IMSMC Christmas Lunch 2016

Oh what a day! Once again our annual Christmas Lunch was held, on what ended up being close to 38C and 95% humidity!... But 140 members and family were not deterred, as we enjoyed a wonderful meal and cool drinks at Trattoria La Vigna in Camden.

Smiles and cheer all round, as we shared in the Christmas spirit.

Presentations took place as we recognised Alessandro Di Rocco (our Blog Master), Rob Losinno (our CMC delegate) and Elissa Losinno (our Facebook master) for their efforts throughout the year – Thanks guys! We also presented Gianni Roccisano (Owner of the restaurant) with a plaque, recognising him for his sponsorship of our annual Concorso @ Gough Whitlam Park.

As proceedings unfolded, we held our raffle – a Huge thank you to our sponsors, providing excellent reward for all!

 

Suddenly, as all was unfolding – A SURPRISE VISIT FROM SANTA – to the delight of children and adults alike! Gifts for all – Thanks for the Christmas stockings and Panettoni Santa! This Santa, we think, was the “real” Santa... mmmmmmmmm...

Our traditional Mille Foglie cake was offered to all and before long (like all good things) the day came to a close with a Christmas Cheer.!

A wonderful result, capping off another eventFULL year from our VIBRANT Club.

Thank you to all our participating members that have been part of our successful club throughout 2016. We hope the Christmas spirit is alive within your families.

Have a Happy & Safe Festive season – best wishes to all in your family and to your friends.

Stay safe, be well and see you all next year!

Thank you!

Ettalong Oyster Festival

Sunday the 13th of November, 50 members and family in 19 Italian Machines, participated in the Oyster Festival in Ettalong.

Our meeting place was McDonald's's at Thornleigh - (Thanks again Macca's!) and right on time (about half an hour late!) we were on our way, heading up the M1, What a sight! (see images and live stream on Facebook). Rob Losinno posting the live stream, a first for our IMSMC page and Elissa Losinno capturing many action shots. Thanks guys! Be sure to check our web site for images and these attached! Thanks Leo Di Rocco.

Our arrival was somewhat exciting, as security arranged (and re-arranged) our positioning - all conducive to enjoying our first refreshment.

A spectacular day by the seaside! Our cars looked great and attracted significant interest from the public, while the IMSMC crew, enjoyed the "passegiata" through "The Esplanade" where there were many stalls and of course, OYSTERS!

A special mention to member Joe Serratore who participated in an Oyster eating competition, picking up second prize! It seems Joe lost a few seconds on "start up" but he almost took out the prize!

As the "splendid day'' unfolded, (sunshine in abundance) members sought refuge in the Mantra Hotel, enjoying the air conditioning, food, refreshments and good company.

All good things conclude, with a mass exit of our stallions exiting Beach road, bound for Sydney...



A small number of members remaining behind and continued to enjoy the facilities, returning home on Monday morning.

A great event, 1000's of people, plenty to do and enjoy!

Thanks Ettalong!

Auto Festa Leichhardt 2016

 Oh what a Day!

The IMSMC contingency made up the Bulk of the cars at the combined display on Pioneer Park. A great contribution by our club, thank you!

Sunday the 30^th of October, proved to be one of the warmest (and a bit humid) days of Spring 2016, thus far. But the sun was shining and our cars looked great. The front row of our display contained the Fiat 124 and The Fiat Topolino, both celebrating the 50^th and 80^th anniversaries, respectively.

These were the first cars to arrive, while we set up our stall, banners and flags. Then, right on cue, our stallions arrived, turning heads and immediately capturing the attention of the public. Parking “anywhere” (Italian Style), our impact and contribution to the festivities getting well underway. The local Police Force taking a particular interest in the Losinno Carabinieri Car!

There is always something special, making an appearance for the first time, Daniel Sullo in a “special” Fiat 124 CC – special in all the right places and we must congratulate member Joe Li Vaccari, presenting a recently acquired Dino Ferrari. Welcome to the stable!

At 1 o’clock, a complimentary porchetta roll was offered on behalf of Patrick O’Reilly ( The event manager). IMSMC STAFF: Rose Cara, Oriana De Iulio, Rosemary Romeo, Carmel Losinno, Caroline Portelli, Charlie and Maria Losinno, cutting, carving, and serving the people. A special effort – Thank you guys greatly appreciate your passion...just like Nonna always said, “You MUST eat!".

