THE OFFICIAL ALFA ROMEO OWNERS CLUB
EAST MIDLANDS NEWSLETTER ■ November 2018 ■ Issue 214
Coming up ... NEC Classic Show
9-11 November November Meeting The Classic Motor Show at the NEC is a hugely automotive exhibitors George & Dragon Thringstone enjoyable event for car fans. AROC has been and traders, with Weds 14 November from 7.30pm involved with it since its inception in the 1990s, and everything from books today it holds a key place in the Club’s events diary, and models to Our November meeting night will include the Our Section has been engaged in the AROC paintings and detailing gear. There’s also the infamous ‘What’s it worth’ quiz, with some nice display’s organisation there since 2001, when the Silverstone auction to see plus motoring celebrities prizes. Nothing strenuous, it’s all multiple new car on show was the 147, now often regarded including The Wheeler Dealers and many choice guesswork vaguely based around the as a Modern Classic! Generally the Club has had a more.’ Importantly, this is the biggest Classic car value of Italian Classic Cars, but other stuff gets theme each time for example; coupés, Spiders, show for car clubs now in the world, and over thrown in…. It’s a good laugh too! Quadrifoglios. Last year it was ‘Modified Alfas’ and 72,000 people are expected across the 3 days of included a lot of newer models tagged as Future or opening. Modern Classics. For 2018 we’re going back to the If you fancy going you can get a handy discount more traditional definition with, bar a couple, all on tickets for Saturday and/or Sunday using the cars being over 25 years of age, and some a lot AROC discount code which is on the members’ older than that. The theme is ‘Design Houses’, with Forum and printed in the October Club magazine. some fabulous cars to be shown designed by the Find out more and book tickets at likes of Pininfarina, Zagato, Touring, Bertone, Alfa www.necclassicmotorshow.com Romeo Centro Stile and more. With sponsorship Well, as you’ll see inside, we have been very busy from Stoneacre we are again having one exciting this autumn already! While I’m writing this we’re at new Alfa too representing the current state of the 18 pages already and there might be some late company’s design art. The overall show theme is additions too. I’ve covered our AGM inside; great to ‘built to last’. Our stand includes an Alfasud just to see so many along at the one ‘formal’ meeting we thumb a nose to that! have, and we got a stack of really good suggestions Aside from AROC’s display in the primary show for next year’s activities. I’m very pleased to be able hall (number 1 again this year), there are a vast to announce one different new one happening in amount of things to see. Over 3,000 cars will be on February inside too. There will be lots more to come New Year Meal display across the many halls covering more than I’m sure. 18 football pitches in area. It includes the UK's I hope you can make it to the NEC, La Torre, High Street, Coalville biggest indoor Autojumble and 500 specialist it’s a super day out. Cheers! John Friday 4 January 7.30pm
Places open to reserve NOW! Special three course party menu under £25 a Alfisti is originated by head. Great food and great company - lots of additional fun on the night too including the John Griffiths charity raffle. We raised £400 last year” AROC East Midlands Section Secretary Places MUST be booked via John, and are 0774 8881317 limited to paying club members. The menu will be available in December, but Email: [email protected] you can secure your slot with no deposit NOW. See our website for all the latest . . .
AROC-UK.com/EastMids
An all-new Giulietta. The car Alfa needs in the UK? An update @AROCeastmids is to be announced this winter, but all-new? Not this time. Coming up . . .
Date Activities
Classic Motor Show, NEC Birmingham, The biggest Classic car show in the UK, and one of the very biggest in Europe. The AROC display will feature superb historic Alfa Romeos and something new. Our Section members 9-11 November will be helping on the stand so do come and say hello! Special ticket discount available for AROC members on the Sat and Sun, see AROC publications or contact John. More info on the cover.
Monthly meeting at The George & Dragon in Thringstone - starting at 7.30pm. The meeting will include the Weds 14 November infamous ‘What’s it worth’ quiz, with nice prizes! Nothing strenuous, it’s all multiple choice guesswork and a from 7.30pm good laugh too!
