
Tyres is always an interesting subject too. Leigh Nethercot (relaxing in foreground of
lower picture) was particularly excited to learn about the MAXXIS brand which has
developed tyres that give off red smoke in a burn out, or when drifting. Ideal for his M3
of course. (Ha ha!). I should also explain that owing to the pub’s big demand for
Christmas meals we couldn't use our familiar room, but managed to fit all 30 of us in
the Snug area. (It was!)
We finished off with Richard Shaw handing his ‘Hunter’ wheel alignment print our to
Peter to diagnose. Peter pointed out that though ‘acceptable’ the car’s thrust angle
was out a tad, effectively pointing the car to the right. Now, all that can be corrected
and real expert input given by Peter—learned from years of experience of course,
including on a host of Alfas. The mechanism is to book a time and date directly with
Peter (contact me for his number.) The set up then takes place using high-tech camera
gear at ProTyre in Warwick. The cost is around £130, but take it from me, the
transformation can be genuinely astounding. As Peter explains, many Alfas are set up
with ‘toe out’ on the front wheels, which gives great ‘feel’ mid-corner, but it leads to
drag and premature inner-edge tyre wear. Peter generally counters that, still pre-
loading the tyres but giving a sharper turn in and a longer life too. The alignment also
counters what’s sometimes described as ‘Alfa Wander’ too.
Anyway, a fascinating evening - thanks to everyone who came along and of course to
Peter, who’d raced back from some MG testing in Anglesey specially to see us! We
hope you enjoy the bottle of vino Peter as a token of our gratitude. John
ALFISTI - January 2015 - Issue 171 AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter
IntaServices has moved!
Long-time Section supporters, Italian Car Specialists Inta-
Services, owned by master engineer Dave Knott, have relocated
to a new premises in Leicester, specifically 32 Southampton
Street LE1 1SJ, not far from the main Leicester Mercury offices.
Dave’s friendly service remains and rest assured you’ll always
get a great deal as an AROC member—make sure you let him
know you are! The Phone number stays the same, 0116 251
0899.
Dave French (Engine Services), another of a our big
supporters, has relocated alongside Dave in the same premises
If you ever need engine work - head skimming, gaskets, pistons
and internals, he’s your man.
The new building—in fact a former nightclub(!) has a shared
entrance with ‘Big John’s Motors’ (absolutely nothing to do with
me!), but inside on the left you’ll see an impressive area with no
less than 6 lifts and the team all ready to help.
After moving so much stuff it’s going to take a while for Dave
and the guys to get 100% straight of course, but the upstairs
office area promises to be really good, including a waiting ‘rest
area’ for us punters!
Leicester town centre is now just a short walk (The Curve is
about 100m away), and the very smart Phoenix café is just
around the back. Ditto St George’s Retail Park. Oh, and the AROC
Banger Rally veteran 164’s bonnet is still proudly displayed on
the wall inside!
Martin Lindus was one of the first customers to have his GTV
serviced by Dave Knott in the new premises, taking it in on the
first Saturday in December. As Martin reports: “The good news
is that not everything is new – the tradition of Bacon butties on a
Saturday has been carried over!!”
John
Peter holding court by the screen
Christmas comes to the G&D!
New Alfas on the horizon New Giulia to launch on 24 June 2015
The new rear wheel drive Alfa Romeo ’Berlina’, which may or may not be called Giulia, will
be formally announced on Alfa Romeo’s birthday, 24 June, according to FCA chief Sergio
Marchionne. The Maserati-bodied ’Mules’ (see below) have been out for some months
now, but the photo top right caused quite a stir in December when, right in the back left
corner, there appeared to be a rather gorgeous, low-slung Alfa Romeo complete with super
-stylish headlamps. Sadly, hopes were dashed when evidence came out that this was
actually a German ’Photoshop’ special. Well, we can hope the real thing will look that
good!
Now, other reports are out that virtually undisguised Alfa test cars are out in Alaska
doing cold-climate testing and in Nevada doing extreme heat tests. Of course to you
average American they could be anything! (Well, they are not a Pick Up are they?).
