Auto Italia 2022

OH What a HUGE Weekend!

Saturday the 2nd of April to Monday the 4th of April members of IMSMC enjoyed AUTO ITALIA 2022.

57 members plus family and friends, made it one of our most attended Auto Italia events to date.

Our Saturday drive began with our traditional meeting spot at Pheasants Nest where the cavalcade began onto Mackay VC rest area for our breakfast! We have many "thanks" to express,  starting with those that ensured the masses were fed! Our club sponsor " Campisi fine food & deli" the delicious array of fine meats, cheese and bread... Frank Roccisano of SIDERNO Pasticceria that donated a VERY SPECIAL cake, celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Fiat 500.

A HUGE thank you to Joe Lecce and Anthony Vecchio having "hand prepared" traditional condiments, including "green tomatoes", eggplant, pepperoni and their FAMOUS anchovies!

 Our cavalcade was NOT without incident! Our 13 x Fiat 500's making the 300km trip - 1 or 2  (maybe 3 or 4) requiring some attention by our expert mechanics along the way! A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THEM. In alphabetical order: Gerardo Mediati, Nat Stillone & Tony Albanese. THANK YOU!

Our very large group were catered for as the weekend unfolded, including afternoon snacks and a  beverage at the Ostani Bar, later in the evening, onto a bus and across town to the Woden Turkish pide house.

A presentation to the Fiat 500 drivers took place. We also acknowledged the 50th anniversary of the Fiat X-19 to Rick Capolino, our "sole X-19 member! We presented Rose Cara with a gift from the club in appreciation of her hard work & achievements while serving on our committee for 8 years! 

We extend our appreciation to Luciano Fabrizio and Geoff Hall of the Fiat Club of ACT - who arranged a Fiat 500 65th anniversary cavalcade through the streets of Canberra - passer's by immediately reaching for their phones, after a wave and a smile!

We had many of our club cars spread around the grounds of Queanbeyan Oval - and a very special presentation of our Fiat 500s on the main oval. Like bees to honey, the crowds immediately surrounded our display! We congratulate Michael Stivala, with his award - Best classic Fiat 500, 1969. John Di Rocco (El Presidente) was awarded out right winner of the Best vintage & veteran historic car of the day, with his Fiat 500 1960 Giardiniera!

Sunday night we had dinner at Belluci ristorante - where the good times and celebrations continued - Happy Birthday Anna Cara - Lino thanks for shouting the bubbles for the cheers and good wishes, which concluded a great weekend.!

Monday morning and the trip home began! It was "almost" uneventful - as 1 or 2(?) Fiat 500s requiring a little attention - but thankfully, nothing too serious! Again we thank our 3 expert mechanics, Gerardo, Tony & Nat!

As always, a GREAT weekend. Bring on Auto Italia 2023.