Speaker Night at The Charnwood Arms, Bardon Hill - LE67 1TB. With a special Club link-up now announced Weds 12 December with Pirelli, we have arranged for a special talk at our December meeting night which changes venue, We’ll get from 7.30pm a good look into the latest tyre technology and the remarkable things that go into making the Milanese brand the global success it is, including its ongoing involvement on F1 and other motorsports. Please see page 3.
New Year Meal at La Torre, 48 High Street, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3EE. Special three course party Friday 4 January - 7 menu under £25 a head. Great food and great company - lots of additional fun on the night too including for 7.30pm charity raffle. Places MUST be booked via John. 7pm to eat at from 7.30pm. Bookings open now, menu out in December. John must have all choices in advance.
**NEW** Detailing Seminar at Meguiar’s HQ in Daventry. FREE! Limited to 20 Club members. Free refreshments and Saturday 9 February free samples pack provided. A volunteer member’s car will be used as a demo vehicle too. Arrive 09:30 for from 9:30 refreshments, Seminar from 10am. Ends around lunchtime. BOOK WITH JOHN NOW! (See Page 3)
FOR YOUR DIARY: SPRING ALFA DAY 2019 - AROC RETURNS TO BEAULIEU! (Sunday 14 April 2019)
AROC’s first big meeting of the year returns to the fabulous National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire where it was last held in 2016. Over 600 cars and 1,100 Alfisti attended on that occasion which was a memorable event. Admission is at a big discount rate to standard, especially when bought in advance. With hundreds of brilliant car exhibits to see, including Formula 1, rally Cars and historic Land Speed record cars, (even Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)! There’s plenty to do indoors if the weather is poor - then outdoors there’s a brilliant monorail plus kids rides (some of those indoors as well), and the Montagues’ house is open on site too. It is a very nice opportunity for long weekend, being set on the edge of the beautiful New Forest. We will also arrange a convoy drive from our region early on the Sunday morning, well, a breakfast meet up anyway, as keeping everyone together for over 100 miles might be a bit tricky! Three photos here from the event in 2016 - the top one taken from the Monorail (also pictured) showing just a part of the parking for Alfas. It’s definitely one to pop in your diaries now. John
Sign up to get latest The Small Print: Alfisti is the newsletter of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club UK East Midlands Section. news, info and chat. Alfa Romeo Owners Club UK ltd cannot endorse or recommend services or products advertised in its publications. Any opinions published in See ‘Alfisti’ or its sister website, Twitter account and Facebook Group are personal ones. Alfa Romeo Owners Club Ltd Registered Number 01106134. Please contact John Griffiths if you have any queries about the Club or our active local Area Section. See cover for contact details. www.facebook.com/groups/arocukeastmids ALFISTI’S CONTENT, IMAGES AND DESIGN ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT. PLEASE ASK PERMISSION BEFORE ANY RE-USE.
ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter November 2018 - Issue 214 - P2 December Speaker Night
TYRE TALK From
at The Charnwood Arms CHANGE FROM REGULAR VENUE Wednesday 12 December from 7.30pm
We’re going to a different place for our December meeting, The Charnwood Arms, Beveridge Lane, near Coalville, LE67 1TB (not far from M1 Junction 22). At the venue we have our OWN spacious room, where two technical experts from the Pirelli HQ in Burton-on- Trent will give us a fascinating insight into the company’s The Charnwood Arms, Bardon Hill - LE67 1TB operations, including product development, motor sport involvement and a real insight into the range of products on sale. Pirelli work very closely with Alfa Romeo and a host of other premium brands of course from Ferrari to McLaren. There will of course be good opportunity for questions. That’s as well as our usual opportunity for a good natter with friends of course.
At the venue, please head to our room where we will have our own bar and (optionally) be able to chose from the extensive menu. tensive menu. If you could please arrive early if you wish to eat (we can get in the room from about 6.30), the talk which will start at around 8.15pm and last for an hour or so plus plenty of opportunity for questions.
This Pirelli talk ties in with AROC’s new special relationship with the company, whereby paying members can get a healthy ‘cashback’ deal on purchases. In 2019 we will also be organising a visit to the Pirelli Performance Centre in Burton for more insight , with some nice goodies promised too! More about that in future editions.
See info on the AROC member Pirelli cash-back deal in the panel below.