What is becoming clear is that a
Sportwagon version will appear
at the same time, and a coupe
hot on its heels too.
FCA are also apparently
modifying the Pomigliano d’Arco
factory near Naples, (birthplace
of the Alfasud and current home
of the Panda) to build Alfa
Romeos again, as well as at the
huge plant at Cassino. Not too
long to go now anyway!
Alfa Return to Racing with Nicola Larini!
Fantastic news as the 1993 DTM Champion for Alfa Romeo, 50 year old
Tuscan Nicola Larini, will be entered in the VLN Endurance Race Series at
Nurburgring from March next year competing in what’s being called a
Giulietta GTA. These are 4 hour races in cars close to production standard.
The team will be run by ex Alfa Corse hero, Larini’s former colleague,
Gianni Giudici, whose son Claudio will also compete in the championship.
Claudio’s a major talent, like his father was, and not even twenty years old
yet.
The team will celebrate Larini’s comeback in early March by setting off with
two Giulietta GTA’s from the Castello Sforzesco in the centre of Milan towards
the Nürburgring. All this in the year that Alfa is to turn 105 years old and will
be launching one of the most important models in its history. Could this finally
be the first sign of Alfa’s definite return to racing? Exciting stuff!!
DOOMWATCH ALFA We’ve had a few features on scarily dwindling numbers of Alfas
over the past couple of year, but it’s about time for an update….
This features Berlina models, traditionally least likely to appeal
to enthusiast collectors who tend to go for coupes and Spiders.
This is the number of cars registered and on the road. There are
roughly the same number on SORN, but the danger is those will
never return to the highway.
(Model, years on sale, number ln UK.)
Alfa 155 —1992 to 1997: 173
Alfa 164 —1987 to 1996: 155
Alfa 75 —1985 to 1992: 119
Alfa 33 —1983 to 1994: 55
Alfasud —1972 to 1983: 84
The Alfa 155 has been in decline for the past 5 years, but that
seems to be levelling off now as the cars are beginning to be
seen as a collectors machine at last. The same is true of the
164, where registered numbers appear pretty static in past 3
years. That’s a similar picture to the last rear-drive Alfa, the 75.
The boxer-engined cars are quite a surprise. 4 years ago there
were more 33s registered than Alfasuds, but now the picture is
reversed. (The Alfasud figure includes Sprint variants
incidentally.) Perhaps as time passes more 33s will be
refurbished and road registered as they attain more of a Classic
status, but its a difficult one to predict. Parts are a problem, as is
scarcity of suitable donor vehicles. John
The place to see rare Alfas? An AROC event!
75s 155s
164s 33
Alfasud
Alfasud Sprints
A Giulia ‘Mule’ - shortened Maserati Ghibli.
ALFISTI - January 2015 - Issue 171 AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter
2014 EVENT REVIEW This item features the key activities we organised or played a part in last year.
It will give someone new to the Club a good idea of the variety of things we do,
and we’re planning another great load of stuff in 2015...
The year kicked off with our traditional Italian
New Year Meal at La Torre in Coalville. We had a
tremendous attendance of 40 people, and our
charity raffle raised over £250! We followed that
in February with another well attended Curry
Night at ‘Out of India’ near Shepshed.
A new one for us
in 2014 was the
Dyno Night at
FutureMotorsports
in Syston.
Organised by
mechanical
engineer Mark
Wood, 14 of us ran
cars on the rolling
road recording
some impressive
power figures. A lot
of fun, something
we may repeat at
the end of 2015.
We had 2 visits to the superb
Curborough Sprint Circuit this year
in April and September, courtesy of
George Cole who very sadly pranged
his 145 on the first occasion (see
above left). Happily after a spell in
hospital he was soon driving again
and plans some level of competition
in 2015. We will be returning for
this great value circuit driving
experience in April. Can’t wait!
We returned to
Beedles Lake Golf
Centre in May as guests
of the Jaguar
Enthusiasts Club for
their Classic Car Night.