It was wonderful to have seen so many IMSMC members visit on the day, sharing in the experience. The royal hotel had a wonderful location, providing refreshments to the the loyal IMSMC customers. They too express their thanks.

To top off a wonderful day, as we reached home, a wonderful recognition to all, as a quick story on Channel 7 news, panning across our display with the IMSMC banner and logo , beamed across the country in our living rooms.

Let’s do it again, real soon!

Hunter Valley Weekend 2016

 Over 50 members and family, accompanied by 25 Classic Italian Machines, participated in a memorable weekend at the Hunter Valley.

Our meeting place (Thanks Macca's Thornleigh) was where we moved off from. And it rained all the way! Our enthusiasm not dampened, we arrived in cavalcade (almost) at Tyrell's Winery, where our first wine tasting occurred. As it was to be our lunch stop, we managed to improvise and arrange a banquet fit for emperors, under cover, the rain flow was proportional to the flow of beverage and coffee!

Next Stop De Bortoli winery. Again a slight variation to the rule, as art and craft markets were set up inside. Our wine tasting was in the Barrel room.

Saturday Night we enjoyed a wonderful meal in great company at Peddens Bar. Hat's off to their staff - all well catered for.

Finally the sun was shining, on Sunday morning, creating a wonderful Spring atmosphere as, after Breakfast (thank you Grinders) we visited our very good friends and sponsors "First Creek Winery". A significant discount was offered on all purchases!

Our final visit was at Ken Sobel's winery, were we also arranged our lunch. The winery providing an undercover BBQ area and again a Banquet of food produced by everyone! Amazing the amount of food - but by the conclusion of lunch (and coffee) there wasn't much left!

A fantastic weekend - each participant expressing immense gratitude - which makes you want to do it ALL AGAIN!

Concorso d’eleganza 2016.

On Sunday the 9^th of October The Italian Made Social Motoring Club held it's annual Concorso D’Eleganza at Gough Whitlam Park in Undercliffe.

This was “take two” as our initial date was washed out!

On a splendid Spring day, 32 Club cars represented IMSMC, among the other three main Italian Car Clubs. Our cars all looked fantastic and each was worthy of a trophy. Our Judges certainly have a difficult job, as each car in all categories were separated by only 1 point after collating.

A huge thank you to our judges. They give up their time for the benefit of all. It is not a competition, but simply recognition for our participation and presentation of our cars. Thank you Judges.

The day of-course would not be possible without member participation and of course our sponsors. All is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

A special mention to Carmine Losinno (Charlie). Charlie received 1^st place in the 80^th anniversary Topolino class. He also received the IMSMC Club “Best Car of the Day” and we highlight that among the approx 150 cars that the four clubs presented, Charlie was awarded “The Best Car Of Concorso D’Eleganza”, taking home the perpetual trophy. IMSMC has now presented the best Car of the event, 2 years running. Thank you Charlie and congratulations on a wonderful restoration. The results speak for themselves!

Great to see a new addition to our Club. Frank Tripodi, presented a Fiat 124 AC. Nice car Frank! Good to see an AC in our Club Again!

There is always something special presented at our concorso. This year was no exception. Please see the email with concorso results – and kindly note the sponsors!

Thank you.

Trip to Griffith 2016

On the 26th of august our trip to Griffith and Leeton began in earnest, our meeting place at the service centre on the Hume highway was attended by 19 members and friends of IMSMC.
a cold and clear morning presented itself as we moved down the Hume highway and onto our destination, Griffith.|

Our first stop was Yass where we had a traditional breakfast of pannini con salame, cake and coffee with a "sweetener". The next stop was Temora was lunch where we stretched our legs and indulged in some well made sandwiches.

Onwards to Griffith as we passed kilometers of picturesque canola fields. We arrived in Griffith and settled into our hotel. after a a period of well deserved rest. members and friends met at the Griffith Leagues club where we settled and a number of drinks were imbibed. After a wonderful session we ordered our dinner and retired to the banquet room which was specially prepared for us and we affectionately renamed and referred to this room as the bouquet room, go figure!

