IMSMC Xmas Party 2019

Sunday  the 1^st of December saw over 170 members, family, friends and guests participate in our family Christmas Lunch at Gasparo’s Italian Restaurant. The staff and management must be congratulated on fine cuisine, perfect service, presentation & preparation of our tables in a manner second to none. It was wonderful to see the Christmas spirit alive throughout the entire day.

The day would not have been complete without the arrival of Santa Claus, bringing the Christmas spirit alive!

This gathering of fine people, typifies the mood and spirit of our club at every event this year (and in all fairness, previous years). A mood which we are confident that will continue for many more years to come. We thank the members for their participation. Your enthusiasm is our reward and motivation. We thank our sponsors for the generosity and support throughout every event.

Thank you IMSMC! Another great year. We look forward to 2020.

Everyone, have a happy and safe Christmas. Thank YOU ALL!

IMSMC trip to Jindabyne

Who needs 1000 reasons to travel to Jindabyne?

Over thirty members and friends covered over 1000 kilometers of driving bliss, in the high country of New South Wales. What a great weekend, our first meeting spot was at the Pheasants Nest rest stop, then onto Goulburn for breakfast. 

Another stop at Hume where our cavalcade to Cooma took place, stopping at the Cooma Monaro Car Club. What an amazing place! It's a club house and museum, run by the communities passionatos where members & associates cars are stored and displayed. The hospitality extended toward us was incredible.

At the conclusion, onward to destination Jindabyne, where each of our breakfasts, lunches & dinners were all organised in the usual IMSMC Fashion! Thank you Mick & Cate Stivala for all your efforts!

Sunday morning and the stallions were bound for Perisher and Charlotte Pass, where, to our surprise we found SNOW! The Italian design engineers of the 1960's and 70's talents, were reflected in the manner in which the cars each blended into the surrounding environment with snow caps and cover everywhere! They looked awesome!

Later that afternoon, we visited the "House of Stivala"...an elite coffee house- by "special invitation only!"

All great weekends pass too quickly - homeward bound on Monday morning - The motoring experience to and from Jindabyne was 95% hassle free - as some little engined classics made their presence known, but with some help from "member experts" all arrived home safely. Thanks for your assistance Tony Albanese and Gerardo Mediati.

A great weekend and once again, one that is sure to happen again!

Concorso D'Eleganza 2019

With bated breath we awaited the postponed date of 3rd of November for our Concorso D'Eleganza 2019. It was a great day, the weather threatening to challenge us again!

Over fifty IMSMC vehicles shared in an experience, where four of Sydney's top Italian car clubs come together once a year, in great capacity, sharing in one ideal; Italian made automotive genius.  All four clubs had a great representation of Italian Automotive
Engineering.

As part of the celebrations, IMSMC celebrated and acknowledged the 70th anniversary of Abarth and the 50th anniversary of the Fiat 128.

A huge thank you to EVERYONE that participated and shared in the passion, sharing the significance of bringing four clubs together!

The four presidents, concured and picked one car from each club that reflected the brilliance of each club. The presidents of the three other clubs, chose the 1000OT Berlina, of Leo Di Rocco, as a fine example of Fiat/Abarth Brilliance, down to the final nut and bolt - It even has a right hand drive, drivers side windshield!

Congratulations Leo. This awarded Leo the perpetual trophy that has been donated to the club by Bob Young... the trophy has it's own historic story, which Bob will gladly explain to us all. Leo was awarded the presidents choice (combined four clubs) IMSMC Car of the day.

As another contribution, adding to the spirit of the day, member Tony Campisi, with the assistance of Gerry Mediati, unveiled a wonderfully presented/restored Fiat Abarth 695 (Period). What a delight, thank you Tony Campisi. Thank you for a significant contribution to a very special day that brings four passionate clubs together.

Our club sponsors are acknowledged every opportunity we have .We thank them for their contribution to concorso and the viability of our club, for the benefit of all. Thank you to the following sponsors;

Adrian and Rita Murer

Campisi Fine Food and Deli

Frank’s Pitstop Motors

Gladesville Auto Body Works

Napoli Excavations

Show Technology

Siderno Pasticceria

VRS Smash Repairs

Our acknowledgements go to the following members for their wonderfully presented cars;

Best Classic Fiat 500: Ross Tizzone 1969 500F

Best Modern: John Losinno. 2014 595 Arbath

Best 70th Anniverasry Arbarth: Vince Fragomeli ( 1969 1300 Lombardi)

Best 50th Anniversary Fiat 128: Cristian Parolin ( 1974, 128 Rally)

Best Sedan: Tony Campisi - Unveiled 1969 , Arbath 695.

