Auto Italia 2014

Auto Italia 2014, was held in Canberra on Sunday the 30th of March.

 

IMSMC met on Saturday morning and travelled in convoy, bound for the nations capital, on Saturday morning! 30 cars, ranging from Ferrari's thru to Fiat 500's, cavalcaded together.

 

Along the way, we stopped at the traditional Mackey VC rest rest area for an "ITALIAN BREAKFAST". Charlie & Maria Losinno giving up their time to cater for our needs, sourcing bread, prosciutto cotto, salami, sorpressa, mortadella, provolone, Melanzane, Olive's - and the best Italian Bread!...Hungry yet? What a Breakfast.

 

This led to being energised for our next stop at Goulburn.Goulburn was our petrol, coffee & stretch stop! So much Italian machinery in the one place at the same time!

 

Onward to the Weereewa lookout on the Federal Hwy, where we met a number of Italian car enthusiasts from the ACT. From here we made our way to the Italo Australia Club, where we also returned later in the evening for our dinner dance. And what a night! A five course meal with song & dance! Two IMSMC members entertaining the crowd, with belly dancing, or was it "chesty dancing?" Wonderful to see the IMSMC banner being waved in the middle of the dance floor too, all adding to the party atmosphere of the entire weekend.

 

Earlier on Saturday afternoon, our committee and club members, were invited to the Italian Embassy. Our club was given a special mention for our outstanding support of the event. We later presented the Ambassador a club pennant as a memento.

 

Sunday morning and we made our way to the lawns (actually the sealed surfaces) of Old Parliament House. Over 250 cars on display including many motorbikes & scooters. Considering the amount of "bad weather" throughout the week, the attendance numbers "almost" set a new record!

 

This year. there are 2 anniversaries! 100 years of Maserati and 50 years of Fiat 850. We congratulate members Roland Weber ( 1976 Maserati Merack SS coupe) and Nat Stillone ( 1979 Maserati Merack SS)...Also, John Di Rocco (1971 Fiat 850T Van) Leo Di Rocco (1964 Fiat 850 series 1 coupe) Renee Di Rocco (1969 Fiat 850 series 2 spider), Gerardo Mediati (1969 Series 2 Fiat 850 sports coupe) Richard Di Pietro (1966 Fiat 850 sedan) and Brad Aitken (1969 Fiat 850 spider)... The cars looked GREAT and certainly made a significant contribution to the anniversary displays!

 

We are happy to report, that IMSMC representative members have done us proud again this year. With four major prizes being awarded, as follows;

Emmanuel Ziino Best Ferrari ( 1997 Yellow 355) & Best Alfa Romeo Coupe  (1972 Orange Montreal)

Ric Capolino Best Fiat Targa/spider (1979 Red Fiat X-19)

John Di Rocco Best Vehicle of Special Interest (1971 White Fiat 850T Van)

 

In all 55 members along with another 40+ family and friends, contributed to the significant contribution that IMSMC made to this National event! We thank all our visitors, including our young Mum & Dad's with their infant children- they are welcome anytime!

 

As the Sunday drew to a close, the skies darkened and mother nature reminded us of her force, with many members, Sydney bound experiencing the worst wet conditions on the freeway they have ever had to endure!

Fortunately no significant casualties to report on...

 

A smaller group remained for the Sunday night and shared in a complimentary dinner at the Italo Australia club, in what concluded a weekend of  Italian motoring, song, wine, fine food and great company.

 

We thank the staff of the Italo Australia Club for catering to each of our needs. We send a message of congratulations to the Auto Italia Committee on a superb event! We'll See you at Auto Italia, 29th of March 2015.