Another enjoyable
evening with a nice
variety of cars along
again.
The World Superbikes meeting at Donington
Park saw discount admission and dedicated
outfield parking for our Alfas, some superb bike
racing (of course), plus Alfa Romeo 4C, Giulietta
and MiTo QV course cars. A terrific event.
Our tour of the Rolls Royce Heritage Centre in Derby, organised via Brian Smith and Bob Human, was a simply
terrific day out in March. The morning saw a tour of the extensive collection of predominantly aero-engine
related materials, including us witnessing a mighty Merlin engine being run up on a ‘dolly’. (See above.) The
afternoon saw a unique tour of the modern jet engine maintenance facilities. Terrific stuff.
The Fox Run made a return in 2014, a navigational
rally across south Leicestershire. Starting from Wistow,
our cars made their way at intervals on a winding route
across to Rutland, arriving back for lunch and ice
creams at Alfista Matt Yousuff’s excellent Ice Bar Café
in Market Harborough.
We enjoyed two official trips to Chris Variava this year - firstly to see
the stunning new 4C up close in April, and then to drive the new
Giulietta and MiTo QV models in September. Great fun!
National Alfa Weekend in May saw some terrific Alfas all parked up by model at Boughton House near Kettering
on Saturday, followed by an evening meal in the large marquee. On the Sunday it was the big Track Action Day at
Bruntingthorpe Proving Grounds in Leicestershire. Who’ll forget the lunchtime track parade for all? Great stuff.
ALFISTI - January 2015 - Issue 171 AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter
The AutoKarna show at
Wollaton Park in June was
interesting as ever. Chris
Variava’s 4C LE had another
opportunity to star...
Our Fun Concours event in June saw a great attendance again of 35 Alfas and
around 50 people, and wide-spread voting. David Griffiths rather ‘cleaned up’ on
several of the categories with his sparkling 147 that’s since been sold. (Top right
receiving his award from Dad John). Car of the night went to Viv Stephens
delightful red 4C LE, runner up Steve Bestwick with his stunning 147 GTA.
Auto Italia’s
‘Summertime
Classics’ at
Stanford Hall near
Lutterworth was an
enjoyable day again
dominated by
Italian marques as
expected. Next
year’s event will
have a bigger focus
on Concours plus
revised pricing.
Our July meeting at the George &
Dragon featured a ‘Summertime
Spin’ convoy run around the local
lanes, courtesy of Brian Smith who
made up the route on the fly in his
Spider! Good fun...
MITCAR moved to Rockingham Castle this
year and by common consent was seen as one
the very best in its 14 year history. With 350
varied Italian cars present there was something
for everyone, and the parkland and castle itself
were just glorious. A great venue.
The Leicester Aero
Club Open Day in
September is a firm
favourite in our
calendar and this
year’s was an
absolute cracker. A
record attendance of
Alfas enjoyed a
runway parade,
people had the
chance of free
pleasure flights and
we were treated to
several superb air
displays from stunt
planes, gliders and
WW2 War Birds.
Terrific stuff, and all
for FREE!! Thanks
again to Dave Atkins
for organising.
Our Karting Night in October was great fun
again with 10 teams in wheel to wheel battles.
We’ll be back at the excellent outdoor Sutton
Circuit again later in 2015.
Spider Night at the G&D in August brought along
some fabulous examples of Alfas ‘drop top’. We also
enjoyed a ‘Blag-a-Ride’, seeing the new Giulietta QV
up close too thanks to Paul from Chris Variava.
The Classic Motor Show at the NEC was a great way
to round up the year again, this time featuring 3 cars
belonging to local members on the AROC stand.
Thanks again to all of our members who helped out. Our Twilight Drive at the G&D in September.
