Festa Della Repubblica 2012

On Sunday the 27th of May, IMSMC held it's annual concorso, RUOTE CLASSICHE, at Club Marconi, as part of the Festa Della Repubblica celebrations.

Our first meeting place was at the Stocklands Mall car park. 35 Italian classics making their way toward the iconic Club Marconi.

 With great efficiency, our display and club stall were set up, with immediate impact. Throughout the entire day, our display was constantly visited by the large crowd, estimated to have been close to 15 000 people.

At 3:00pm the Marconi executives judged and provided their choice of cars; each receiving a commemorative Trophy. 3rd place was awarded to member Andy Mendes-Lopes with his 1950 Belvedere Topolino. 2nd place to member Emmanuel Ziino with his 1965 Alfa Romeo sprint 2600. 1st prize was awarded to Charlie Losinno and his 1950 Fiat Topolino sedan. Gentlemen, congratulations! At the conclusion of the presentations, the drawer for the V8 Ute Hot lap was won by Member Robert Vitale. Thank you to every member that participated and the manner in which each vehicle was presented. New member Anthony Tigani went to great length to prepare his recently acquired 1979 Alfa GTV coupe - well done Anthony!

Our club stall certainly proved popular, with a great deal of club merchandise being sold. A special thank you to Oriana & Lino De Iulio, Maria, Charlie, Carmel Losinno; Cathy Stivala, Cathy Jamieson and Caroline and Elisa Portelli for the amount of time and their gracious efforts at the club stall!

Before long, another fantastic experience was concluded by an elaborate fireworks display in the main stadium. A great result comes from a special effort of many! Thank you to the committee (one to be proud of). Thank you to Lino De Iulio (club secretary) for the many hours of liaison, planning and negotiations with the Marconi executives, which lead to a smooth and successful event.

If I have forgotten anyone, may I say, THANK YOU!

Fraternity Club Meeting Wollongong

Sunday the 20th of May, saw 19 IMSMC cars participate in the Castagne day at the Fraternity club in North Wollongong! Co-indecently, the 20th of March was also recognised as "National Motoring Heritage Day"so we did our bit in maintaining the awareness of the "Italian contribution" to the Aussie motoring heritage!

Our meeting place was the Partridge VC truck stop on the Hume Hwy. Quite appropriately, we found a "mobile  coffee van " at this point and appropriately it was a FIAT DUCATO Van! Those who arrived early took advantage of the availability of espresso, macchiato, cappuccino etc and most impressively, We actually departed at 8:30am- Right on time!

Our trip to north Wollongong was a pleasant cruise, the "hum" of the stallions - bound for The fraternity club! A very special mention to Alex Belay - with a BEAUTIFULLY restored (he has saved this classic) Fiat 500 Giardiniera, negotiating all the steep declines and inclines and Charlie Losinno in his Topolino, negotiating whatever the traffic conditions presented! Huge effort guys, thanks!

Upon arrival, our impact was immediate with many visitors to our car display!

The day unfolded with food, wine, music, rides for the kids and a great deal of discussion among the members and friends! We solved everything!

A very special mention, please! It was wonderful to see Caterina Lecce. Caterina has some special needs and she made the trip with husband Joe to be among us all! Keep well Caterina thanks for coming it was great to see you!

Thanks to all the members that prepared their cars and participated in a memorable day! A great drive and a wonderful contribution to an iconic Italian Community...our neighbours down south!!