NB it would be helpful if you could advise John in you plan to come along and especially if you plan to eat there. Thanks! Pirelli tyres. There’s a lot to them.
STURGESS’ Special Donation
In mid-October, Chris Sturgess, Chairman of the Sturgess Group (who are Leicester’s Alfa Romeo Dealer) presented 5 electric cars to Leicester Hospitals specifically so children going to theatre can have a far more relaxing and pleasurable journey.
You’ll see an Alfa Romeo 4C on the right of course, along with models from most of the other Brands Sturgess are famous for selling, including Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo. (No Kia — how odd!) AROC’s Special Members’ Deal with Pirelli Anyway I’m sure all will agree that this is a lovely thing to do. Well CASHBACK TIME! done to Chris and all involved.
Pirelli is now offering a very special deal for AROC members. After buying 2 or more Pirelli tyres (from certain places), you can go to a Pirelli website with the evidence to claim a pre-paid ‘fuel card’.
Although called a fuel card it is actually a pre-paid Mastercard which can be redeemed anywhere that accepts Mastercard.
When buying two or more Pirelli car, van or 4x4 tyres the member gets: 16" and below, 2 tyres = £10, 4 tyres = £30 17" 2 tyres = £30, 4 tyres = £70 18" and above, 2 tyres = £50, 4 tyres = £100 (Maximum 8 tyres per calendar year.)
The tyres must be purchased from; Pirelli Performance Centres (a listing with search function is on the Pirelli UK website and includes several Walkers, ProTyre and Kwik-Fit outlets that meet specific quality standards); Alfa Romeo dealers, or Longstone Tyres (the classic tyre specialists.
Members negotiate their own price with vendor and after purchase make the claim online via a dedicated AROC page in the Pirelli system. It will ask for their membership number which will be verified. Note, the tyres do not have to be for an Alfa, they can be for any car, van or 4x4. (See Pirelli Deal info, inc. claim link on AROC-UK.com)
ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter November 2018 - Issue 214 - P3
Book now for the Meguiar’s Detailing Seminar Meguiar’s UK HQ, Daventry.
Saturday 9 February, 09:30 on. Hands-on demos
American company Meguiar’s is over 100 years old and is widely regarded as the pioneer of automotive Detailing, offering the first dedicated consumer car products in the early 1970s.
Hosting "Workshops" or seminars for car enthusiasts is an important part of Meguiar's everyday global activity and for many years they have done demos at car club events. With the recent move to new facilities in Daventry, it is now possible for them to host events almost entirely indoors, in optimal conditions.
Our visit is restricted to 20 people, and is entirely FREE. We will arrive at 09:30 for FREE refreshments, then move on to a Seminar (see right) explaining various techniques and best practices in car cleaning, paint / surface preparation and protection (approx. 45 minutes). That is followed by an hour working on a visitor's car in the Detailing Bay to demonstrate Meguiar’s products and the techniques, also giving people an opportunity to try for themselves. We will also be given some free sachet samples and have an opportunity to buy products at an attractive price.
The event will end around lunchtime, and we will look at a pub lunch nearby for those who wish.
IF YOU WANT TO GO - PLEASE EMAIL JOHN asap! Space strictly Seminar on products and techniques limited, so it’s FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
DO YOU WANT YOUR CAR to be the demo’d on? LET JOHN KNOW NB - The Meguiar’s new HQ is not yet on most Sat Nav systems. Best use the street and we’ll do a draw to select the lucky person. address. Maps will be emailed to people coming.
With luck we won’t be under 5 foot of snow! Should be a very Meguiar’s HQ, 3 Lamport Court, Heartlands Business Park, Daventry NN11 8UF enjoyable day.
LATEST ALFA UK DEALS - TIME TO GRAB A BARGAIN!!