ALFISTI - January 2015 - Issue 171 AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter
Shifting the grime
In a past Detailing Corners you may have read recommendations about
applying a good coat of protective sealant before winter. Now with that
layer on, you can safely use products to shift the winter grime with less
fear of damaging your clear coat. I’d been using various ‘Snow Foam’
products for several years to help shift grime before shampooing by
hand. I had been getting less impressed by its power in shifting salt
marks in winter however, so have now switched to a ‘Traffic Film Remover’ (TFR). After various
searches on Detailing World, I chose ValetPro Citrus Pre-Wash. This is a very cost-effective product,
at around £9 for a litre or £22 for 5 Litres, and with a pressure washer or pump sprayer you can
dilute it at 10:1!! Given son’s
fastidious approach with his GT, I
still went for a 5L however!
The product seems to really
grab hold of the dirt, loosening it
even better than the ValetPro
Snowfoam I’d been using, making
the follow-up shampoo with a mitt
a breeze. As it promises on the
pack, it does appear to be safe on
wax coats too.
Other grime-shifting products
you would use before the pre-
wash if you’ve got a got a problem
build up of dirt are; Valet Pro
Dragon’s Breath Iron fall-out
remover (great on wheels
and lower body sides) -
and AutoGlym Intensive
Tar Remover. I;m now
trying ValetPro Citrus Tar
& Glue Remover that’s
slightly better value that
the Autoglym product
and seems to work as
well. All are available on
eBay where you can get
free postage too. All
certainly help to give a
great finish. John
George Cole’s Update A message from El Presidenté
George wished to pass on a few messages to all
of our members in a recent email to John. Here’s
the key bits:
“Thanks for your recent phone call John, and
here’s a bit of a further update. Both Janet and I
are a tad poorly at present, but hope to have
picked up for Christmas. Also, the optician
informed me last week that I have cataracts to both
eyes requiring an operation for removal. Should
happen some time next year. The suggestion is that
it could be the reason for my deteriorating night
driving ability, the eyes being unable to reduce
dazzle. Apparently not unusual, but old people
won’t admit it.
Fortunately the spinal injury has cleared
although Ankylosing Spondylitis which I have had
for many a year has been exacerbated due to that
fracture. This is a fine picture, but in fact I am in the
process of building a new shed in the garden, so I
am still able to “do things” albeit slowly and
contrary to advice. (He never changes! John)
From all this John I have to comment as to my
next attendance at meetings, certainly not for some
time. As yet I have not given up the possibility of
competition next season, my MSA licence
application forms are on the table awaiting sending
off. Will it be another year of non participation?
Car-wise the 147 2.0 TS Lusso is quite pleasing.
(See back page.) Will I ever have a SUD again?
Who knows, or will Janet prevail and convince me
to get a decent newer car... how does a 2015
Bentley Continental in red sound?
Also, I’ve booked Curborough Sprint circuit for us
to use on 29 April. That’s something really good to
look forward too.
Most sincere best wishes to you and the family,
and thank you to all Club members who kindly ask
after me. George”
ALFISTI - January 2015 - Issue 171 AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter
Used Alfa Romeo Spotlight For the best AROC Member deals,
call Alfa Sales on 0115 855 3060
£9,995
Touch screen Sat Nav!
£10,995 £17,995
BOSE Hi-Fi! Red Leather!
£13,995
Touch screen Sat Nav!
431-461 Nottingham Rd, Basford, Nottingham, NG6 0FB - Dozens of used Alfas in stock, here are a few highlights chosen by John G...
200bhp! Low mileage!
Date Event
This is just a list of events on the near horizon and some of the big ones to come. There will be more in the next edition. Watch our website too!
Weds 14 Jan ‘15
Regular Meeting Night at The George & Dragon in Thringstone - starting at 7.30pm. Will feature a ‘What’s it Worth’ quiz - so more guesswork required! (Nice prizes, and it’s all multiple choice!)
Weds 10 February ‘15
Curry Night at The George & Dragon in Thringstone - see cover
Weds 11 March
Regular Meeting Night at The George & Dragon in Thringstone. Will feature a special guest speaker. More soon! From 7.30pm.
Sunday 29 March
The Fox Run - A morning navigational run around a special part of our region, finishing at a venue to be revealed for lunch, and more! More details later in 2015.
