Auto Italia 2025

Starting on Friday, the 11th of April, through to Monday, the 14th of April, countless members participated in Auto Italia 2025, with over 60 members making an appearance in some capacity!

Our morning began on Saturday, meeting at Pheasants Nest Foodary, then cavalcading to the Mackay VC rest area for our traditional breakfast, IMSMC style. This included cold meats, the famous anchovies (and other condiments provided by Joe Lecce and Anthony Vecchio), cake (thank you, Nina Stillone and Frances Mediati), and coffee (with additives, courtesy of Leo and John Di Rocco).

 Many thanks to Tony Campisi for providing the meats and bread rolls, which were still warm after being baked at 4:00 am on Saturday morning! Special thanks to Mick and Cate Stivala for preparing the morning breakfast spread!

At the conclusion of breakfast, our next stop was The Big Merino for a quick rest and a petrol stop for those who required a "squirt" of fuel.

Saturday afternoon saw the masses gather at the Ostani Bar for refreshments and a good yak and rest after the drive (a few hiccups, but all resolved in good spirit!).

Saturday night at Agostino's was another highlight! More food, glorious food, and refreshments in great company. Personally, I had the privilege of sharing my table with a group of young men who were my students back in 1988/89—a touching moment!

Sunday was the day to display and participate in one of Australia's largest showcases of fine Italian motor engineering! We set up camp where more "goodies" (food, coffee, and cake) were shared with all members. Homemade amaretti were generously provided by Anna Ussia. Many of our ladies attended Palm Sunday Mass, explored the markets, visited the National Museum for the Pompeii exhibition, and even stopped by a winery (or two), before regrouping at the display area in the early afternoon.

Michael Stivala presented the newest addition to his personal fleet—a stunning 1970 Alfa Spider 1750. Congratulations, Michael, it's a jewel!

At the conclusion of the day, we were proud to announce that IMSMC picked up four awards. I noted that I do not envy the judges, as it was a very difficult task. Winners are grinners:

• Best 3 Classic/Historic Fiat 500 class was dominated by IMSMC members:

  • Gerardo Mediati – 1969 Fiat Abarth 500F

  • Sandy Stillone – 1969 Fiat 500F

  • Carmine Losinno – 1946 Fiat Topolino

• The Ambassador's Choice (Car of the Day) was awarded to member Brad Aitken for a beautiful 1969 Fiat 850 Spider!

I (John Di Rocco) had the honor of being recognized as the Brand Ambassador for FIAT 500s in Australia. Well done, IMSMC!

Sunday night saw 20 remaining members have dinner at Bellucci's Ristorante in Manuka for further debriefing and relaxation after a huge day!

On Monday morning, I’m happy to report that we all set off together, homeward bound, and everyone arrived safely!

AA Panel Craft Restoration

 On Saturday, April 5th, a group of 18 IMSMC members accepted an invitation from "My Car Club NSW" to visit the AA Panel Craft Restoration workshop in Braemar, located in the Southern Highlands.

The day began at Leo's Roadhouse in Glenfield, where the group assembled before embarking on a convoy to Braemar. Many members were already familiar with the exceptional craftsmanship of this workshop, particularly recalling the stunning Lamborghini Miura, which won "Best Car of the Day" at Auto Italia 2023. This iconic car was masterfully "panel and paint" prepared at AA Panel Craft.

Bringing good people together is always a worthwhile endeavour

, and we extend our gratitude to the executive team of "My Car Club NSW" for their kind invitation. We also want to acknowledge IMSMC member Vicken Babkenian, whose efforts were instrumental in organizing this visit—well done, Vicken!

The day concluded with many of us enjoying lunch at the Mittagong RSL, a very nice venue with excellent food. Conversations flowed freely, and appetites were satisfied, rounding off a great Saturday!