How does a new Giulia Super (150hp diesel of 200hp petrol) with £3,000 deposit contribution, a zero percent finance, 5 years Warranty, 3 years free servicing and 5 ears road side assistance grab you? Alfa UK are really pushing the boat out to grab your business! As reported last time the new Nero Edition range of Giulietta, Stelvio and Giulia are now officially available to order too. The Giulia is based on a 2L 200hp petrol Super, with darkened trim, tinted windows, darkened headlining, and 18 or 19” alloys in black. The Stelvio is similar in spec but on bigger wheels. The Giulietta gets 18” 5-hole alloys in black, along with the darkened trim, and available with either the 120hp 1.4 TBi engine (not MultiAir) or 120hp 1,6 Diesel. Various accessory packs are available on all of the models along with leather seats for example, and a nearly completely full range of paint colours. Prices of the Nero Editions are a little up on Super-spec, but if you fancy one, go and speak to you local friendly dealer! The Neros are coming, and not just in grey.
ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter November 2018 - Issue 214 - P4 AGM and Alfa Quiz George & Dragon, Thringstone
10 October, and it was 22 degrees C in the afternoon. The balmy autumnal weather probably helped or attendance a little for this our only vaguely formal meeting of the year, and it started with the early arrivals having a good natter around our cars as seen here.
We were delighted that around 35 people came around half of what we might have hoped for at ‘n Chip tea at the seaside to a tour of the Battle of along, including of course Chairman Bryan Alexander MITCAR this year owing to the rain, sorry, monsoon, Britain Memorial Flight at Coningsby, Sherwood who opened the formalities at 8pm. He thanked and the expenses were no less (hire of loos, printing, Restorations in Southwell, The Sharnbrook Italian everyone for coming and supporting the Section this prizes and trophies), our bank balance is the same Car Day, the Bosworth Water Park Classic Car night, year, and especially all those who helped at events. this October as it was last. Of course, another thanks Prescott Hill Climb, The Maxey Classic Car Show, He also passed on the best of regards from our Hon. was given to Paul & Stoneacre for the sponsorship Rufford Country Park, and a visit to the Rolls Royce President, George Cole, who, (to quote George) is; of MITCAR, which really helps. The funding pot Heritage Centre! We hope will open again soon. I “Poorly, but not getting any worse.” If you see a means we can still offer good prizes at our various doubt we can fit all of those in, and there is always a mobility scooter in Grantham with Alfa badges and gatherings and offer small subsidies where sensible terrible danger that if you put too much on you water racing stripes going inordinately quickly, that will be to do so. I also thanked Viv Stephens for organising down attendances as people ick and choose more, him! The very best to you too George, and of course our trip to Morgan for FREE last year, saving however, it gives us some great things to look into, Janet, from all of us. Bryan thanks Paul Jones for all attendees over £20 each. After a formalities and a quick recharge of glasses, the support he coordinated from Chris Variava in the I then covered communications. It was pleasing to it was time for the Alfa Quiz, set as ever by the past and has continued to do via Stoneacre today. see all in the room are getting the email broadcasts, previous year’s winner, Brian Smith. He had done a Bryan thanked the core committee too, before which will be held at around 2 per month. Our fun, multiple-choice quiz that deliberately had a handing over to me as Secretary. We had a website is still kept bang up to date with lots of number of questions demanding pure guess work! unanimous to re-elect our Section Officers; me as event photos - it could perhaps do with a makeover There was a crafty negative-scoring question too Secretary/Organiser, Bryan as Chairman, Brian but is still fit for purpose, displaying well on mobile which bit a number of us! In the end we had a tie for Smith as Vice Chairman and Bryan and me as joint devices. Our Facebook group now has over 500 first between me, Viv and Iain Reeves, so it went to a Treasurers. I also stated that, as has been the case members, and again a good many in the room use it. suitably crazy tie breaker: guessing the reading on for many years now, a lot of the success of our We then had a whistle-stop run through the events Brian’s 4C’s milometer! Well we all got close but Section is down to the support it gets from a host of of the last 12 months. We certainly made great use Iain was only out by about 20 miles so walked away ’Regulars’ - the majority of whom were there on the of the long, hot summer, with