Saturday morning our bus was waiting to take us on a tour of the Murrumbidgee irrigation area referred to as the "Riverina". A very educational tour indeed . Did you know that 50,000 hectares will be sown with cotton this year? All cotton is being shipped to China. During the tour we were treated to a number of locally produced home grown treats including sauces, olives and pickled onions.

Leeton Council together with the staff of the visitors centre put on a seminar including a video explaining how the Riverina works. The visitors centre a magnificent period building, was the managers quarters during the construction period of the waterways in 1912.

The MI (Murrumbidgee Irrigation) area is such an important and integral part of the NSW economy. It is a vast farming area which I believe should be taught in schools, they employ many people and use the latest equipment and technology.. Lots happening in rural NSW!

At this stage let me mention the wineries we attended: Calabria wines, Lilli Pilli and De Bortoli. Great deals, exceptional tasting, good company and a bus to drive us around needless to say a rather “Full Filling” day.

Sunday the sausage festa was attended by 1100 people, under a huge marquee, we were protected from the elements. At one stage we needed to improve the ventilation due to a rise in temperature! (couldn't have been the wine!)

The food, wine and entertainment was awesome. Peter and Ivana Perri’s son Anthony won first prize in the raffle, a mountain bike, he was last seen peddling back to Sydney on the Hume Highway. Well Done Anthony!

The Red Cross collected money from the crowd for the recent earthquake victims in Italy, the donations were started off by Griffith council with $1000. The IMSMC table Raised over $150!

All in all a great (long) weekend away! The festa was well attended and booked out well in advance of the event, and is well worth attending!

FerrAgosto 2016

Sunday the 21st of August, 37 Italian Made Social Motoring Club Cars, presented themselves at the FerrAgosto Festa in Five Dock.

 

What a splendid Day! Dante Giacosa providing one of the best Winters days in 2016. Our members are each to be commended for the manner in which they gathered, organised and presented their vehicles for this iconic Sydney Italian Festival.

 

With great efficiency and organisation, the "Italian Stallions" moved from Croydon to the "main drag" of Five Dock, parking their cars and creating immediate impact to the public. Our cars, our members, attracting immediate interest in our Italian engineered cars, which was obvious ALL DAY LONG!

 

We were blessed with the weather! What a glorious day. Our members were able to enjoy the "multicultural" cuisine which extended for Kilometers along Great North Rd.

 

A special mention to member David Mirabella, who presented for the first time, his wonderfully restored 1960 Fiat 500N. A real credit to you David - Congratulations!

 

Congratulations to everyone who participated. Thank you to the number of members who attended with and without their cars. A wonderful and noticeable contribution to the FerrAgosto celebration!

 

Happy FerrAgosto to All! 

Shannons Sydney Classic 2016

On Sunday the 14th of August, IMSMC participated in the SHANNONS SYDNEY CLASSIC, held at the Eastern Creek Motorsport park.

 

It was wonderful to see over 35 of our beautiful machines assembled together, as the weather turned on one of the best winters days that we have seen in a while!

 

Our usual morning greetings were plentiful. At 10:00am, our cars enjoyed the traditional lap/parade of the raceway. All on board, the rumble of Italian fine tuned motors were away.

 

Upon return to our Area C, morning tea was shared! Bread Rolls, pizza, olives coffee and refreshments, creating a perfectly relaxing remainder of the day.

 

We were surrounded by approximately 2000 classics of all makes and models,eye candy for every motoring enthusiasts.

 

Charlie Losinno, entered his recently restored 1948 FIAT Topolino in the Presidents concourse on Pitt Lane. CONGRATULATIONS CHARLIE. The car is a real credit to you. The TOPOLINO achieved 1st Place in the the category of 1941 to 1950 & was also placed as "THE JUDGES CHOICE OF THE CONCOURSE!"

 

Well Done Everyone. The preparation of our vehicles and enthusiasm is obvious to fellow enthusiasts. What a Day!

Trip to Oberon 2016

Sunday the 24th of July, 75 members and family made their way to Oberon, visiting the Mayfield Gardens!

At precisely 8:30am, we moved off, heading west on the Great Western Highway. All machines running well and as we approached Blackheath, the cars began to produce a fine hum, as the outside temperature dropped to  0 degrees. Upon arrival at Mayfield Gardens, all running to a HUGE LOG FIRE, with an espresso coffee in hand. 

