Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Auto Italia 2016

What a weekend!

The IMSMC contribution to the 2016 Auto Italia Canberra, began on Saturday Morning the 2nd of April, with a rendezvous at Pheasants Nest. 18 Italian Classics (joined by many more as the weekend progressed) assembling and rumbled to the Mackay VC rest area, for our traditional morning tea Italian style!

Hot & Mild sorpressa, smoked ham, mortadella, olives, capsicum, all on freshly baked rolls (in abundance! We just couldn't get enough. Thank you to "CAMPISI DELI", I know where I’ll be purchasing my small goods from now on! Our traditional coffee "corretto" completed our brilliant start to the day!

Next Stop was Goulburn, for a re-fuel. Here we met up with ACT member’s Brad Aitken and Geoff Hall. Brad is working tirelessly, co-ordinating our trip to Tumut (TTT) and Geoff taking our group for a Sunday morning drive into the Highest point in Canberra, The Red Hill Lookout.

Next Stop was Forrest, where members booked in to respective hotels and re-grouped at The Realm Hotel, for a pleasant afternoon of refreshment and socialising.

Saturday Night, ALL ABOARD the IMSMC
party bus, bound for the Hellenic Club. Member Gerardo Mediati presented every member with a print of The Concept 500, his creation, which we have been privileged to have seen on  a few occasions now. The "Concept" was on display on Sunday at Auto Italia, certainly a centre piece display on the day, as many members of the public visiting the stand. This interest was reflected in Gerardo being awarded the trophy for "SPECIAL INTEREST"... well done Gerardo and thanks for your Passion.


Member Joe Lecce, for the first time, presented his recently restored 1972 FIAT 125 Special B. This car picked up the judges award for BEST FIAT SEDAN. An absolute credit to you Joe, Congratulations.

In the category of Spider/Targa, member Riccardo Capolino was awarded 1st prize. Some of Rick's personal "touches" giving his little X-19 beauty the edge over some stiff opposition!

Sunday night saw 24 members and friends gather at Belluci's Restaurant for "another party", which put the finishing touch to a fantastic weekend.

What a contribution by IMSMC to Auto Italia held in our nation’s capital. We were given significant recognition by the organisers - we certainly do not go unnoticed, for more reasons than one!


Well done IMSMC. Thank you!