over 30 activities. (I with the prizes: Prosecco and a Croftgate Waterless night. They effectively form a broader committee. won’t run though them all here, please have a look Wash spray, ideally the two not to be mixed (but you (Perhaps we should give that a more Italian name, at the Gallery pages on our website for photos and never know!) Iain will have the joy of setting next like a Conclave - I don’t know!) Our Section also mini reports.) The feeling was that a lot of the year’s quiz now too of course! boasts the model Registrars for 4C, Giulietta, previous favourites will be repeated, including; the We had two booby prizes; Gill was doing great on Stelvio, Giulia, and GT, and has 3 members on the curry and barbecue nights, the Fox Run and of 2 but had 2 points taken off in that tricky question, Club Board. (Me, Paul and Duncan.) So we are very course the Fun Concours (and incredible 80 people then Mike Croll with 1. They won some great well represented in the Club nationally. along to that last June!) and MITCAR will return. A ‘alternative hobby’ magazines: ‘Tractor and I then ran through our Section finances in the venue with a difference is in mind for that and we Machinery’, and the even better ‘Stationary Engine’. Treasurer’s report. A core thing now being, as we no plan to return to the Coventry MotoFest in June. We’re sure they will relish them! longer have the @£3K p.a. support from Chris We then had a really good discussion around the Anyway, a it was another very enjoyable evening Variava for the printing of our monthly newsletter, room on potential new activities and visits. Ideas and thanks to everyone for coming along. Next up, ‘Alfisti’, there is no on-going cost for stationery and ranged from a trip to see the BRSCC Alfa it’s the fabled ‘What’s it Worth’ quiz. See you in stamps. Indeed, though gate receipts were only Championship at Cadwell Park, then going for a Fish November. John
Above on left, Quizmaster Brian (and well he may laugh!) next to a very relaxed Section friend & visitor Dave Armstrong. Above our lucky winners—and losers! Gill, Mike and Iain. Well done all!
ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter NovemberOctober 2018 - Issue 214213 - P4P5 Curborough Track Day Curborough Circuit near Lichfield
Last month on our Karting night at Sutton Circuit, way quite similar, if different! The Lancia being LHD the torque and so little weight the car flew along. when driving across the finish line, I thought little makes drawing a precise comparison more tricky That wheel - with no assistance of course - could get close to that great feeling of immediacy of though. Both cars make a great sound with twin genuinely does feel like a kart. I was surprised how control and direct steering connection that a kart cam engines and twin Weber Carbs. They are a much effort it takes in tight corners - exacerbated by gives you - and of course the freedom from all the such characterful things and both lovely to look at. the fact my Giulia is so incredibly light, but scalpel constraints of driving on the road. Well, for our We were joined by two other Bertone coupes during sharp of course. Mark’s encouragement was great, second visit to The Curburgring at the beginning of the day, Peter Haynes meeting a fried there in his and after a steady lap I just had to give it a little October I got that sensation all over again, and in just acquired Alfa that will be set up for navigational more poke, and boy the car responded. Exiting the four wheeled machines over 40-years apart in age. rallying. long corner in second, some early (heavy) throttle Sadly, a number of our regular ‘Curbo’ attendees Coming up to lunchbreak we were joined by a and round that back-end comes, but so easily simply couldn’t make the date due to work or lack of multi-race-winning single seater sprint and hill climb caught. And YES I can finally say it—with a dab of remaining holidays, but we were able to fill up the machine that needed some shake-down laps. It ‘oppo! Marvellous. SO kart-like! I have to say I slots and those ‘newbies’ had a brilliant time. was an incredible bit of engineering - the high-nose indulged on another occasion after a different bend I’ll start with the regulars: Brian Smith and Mark car fitted with gigantic wings for downforce and a too, and caught again thanks to such quick steering Gunston both enjoyed giving their 4Cs an autumnal heck of an engine - a bespoke 2-litre unit from a (and obvious consummate skill. Or nervous track airing; Matt Manners, his (cough) Ford Focus Lola Le Mans car, fitted with a simply gigantic reaction. Let’s go with the first one.) Anyway it was ST D ‘wagon (which actually goes very nicely around Garrett Turbocharger—featuring an incredible anti- brilliant to experience. I’d not been on a track in a the track). Then we had a raft of