Our walk through the gardens was amazing. Over $25 million dollars spent in setting up the gardens...the water features each containing incredible stone work of artisans. Granted we visited at the height of winter, it had already been decided that we will visit again, in the warmer months of Autumn or perhaps Spring, when the immaculate gardens will be in full bloom!

From Oberon, we drove back to Hampton and had lunch at the Halfway Hotel... the "meat servings" made it obvious, that we were in country NSW, High country at that!  The fish was good too!

A fantastic day, covering over 400Km of fantastic country driving. The cars outperformed each other...and every participant shared in a memorable drive and great company!

See you on our next run!

IMSMC Annual Ball 2016

Saturday Night - THE NIGHT OF NIGHTS - and OH WHAT A NIGHT!!!! The 8th IMSMC Ball held at Mediterranean House in Five Dock, Saturday the 16th of July.

200 members and guests ate, drank, danced the night away. celebrating in the usual IMSMC fashion.

We introduced a band (La Pazzariella) this year. A full compliment of 7 professional musicians, entertaining the masses. Tony DJ, pumping out dance grooves, keeping the the dance floor full.

Our hall was presented beautifully, with the very friendly staff of Mediterranean House being extremely helpful, ensuring every guests needs were met!

We thank the sponsors, for their 15 prizes! Please visit our web site and see who they and do your best to support them,as they support and continue to support us! 10 x $100 vouchers to Terranova Bar Restaurant made for an exiting lucky door prize (10, in fact!)

No doubt about it, the vibe at the Ball is always 100% F U N !!! IMSMC, bringing together the members with friends and family in great numbers.

Well done IMSMC... Well done to the committee - The fruits of our labour is extremely evident!

AGM 2016

On Friday the 8th of July, we held our Annual General meeting at Club Marconi.

 

Firstly, a HUGE THANK YOU to the 85 enthusiastic attendees that attended the meeting, in passionate style.

 

With 'formalities" completed, Member Gerardo Mediati, presented a few changes in categories, to our Concorso d'Eleganza, to be held on the 18th of September at Gough Whitlam Park. Always doing our best to cater for all members.

 

Member Brad Aitken, presented a "proposal" for our 4 day tour of the North Coast, to be held in the Autumn! Members expressing significant interest in what promises to be another great DRIVE experience.

 

The outcome of the night, presented the new committee, which remains unchanged. The club is fortunate to have a group of 7, that continue to maintain the passion & enthusiasm, that creates & maintains the ongoing success of IMSMC. Naturally, the club would not be what it is without the support of its members & sponsors! THANK YOU!

 

At the conclusion of proceedings, we enjoyed our traditional pasta meal (with Club Marconi's famous parmesan cheese & Chilli) and of course the favourite "Mille Foglie" cake for dessert, meanwhile the "YEAR IN REVIEW" video was displayed for the viewing of all (just like our Club Financials) on the big screen, bringing a smile to all, as they recalled certain 2015 club events!

 

Thank you everyone for your continued passion, enthusiasm and involvement, which makes our Club what it is!

 

Viva IMSMC!

Festa Della Repubblica 2016

On Sunday the 29th of May, 33 IMSMC cars were presented at Club Marconi, with their annual contribution to the "Italian Republic Day" celebrations.

 

Our cars looked magnificent with a few surprises too! Congratulations to Dino Capozzi, who presented a perfect example (and very rare) steel bodied Otas Abarth Grand Prix. Anthony Tigani presented his beautifully restored Alfa GTV. Pat Marando introduced a 1983 Fiat 124 spider into the stable and Joe Li Vaccari presented a rare 1960 Primavera Vespa, Each contributing something special at our display! Thank you Gentlemen!

 

Every member was presented a lunch voucher, courtesy of Club Marconi. It was wonderful to have our own area, with tables & chairs next to our stall, for the comfort of all members. Special Thankyou to Lino for organising this,

 

Our cars had members of the public meandering and observing them all day. Many people exclaiming surprise at the rarity of many of our vehicles. Amid the music, pizza, porchetta, Campisi deli small goods, sweets, cannoli, ginger bread, zeppoli and more..there was a  special visit by the ITALIANO's from MKR first thing in the morning, which for many was unique!