Wednesday 8 April from 7pm
Regular Meeting night at the George & Dragon, Thringstone. With the clocks going forward it’s our first meeting where we can start outside near our cars. Our local AutoGlym franchise will be invited too with bargains galore!! Starts from 7pm
Sunday 26 April
AROC Spring Alfa Day - Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Will include a special convoy drive to the event from a breakfast time meeting point.
Wednesday 29 April - 9.30-5
Curborough Sprint Experience - we’re going back! El Presidenté, George Cole, has booked this fabulous circuit for us alone to enjoy again. You can reserve your slot NOW with John. (Cost @£60, spectators free.) A full days action 9.30am to 5pm. Limit 10 cars!
Saturday 3 May
Auto Italia Brooklands. The excellent multi-marque event close to the capital. Special Alfa Romeo parking area. Plan to get there early to guarantee a good parking spot.
Weds 10 June Fun Concours Night at the George & Dragon, Thringstone. Our ever-popular event where all Alfas present are automatically entered and everyone gets to vote!
Sun 21 June (TBC)
AROC National Alfa Day - Date and Venue to be confirmed.
Sunday 29 June
Summertime Classics. Auto Italia event at Stanford Hall near Lutterworth. This year ’s event promises an extra special Concours contest too with some terrific cars.
AUGUST (TBC)
MITCAR (Midlands Italian Car Day). Our Section ’s BIG event will return for its 15th edition! Date and venue to be confirmed.
AND THAT’S JUST THE FIRST PART OF THE YEAR!
Lots more to be added during the coming months… Keep an eye on our website!
AROC East Midlands Section Events 2015
The Small Print: Alfisti is published primarily for the enjoyment of members of the Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club 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 or other broadcasts 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
DIRECT DEBIT DISCOUNT
AROC’s annual subscription has had to
increase by £2.50 in 2015, however, don’t
forget you can avoid that by signing up via
Direct Debit. The instructions are available
via the club’s main website, www.aroc-
uk.com and you will also receive a form
when your reminder arrives in the post.
Of course we don’t charge a separate fee
for being part of our Section, we just
require that you’re a paid-up member of
the main Club.
DENT REMOVAL RECOMMENDATION
A little plug here. If you have any parking
dings or dents, I can’t recommend Paul
Phillips at DentTechnique highly enough.
He does a mobile operation, but also has a
well equipped unit in Enderby, Leicester-
shire, handy if any interior or under bonnet
trim has to come off to gain access to the
back of the dent. He really is a miracle
worker and very well priced too. He’s
recently worked miracles on Dave Griffiths’
GT, including levelling some dents under
paint chips that are notoriously tricky to do.
Contact Paul on 07967647138.
LATE LATE CHRISTMAS PRESENT IDEA
Top Gear DVD, ‘Perfect Road Trip 2’
features several classic Alfa Romeos
(Giulietta and 2600 Spider included) AND
the wonderful 4C. Throw in a stack of
Supercars and you’re away….
Recommended!
Best Business Name Ever
Here you go - Detailers Spandau Valet. “I don’t need this Pressure Wash…” Cracking!!
One we didn’t get… 156 Crosswagon Back in 2004 Alfa Romeo was in a bit of a strange
state. OK, when isn’t it I hear you say! Well, though the
159 was under 2 years away, it launched this extra
special version of the 156 Sportwagon, complete with 4
wheel drive! As you can see here the car had raised
suspen-sion, special wheels, skirts and alloy trim on the
front spoiler and rear valance. Not unlike the Volvo
XC70 and Audi AllRoads of course. Powered by the
torquey 1.9 JTDm engine, the model sold quite well in
parts of Europe, but RHD versions were never built. A
shame, as I think many people would see its appeal.