first timers: Simon lag system. That meant that once on track under 4C since Tommy Erdos scared the living daylights Wotherspoon managed to fix his 159 2.4 to get it braking and lifting off the throttle the car made a out of me in one at Millbrook Proving Grounds. The track worthy, though he was still chasing a slight sound exactly like a shotgun, if not louder. The Brazilian Le Mans racing driver threw that car hesitancy (good luck there Simon). Steve Fryer circuits neighbours must be thing the grouse season around like a toy, but I remember how amazing it hasn’t been to one of our general gatherings before had started! Quite a thing to behold, It had laptops, was when in a bit of a drift. That was just the best but has been to one of our karting events. He oil heaters and stacks of other jigger-pokery, all to fairground ride you could hope to experience. brought along his lovely Giulia Veloce in Misano make a car go incredibly fast for under a minute. Anyway, I’m 100% in love with the things, Blue with black leather seats. James Norris brought Pretty close to drag racing really. ownership is going to have to happen. So much fun, his 4C Coupe. He’s only owned it since the start of Now lets get back to karts. OK, similar, 4Cs! so accessible - and just to be clear Mark’s car is the year covering just 1,000 miles! In black with Around lunchtime those of us around the paddock dead standard. Now uprated ECU, no AlfaWorks silver 17/18” wheels it looked gorgeous. I was area got to witness James trying out the Launch suspension mods, it just loves the track as it is. never a huge fan of the black ones, but in the ‘wild’ control on his 4C right opposite the track ‘gate’. (Alpine A110? A nice facsimile, I’ll take the carbon- so to speak, well, I’m smitten! Ricardo Martins, an Into Race mode, foot on the brake, throttle pedal tubbed Italian original thanks Mr Renault. You can invitee via Facebook, had his white Giulietta MultiAir flat, revs automatically held around 3,000rpm, lift keep your fire extinguisher too.) fitted with twin ‘pipes making up the last of the the brake and—wow! Revs drop a tiny bot and BANG OK. Deep intake of breath, other machines. newer Alfas. Marks’ good friend Dale had been it’s into second and 60 is past at a smidge over 4 Simon’s 159 is in the middle of a rolling upgrade looking for an Alfa Spider but in the end fell for a seconds. I strongly believe that with just the driver programme. He’s got Eibach springs and new nearly-new Fiat 124 Spider, the one built by Mazda (i.e. minus 80kg of passenger) that time is in the 3s. shocks ready, and it will really benefit from them for in Japan but with the 1.4 140hp MultiAir Fiat Group Terrific stuff. this type of use. The ‘Well Engineered’ 159 having a engine of course. Then we had 2 terrific classics, Not long after that a very kind (and trusting) Mark good deal of mass to control - but, do you know, it Fergus Etheridge’s GT Junior has a newly built 1800 Gunston offered me the keys to his 4C. (I wasn’t doesn't half handle nicely. The nose turns in very cc Nord engine in it, then Lukas Wilcocks had his quite quick enough to jump in and drive off never to nicely and there’s a great lug of talk to pull you race prepared Lancia Fulvia 1600 HF. Two really be seen again but the thought crossed my mind! through the bend and out onto any straight. Thanks delightful cars from the early 1970s, both similar I’m a massive fan of the Launch Edition models, and again for the keys Simon! Ricardo took me round but at the same time very different. The Bertone Mark’s is a fabulous example. Just getting in is an in his Giulietta too, and yet again the car amazed has rear wheel drive and is very much set up to event. Foot over the wide carbon fibre sill you drop with eth grunt of that 1.4, and the car feels very make the most of that traction with soft rear into a relatively hard Alcantara faced seat, feet find light on its toes too. springing and a stiffer front-end, the Lancia front the billet aluminium pedals—floor hinged like a race Steve Fryer made lapping his Giulia look so easy, wheel drive and equipped with wide sticky track car, grip the chunky steering wheel (also Alcantara), the car ripping around and looking really well tyres too. The Bertone couldn’t be more different, and coupled with the letter box view ahead with the balanced. Sadly I missed getting a ride, but will on skinny Michelin energy tyres, Fergus could enjoy flared wings you could be in a LeMans Prototype definitely want to another time. Dale’s 124 Spider a ‘lively’ back end, holding oversteer on corner exit, racer. The 1750 turbo just behind your ears always really surprised. Another light car, it was genuinely always an enjoyable thing to do, and enjoyable to lets you know its there and the ’race’ exhaust are quick, and could readily be tempted into some