 

 A huge thank you to the Club Marconi Executive
Committee for their sponsorship and time contribution to our display. At 3:00pm, they judged (by their own criteria) the top 3 cars

Congratulations to;

 

3rd Place: Giovanni Melissari 1973  1600GT

 

2nd Place: Damian Cacciotti: 1953 500B Topolino

 

1st Place: Gerardo Mediati: Fiat 695 Abarth

 

Thank you to all the members that displayed their cars. Also, it was wonderful to see so many members visit at different times of the day, coming to our stand, offering a hand and saying G'Day, reflecting the family spirit that exsits in our Club.

Tour To Tumut!

On Friday to Monday, 29th of April - 2nd of May, 15 Italian Classics and a number of daily drivers, accompanied 43 members and family on “The Tour Tumut” (TTT)!.

 Four days of driving bliss. Sydney to Cooma, Cooma to Jindabyne, to Khancoban, to Tumut, to Tumbarumba, to Gundagai and homeward bound. Most clocking up over 1200km's.

 A huge thank you must be extended to Brad & Bernadette Aitken, for their meticulous organisation, ensuring everyone had accommodation, meals, safe routes all organised, without a hitch! THANK YOU GUYS!

Our Saturday morning Breakfast was hosted by Michael & Cate Stivala. BBQ assistance and master chefs, Peter & Ivana Perry and Nat Stillone cooking for the group.

The drive experience was absolutely unforgettable as we made our way through NSW high country and Snowy river area. Stops included the Murray 1 power station, along the way. An awesome example of what is deemed to be one of the worlds greatest engineering achievements.

 Sunday afternoon lunch was at Tumbarumba estate. a 60 acre winery with a distinct Tuscan appearance. After some wine tasting, lunch was served satisfying all.
 

Our final stop on Monday was Historic Gundagai. All opting for a stroll, visiting the old railway, the historic bridge and Museum. At the conclusion, many purchasing freshly made cakes from the oldest bakery in Australia... haven't tasted a cream bun like that since 1966!

 A memorable experience, in great company, driving the best roads our beautiful country offers.

 We must do it again soon!

Auto Italia 2016

What a weekend!

The IMSMC contribution to the 2016 Auto Italia Canberra, began on Saturday Morning the 2nd of April, with a rendezvous at Pheasants Nest. 18 Italian Classics (joined by many more as the weekend progressed) assembling and rumbled to the Mackay VC rest area, for our traditional morning tea Italian style!

Hot & Mild sorpressa, smoked ham, mortadella, olives, capsicum, all on freshly baked rolls (in abundance! We just couldn't get enough. Thank you to "CAMPISI DELI", I know where I’ll be purchasing my small goods from now on! Our traditional coffee "corretto" completed our brilliant start to the day!

Next Stop was Goulburn, for a re-fuel. Here we met up with ACT member’s Brad Aitken and Geoff Hall. Brad is working tirelessly, co-ordinating our trip to Tumut (TTT) and Geoff taking our group for a Sunday morning drive into the Highest point in Canberra, The Red Hill Lookout.

Next Stop was Forrest, where members booked in to respective hotels and re-grouped at The Realm Hotel, for a pleasant afternoon of refreshment and socialising.

Saturday Night, ALL ABOARD the IMSMC

party bus, bound for the Hellenic Club. Member Gerardo Mediati presented every member with a print of The Concept 500, his creation, which we have been privileged to have seen on  a few occasions now. The "Concept" was on display on Sunday at Auto Italia, certainly a centre piece display on the day, as many members of the public visiting the stand. This interest was reflected in Gerardo being awarded the trophy for "SPECIAL INTEREST"... well done Gerardo and thanks for your Passion.

Member Joe Lecce, for the first time, presented his recently restored 1972 FIAT 125 Special B. This car picked up the judges award for BEST FIAT SEDAN. An absolute credit to you Joe, Congratulations.

In the category of Spider/Targa, member Riccardo Capolino was awarded 1st prize. Some of Rick's personal "touches" giving his little X-19 beauty the edge over some stiff opposition!

Sunday night saw 24 members and friends gather at Belluci's Restaurant for "another party", which put the finishing touch to a fantastic weekend.

What a contribution by IMSMC to Auto Italia held in our nation’s capital. We were given significant recognition by the organisers - we certainly do not go unnoticed, for more reasons than one!

Well done IMSMC. Thank you!