Best Spider: Rocco Morizzi: 1969 FIAT 1500 Cabriolet

Committee encouragement: Fabio Santarelli and Joe Li Vaccari: co-owned 1964 Fiat 600

Four presidents' award: Best for IMSMC: Leo Di Rocco 1969 Arbath 1000 OT Berlina

The coupe' class was the biggest class and; hardest task to award. Over twenty cars participated in this class. We came up with two participants that could not go unnoticed nor differentiated;

Best Coupe': In alphabetical order;

Sebastian Ferla and Frank Roccisano: 1974 Fiat Coupe and; Fiat 850 1969 Sports Coupe.

A HUGE THANK YOU to all our participants – each car looked amazing!

Thank You IMSMC!

Norton St Festa 2019

On Sunday the 27th of October, 43 IMSMC cars were displayed in Pioneer park as a contribution to the Norton Street Festa, Leichhardt.

What a display! We had visitors around our cars all day, with most exclaiming how rare and wonderful our cars look. Many had a story to tell of the things they did in a car "the same as this one"...in years gone by.

We had over 60 members visit our display throughout the day, making contribution to a wonderful experience. Our morning meet at Officeworks carpark (opposite High Performance Smash repairs - club sponsor) went without a hitch as over 40 cars and 1 bike exited the carpark onto Parramatta rd, our destination Pioneer Park.

Members set up camp under the olive trees in an area reserved for our club... sharing homemade biscotti, coffee, and other slow food delights. Discussion, as always could be heard from all around!

At midday, the staff of Impact Exhibitions (event manager) provided everyone with a "Porchetta Roll" - Thankyou Patrick O'Reilly & Co.

I highly suggest you visit our website and Facebook page, for many images and video to view and share - Awesome job by Daniel Cipri, capturing the day on video - Check it out!

Our "staff" made representation at the many stalls that offered all good things Italian. A full day, offering the opportunity to share in mateship and welcoming new friends, as always.

Alessio Losinno knows who to make friends with!

Thank you IMSMC.

IMSMC Retro Harbour Cruise

Saturday Night, 19th Of October, 2019 saw the The Inaugural  IMSMC retro harbour cruise. The cruise left from Star City wharf, Sydney harbour in the worlds best looking city!

150 members, family & guests contributed to a most memorable night of fun.

The theme was Retro, 1970's, 80's and 90's.  We had appearances by the likes of; Freddie Mercury, Madonna, Boy George, Ozzy Osborne  ,Janice Joplin, Hippies Galore all making an appearance! At a few points during the evening those aboard were treated to a fireworks spectacular  - was this organised by IMSMC? Some would say...yes

We thank and congratulate the staff & management of Vagabond Cruises... They were fantastic to deal with, right from the initial enquiry (months ago) through to the attention, professionalism, friendliness & efficiency in everything they provided. The food was great and The bar staff did a wonderful job, catering for all. (no one went thirsty!)

Thank you to all who participated - the many that went to great length to find "that" outfit!

 

A huge thank you to all that assisted in organising a great night -  especially Rose Cara &  Lino De Iulio ensuring all went extremely well for all aboard!

We'll do "that" again!

Breakfast at the Oaks

On Sunday the 6th of October, 80 members in 40 Italian Made machines, participated in our club breakfast run to The Oaks Hotel. Half of the fleet made their way directly to the venue, while the other half met and crusied together from Luddenham, taking the scenic and somewhat, remote country roads.

We welcomed two new members this event, wonderful cars, that you will see again (maybe another inclusion at the forthcoming Concorso?) Welcome to IMSMC Cristian & James!

It's amazing the beauty of area's such as Luddenham, Wallacia, Warragamba & Silverdale and The Oaks! Let's hope with the arrival of Badgery's Creek airport, Sydney's backyard does not change its appearance too much!

A HUGE thank you to the staff and management of the Oaks Hotel, for arranging use of the entire council carpark, in front of the main entrance, exclusively for Italian made vehicles.

To great surprise, a coffee van was onsite and offered each person complimentary coffee. This was greatly appreciated by all in attendance!

Soon after, the masses moved into the dining area and ordered breakfast. Feeding 80 hungry Italians was never going to be easy, but the kitchen staff did very well!

A great drive and great company at a fantastic venue which I am sure we will visit again in the future!

Shannons Eastern Creek Classic 2019

Sunday the 18th of August, 43 IMSMC cars were on display at the Shannons Eastern Creek Classic (SECC). We also had representation in Presidents concourse along pit lane, Both Filippo Foti & Charlie Losinno, presenting their cars..