experience as a passenger too as I did! Conversely really quite savage. I didn’t do a ’launch’, but can oversteer, but wouldn’t hold it for too long not in the passenger seat of the Lancia you can feel attest the acceleration, especially in 2nd gear is having an LSD which the Abarth version has. It’s a how glued down the nose is. The car has a lovely brutal! The car catapults forwards, and in Dynamic really great machine though, very well balanced. balance - both cars set up with a degree of body roll, mode the Twin-Clutch gearbox responds And before we knew it it was 5 o’clock. Just a exactly as of the time, the Lancia enjoying pulling its instantaneously. Being Marks car of course I drove it great day all-round. A big thanks as always to tail round so actually that cornering sensation is in a sensibly, say 6 or 7 tenths, but even then with all everyone who took part - we will be back. John
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ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter November 2018 - Issue 214 - P8 Sunday Scramble Bicester Heritage Centre
Bicester Heritage Centre is a terrific pace. A host and rubbish flouro screen stickers are there in the Giulietta 101 racer shell undergoing major of RAF buildings and hangars have been converted world? Lots is the answer! Still, it is definitely car restoration. We also came across a spotless Giulia to classic car restoration businesses that contain enthusiasm, just of a different sort and though I jest Super and a Montreal too. Over in the largest some superb cars from pre-war through incredibly there were a few very interesting machines in with hangar numerous Supercars had been assembles, valuable classics like original Jaguar D-Types and the myriad of Fords, SEATs, Type Rs, Vectras (!) and including a few which were up for sale. Oh boy, that Ferraris, through to racing cars of many formulae. 3 VWs, (A few.) was a show in itself! A host of high-end Ferraris, or 4 times a year the venue, which is still and active Arriving at Bicester the scale of the place Lambos, Porsches - just stunning, plus two Alfa 8Cs! airfield, hosts a ‘Sunday Scramble’ event, immediately hit. You could easily accommodate Competizione Red Spider (sorry missed getting a essentially a breakfast meeting that opens from thousands of cars—and car clubs are welcome too pic of that as owner left!), and a coupe in Alfa Red 9am to 2pm. 7 October saw some very pleasant though to reserve a pitch you need to promise at up for a cool £245,000!! It looked sensational of early autumnal weather and over 2,000 people least 10 cars. The Cotswold Section has done that course and a buyer will be out there. attended. The buildings create almost a village feel before but weren’t over this time, though we did We bumped into Leigh Nethercott and Simon along with many tree-lined avenues, all punctuated spot a nice line up from the Abarth Owners Club.. Addison and Martin Lindus who’s come over from with trailers selling breakfasts of course (oh the After creating our own mini (very mini) Alfa line, we another direction, Martin top done in his F430 smell of bacon!) When arriving at the entrance, headed in towards the buildings, and after Spider not his GTV V6 though that’s about to have a after tickets are scanned or bought, the marshals immediate sausage bap sustenance, began to drink load of suspension work. (Shame when you have to do a rough division of interesting classics v in the cars. Oh boy. Such is the scene the oldies rough it isn’t it? Ha ha!) ‘normals’, the former getting directed to park among were punctuated with brand new models, and the Back outside and by around 12:30 people began the buildings. By around 10am there is then a odd supercar. Arrangement was largely by chance to drift away. Yes, people leave car shows designed plethora of amazing machines amassed - it’s and probably the better for it. Let’s start on Alfas— to end early too… Just wandering around the field something like the NEC Classic Show only outdoors, ”and why not” as they say! There were probably half car parking was like a show in itself! Lotuses, and very random. a dozen Bertones in various places, including Matt’s Astons, countless Jags, and I'm not saying Porsches If you saw our communications including my and also Fergus’s who we bumped into late in the are common but here must have been hundreds. recent emails (I hope somebody reads them!), you’ll day. We spotted two gorgeous Alfetta GTVs - one Oh, an early Lamborghini Murcielago parked near to see we organised a convoy run over to the event - mint 2000 and one GTV6 in American spec, I’d us was a personal highlight too… and at least a few of us turned up, with Matt Cox never seen one in the UK and its extended Driving home I was trying to make a mental list of leading the way over with Lorraine in their 1750 GTV