F1 Alfas Galore! Here’s a great grid shot from 1979. In the
foreground it’s Italian racing legend Bruno
Giacomelli in the Alfa Romeo 177 with a flat 12
engine, and alongside it’s ace Nicki Lauda in the
Brabham Alfa Romeo BT48 with a 60 degree
V12! Neither cars proved to be race winners,
(the Brabham got 2 4ths) but with their 12
cylinder engines they sounded superb. The Alfa
177 was replaced by the 179 in 1980 using the
newer 60 degree unit, which proved a lot more
effective.
ALFISTI - January 2015 - Issue 171 AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter
Alfisti no.172 will be out in February
- SCOOP! - Unusual news from the world of motoring
Alfisti’s production is kindly sponsored by Chris Variava Alfa Romeo Nottingham
147 2.0 Twin Spark Lusso - George Cole El Presidenté has had to get rid of his recently-acquired 145 Cloverleaf
owing to terminal rot in that car’s floor. (It had a biscuit tin lid welded in! He
has now got
this little
cracker
however - a
150bhp 147
2.0 3-door.
Resplendent
in dark blue
metallic with
black leather
trim. BLS in
Lincoln have
sorted a few
maladies and
its going great.
GT Q2 - Graeme Chessum After his 147 1.6 developed some rather worrying rust on its underside, Graeme
has sourced this delightful black GT Q2. Powered by the lusty 150 bhp JTD
engine, it will
be an
interesting
comparison to
his partner
Shona’s GT 2.0
JTS Cloverleaf,
also pictured
here. Graeme
also runs a 3.2
V6 Spider. He’ll
be putting less
gas in this one
anyway!
Alfetta GT - Mark Gunston From an email
to John: IA new
Alfa in the garage! s an early
Alfetta GT (1975) with its original
engine and in pretty good shape
all round. It needs some bits but
has been fettled with by Alex Jupe
which is a good start. 1750 Twin
Cam, has spent time in Spain.
(More next time!) Mark
Giulietta Multiair Sportiva TCT - Viv Stephens After becoming besotted by his 4C LE’s TCT transmission, Viv decided to go
for similar in his
‘daily driver’, this
lovely Giulietta
purchased via Chris
Variava. It’s a very
nicely specified car
in Nero Etna,
complete with rather
eye-catching number
plate as you see
here! The 170bhp
car may not be quite
as rapid as hi 4C but
he says it is plenty
brisk enough...
Gary Lineker re-signs for Leicester City Coming in to help the mighty Leicester City stay in the Premier League, Gary Lineker has quit his job at the BBC and re-signed as centre forward. His salary is undisclosed, however his new company car may be a reflection.
Alfasud Sprint Veloce - Peter Vaughan Peter bought this stunning car from James Wheeler at Black & White Garage
(Newbury) in November. It’s never had paintwork, and is in truly stupendous
condition. The
1.5 twin-carb
engine gives
95bhp, and
given it’s so light
that’s plenty.
The sound track
from the Boxer
engine is
tremendous too
of course. The
Sprint joins his
2000 GTV and
new Giulietta
Sportiva.
Fiat Seicento Sporting - Mark Gunston Extremely fitting that after having discussed the merits of Chinese tyres at our
December meeting, the very next Saturday Mark went to collect his Seicento
Michael Schumacher Edition and what did he find on the wheels? The
magnificent LingLongs!! Apparently it took a while for him to stop laughing!
Also—for some reason it’s fitted with a tow bar? What on earth would you tow
with that? He’s having a lot of fun with it anyway, Ditchfinders and all, and it
will help keep the miles of his
delightful 8C Red Giulietta Cloverleaf
of course.
Giulietta MultiAir QV Line TCT - Bob Human From an email to John: Thought I would pine for my 159, though I shall miss
her, I love my new Giulietta QV Line. The technology, drive [in Dynamic] and the
power, all from a 1.4
petrol engine. Can't wait
for the light evenings at
the G&D to show the
shine on the anthracite
grey paintwork.
Cheers Bob.
(Bob’s had a special grey
finish added to the 5-
hole QV-style alloys
courtesy of the Chris
Variava. It certainly looks
the part.)
Right— the magnificent Chinese LIngLong tyres. No grip, but they will never wear out!