True passion for the Fiat 500 was shown by 27 members in 20
500’s who turned up at 5:00 am to brave the wind and cold on Clovelly Beach on
Sunday morning. It truly shows how enthusiastic and dedicated they all were!
A special mention goes to Graham and Jan Smith with Fatso
and Helen Chantel in her Vignale who braved the potential bad weather
conditions forecast for the day. Driving around Sydney in their convertible
cars!
The photo shoot and other activities went ahead according to
plan! We were truly blessed with such fortunate weather conditions! Thank you
Dante Giacosa!
While our photographer Daniel Kalcic, from an excellent
vantage point, snapped away many photographs, we were relieved of our morning
weariness by the arrival of a mobile coffee van. Croissants and muffins were
handed out to member’s compliments of NRMA Vintage and Veteran Insurance in
conjunction with IMSMC!
IMSMC may have woken up a few locals with Italian music
playing in the background of this amazing scene!
We had the honour to have Italy’s Fiat 500 Club President,
Mr Domenico Romano join us in celebrating the first of the world-wide
celebrations of the 60th birthday of the Fiat 500. He was truly
happy to be celebrating this event with us.
Once the photo shoot was complete we then wound our way through
the city of Sydney and over the Harbour bridge and onto another spectacular
viewing point. Our final photo opportunity was at Tania Park, Balgowlah
Heights. Where we enjoyed a glass of Prosecco and ate Crostoli overlooking the
harbour out to North Head and the city.
We are told that a very special photo from this event, will
be included in a new book on the social aspect of the Fiat 500 - The story of a
little car that brings people together and makes people smile!
There is a high
probability that one of our photos will be published on the front cover of
"4piccoleruote", the Fiat500clubItalia magazine, that circulates around
the world to over 21 000 members!
At Tania Park, we were joined by Roberto Mattei without
Carolina (she must have been having a Sunday morning sleep in!) to be presented
with a plaque by Domenico Romano acknowledging Roberto and Carolina’s Uluru adventure.
Every member was presented with a set of 60th Anniversary Fiat 500 coasters from IMSMC, and dash magnets or key rings compliments of the Fiat 500 Club Italia.
Our final destination was an organised lunch at Grappa
ristorante and bar in Leichhardt where we enjoyed a lovely afternoon.
After lunch, Domenico Romano presented a number of members with
plaques acknowledging their achievements.
David Mirabella and Renee Di Rocco were presented with a 500
Problem solving manual. Leo Di Rocco with a desk calendar, Rose Cara for
organizing the Clovelly event, Nat Stillone for his efforts in getting people
back on the road following minor hiccups!
IMSMC received an Italian plaque in recognition of what was achieved
on the day.
After a fantastic lunch shared in good company, the first
official Fiat 500 60th birthday celebration concluded.
A very specials mention to Rose Cara and the IMSMC committee
for organising and executing the event! As always, a great effort by club
members of IMSMC who came together to create a memorable and historic occasion!
Thank You everyone who attended in making what was a truly
outstanding day!