Our day began with an extensive line of classic Italian cars in area C. 

The colours and style of each Car, standing out from afar, attracting visitors from throughout the grounds.

The SECC attracts over 1800 cars each year. If there is/was a car that you recall from yesteryear, you'll find it at SECC. The day was made up of celebrations, music, GREAT car and bikes and of course FANTASTIC company.

 

As midday approached, the esky's and picnic packs made an appearance - with a great deal of sharing and sampling going on - Who produced the best salami's this year?.. Too hard to call, all taste great!

At 1:00pm, the stallions from 4 Italian clubs were at the grid and off we went! Thank you to IMSMC and the vast majority of members from the other 3 clubs, but unfortunately a few individuals (NOT FROM IMSMC) attracting the attention of the field marshals, for the wrong reasons.

All said and done, back to our area C to share in our "parade experience".

Later in the afternoon, the presentations took place. CONGRATULATIONS to Charlie Losinno, once again, being awarded the Best 1940 - 49 car with his Beautiful FIAT Topolino.

The day concluded on a HIGH NOTE as ITALIAN MADE SOCIAL MOTORING CLUB,  being  announced as "BEST CLUB DISPLAY". It's a recognition of our cars, our display, marshalling, parade, our correct CVS & HVS compliance, our club shirts (in uniform) and generally everything we do, with enthusiasm, passion and in an orderly manner!

THANK YOU IMSMC.

August Breakfast 2019

Sunday the 4th of August, 90 members, family and friends attended our breakfast at Grano Ristorante, Wetherill Park.

An ambiance reminiscent of the rustic days, with furniture that made many of us recall our childhood and what it was like in our homes!

The food was abundant and very, very nice. Our members making the most of the hospitality on offer. The coffee was endless and most importantly, the company was second to none. Wonderful to see so many of younger & youngest family members in attendance, we encourage and welcome our extended family to attend our events.

33 cars filled the car park with a huge variety of colours, models, brands and era's - a sight to see. The morning was a great opportunity to become acquainted with new members and have a good look at their magnificent vehicles, that each make a fine contribution to the Italian Made Stable!!

 

Before we knew it, the morning had concluded and the roar of Italian stallions exited the car park - a pretty site and a great sound!

Thank you IMSMC - we'll do it again, real soon!

Trip To Pangallo 2019

What a day, what a night, what a great weekend!

Saturday & Sunday the 27th & 28th of July,  a group of 49 members, family & friends participated in a memorable weekend in the Hunter Region!

Our rendezvous was at Thornleigh  (thanks Macca's) where our cavalcade along Pennant Hills road onto the M1, attracting honks of "G'Day!" from the friendly surrounding motorists. The trip to Cessnock was without incident , as we met up with another large group of members. After booking in and a quick "Freshen Up", we re-assembled outside sharing beverage and snacks before boarding the IMSMC courtesy Bus, bound for Pangallo Estate.

Upon arrival, we sampled the estate's produce of infused oils, marinated olives and blood oranges. Purchases of these delights and wines were undertaken and stored in the bus. More delights on the way, as more special foods were shared by members. It wasn't long before a splendid red sauce was prepared and pasta for all...shortly followed by pork sausages, salad, onions, bread (BBQ Italian style!), not to mention the pork ribs that melted in your mouth!!

As if the food wasn't keeping us warm enough, there was MUSIC - dancing & then some more dancing! It was dessert time.. our members were asked to bring a cake... we ended up with so much cake that we had to dance some more!

Our night concluded with a trip back to Cessnock in the IMSMC "Happy Bus".

After a well earned rest, we regathered for breakfast and then onto a few wineries, some opting to visit chocolate & cheese factories, while others made their way home.

A fantastic weekend - wonderful venue. creating the opportunity to be introduced to some wonderful family and friends of our members.

Thank you Pangallo - Thank you IMSMC.

AGM 2019

Friday Night 5th July or Annual General Meeting was held at Club Marconi.

72 members with a further 17 partners were present. The night presented itself as very informative, as committee representatives explained the logistics of forthcoming events including; our weekend at the Hunter Valley experience at Pangallo Estate, our very first club harbour cruise to be held in October (Fancy Dress), our weekend experience in Jindabyne (November).

Rob Losinno distributed our Eastern Creek Passes, which this year has attracted 48 of our members. Charlie Losinno was awarded the Ian Campbell award, further to our presence at this year's Auto Italia in Canberra.

Caroline Portelli explained the procedure to be implemented at  "Ladies shopping day" fund raiser in September.
.We also introduced number plate covers to suit H-plated number plates! The orders are coming in. These covers have our club name embossed on the frame, proving to be quite popular.

In accordance with the NSW department of fair trade constitution, no elections were required and the existing committee was reinstated to the satisfaction of the member base.

With no further ado, it was time to eat! Our traditional pasta dishes (two options) and our traditional Mille-Foglie cake, the new club year was introduced. 2019/20, like every other club year, promises to bring diverse events, fulfilling the needs and interest of its members. The club raffle was extremely well supported on the night and we thank our generous sponsors for their ongoing support. It is GREATLY appreciated.

You are a passionate lot! Thank you.

IMSMC Trivia Night

Saturday Night the 22nd of June, 98 members, family and friends participated in our very first trivia night! And what a night!
 
The night was fantastic, with great food, drink, atmosphere and excellent company!
 
A great effort by all in involved both the orgainsers and particpants. A special mention to Caroline Portelli, Elissa Losinno, Joanne Calcara & Nina Stillone - our passionate organisers of the evening.
 
Thank you to everyone that attended a great night. Every once in a while, an event stands out from the rest (they are all fantastic) - this one will go down in as a "stand out". The Charity of Choice was the "Nelune Foundation"  http://www.thenelunefoundation.org/ which we have donated to in the past. We are proud to report that we raised over $3600 on the night a great achievement!
 
A huge THANK YOU TO ALL, INCLUDING OUR SPONSORS ON THE NIGHT!

 

Festa Della Repubblica 2019

Sunday 25th May, 45 IMSMC cars along with 67 members and family participated in the annual celebration held at Club Marconi for the occasion of Italy becoming a republic.

Our day began at our dedicated area in the Marconi carpark, where we assembled, extended greetings, welcomed our new members and discussed our display for the day. We experienced a touch of light rain in the early morning but it soon subsided and we enjoyed great autumn weather for the rest of the day.

Our cars were mainly arranged in category including , Fiat 500s, other Fiat models, Alfa Romeo, Autobianchi and Lancia.

The day unfolded with all things Italian, cannoli, torrone, cakes, sausages, arancini, pannini, pizza, pasta, wine and castagne (chestnuts). All visitors were able to enjoy the full club facilities.

Our member Anthony Vecchio, brought many kilos of home grown mandarins to share with members, whilst they sat next to our Bancarella. 

What an enjoyable way to sit, chat, drink and have a laugh. Lena Zanello and Caroline Portelli shared their scrumptious home made biscuits and amaretti, thank you! Also thank you to Lena for helping to set up the Bancarella goods.

Thank you to Marconi Club for providing the seating and tables for our members use throughout the day.

At 3pm the Club Marconi executive committee, made their way to our display to judge and give recognition to their vote for the top three cars of the day. Congratulations to our winners!

1st – Tony Castiglione – Fiat 500

2nd – Robert Losinno – Alfa Romeo – 105 series coupe

3rd- John Calcara – Fiat 1500

The judges highlighted how increasingly difficult it is to pick the winners, as the quality of our vehicles is outstanding. It was fantastic to witness the level of passion that was reflected in the presentation of our vehicles, great effort members.

A big thank you to IMSMC member William Nasato & Corporate Awards, for assistance and contribution with our event trophies.

Thank you to everyone who participated, Marconi Festa Della Repubblica is one our highlight annual events, where we can “give back” to Club Marconi, for their ongoing wonderful support over the years.

 Another great day for IMSMC members and their families.

National Motoring Heritage Day 2019

On a crisp autumn morning, we met at VC Partridge Rest Stop on the Hume Highway as we ventured along Picton Road with views of the morning mist and clear skies.

Our convoy of 23 cars made our way along winding roads and breathtaking scenery passing the coastal town of Kiama and surrounds. Entering the Berry showground, we were engulfed by a sea of historic, vintage and classic vehicles.

In the usual IMSMC style, homemade coffee and biscotti were passed around and eagerly consumed.

As an added bonus we were accompanied by Ms Masako Fukui and Caterina Pacilaeo invited guests of Rose Cara.

Masako is an ABC Radio journalist who interviewed members and recorded audio of the vehicles’ engines for a possible program. Caterina is a Sydney based photographer and artist who is interested in photographing classic vehicles for their artistic value and took photos of the cars parading in the showground.

It was wonderful to see our members passionately talking to Masako and Caterina about their cars. The members were excited and animated as they shared their stories with both reporter and artist.

A new and refreshing experience was had by all.