bumpers, probably as the car was in black, actually the cars I wanted to have shipped back for me… I followed by me in Sooty, Brian in his 4C Spider and looked OK. 105 Spiders were more numerous (I am won’t list them but the photos here will give most Phil Gunn in Sooty 2, plus 2 or three of Matt’s pals still in therapy after seeing how filthy most of them away. This is such a great day out, and so cheap in their cars. It was an interesting trundle over as we were!!), and we also came across some Giuliettas too (£7 a person, less in a Classic). The next one is passed the Modified Car show at Silverstone. Just too. In one of the ‘sheds’ we spotted a superb on Sunday 6 January. Snow permitting I may well how many small hatchbacks with oversize exhausts Giulietta Sprint Speciale too, a real treat, and a get down for that one too. John
Matt Cox’s 1750 has been undergoing some tasteful modifications during his ownership. The car was originally silver, but a previous body restoration went for Rosso. Suspension has been upgraded and powder coated, and some 5-spoke Campagnolo alloys replaced by these GTA Replicas. It’s been ‘de-bumpered’ too, which many cars had done over the years for the racer look. Its period racing roundels look great to me. Matt is now turning to the interior which is in a patinated tan leather, including door cards. The front seats were ‘ok’ but offered little support, so in pseudo-racer guides Matt’s swapped them out for black leather ‘buckets’ which look good and 70’s. The source? Lotus Elise! They really doo look— and work—great. Over the winter the door cards are all getting re-trimmed in black and rear seats too. All very tastefully done.
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ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter November 2018 - Issue 214 - P11 The FOX RUN
This year’s navigational run through traditional Fox Hunting country took a route to the south of our region, taking in some super sights on the way.
Peter and Linda arrive at the finish in their Giulietta Spider. Sadly, hard top on for winter!
The FOX RUN 2018 was held in some fabulous took part here, but it was great to see the 2 Andy’s I will mention Mark and Lizette in their Giulietta weather for the time of year, peaking at 19 degrees over from the West Midlands, (along with regular Ian quickly. At the start, to help with the time gaps I by the finish and with bright sunshine throughout. Jephcott from that direction!), Andy Turner though explained the route guide to each participant, Sunglasses were definitely the order of the day! having to commandeer his wife’s silver 159 including the first few turns. Mark nodded along, 28 cars took part this time with over 50 people, Sportwagon as his 939 Spider decided it didn’t want but promptly turned left instead of right at the gate! all but a few cars with navigators using the special to work! Andy Fotheringham also joined us on the The reason was they nipped back home first to fetch route guide that used Tulip diagrams. run up from South Mids with is fab 2000 GTV and their dog—well it certainly fooled a few of us! After a super breakfast at The George & Dragon in Adrian Richardson came down from Derbyshire in Anyway everything worked out really well—nobody Thringstone, cars were set off approximately 2- his lovely deep red Spider S4. got lost— and we’ll definitely do something similar minute intervals to wind their way through some T came along with Hayley and Georgia in his just- next year. Thanks as ever to everyone who joined in. lovely countryside. The route design this year was collected Stelvio Quadrifoglio which looks absolutely John all about heading south, with cars going through stunning in black, freshly fitted with paint protection places including Nanpantan, Copt Oak, Kirkby film on the nose and coated in Ceramic sealant. Mallory, Stoney Stanton, Lutterworth, Pailton and Georgia did the navigating doing very well to keep Brinklow before arriving at the finish at Coombe him going slowly enough to not miss the turns! Abbey country park. The wonderful weather meant many people could Brian Smith who’d helped me define the route, led enjoy a bit of top-down motoring in their Spiders, a group of 4 cars at the back who were lacking including; Salvatore and Clare (in their Maserati navigators - happily the remembered the route well version—what a great sound that made); the from our recce run a few weeks before in his 4C! aforementioned Adrian; Brian Smith in his similar After letting the last cars go from the car park I S4; Graeme and Shona in their 916 V6; Warren in bombed it down the M1/M69 to arrive just after the his silver 916 TS; then 4 939 Spiders belonging to very first cars pulled in, so I managed to get some Jeff and Pam Cavers, Dave and Chris Atkins, Navid photos of the cars coming in along the impressive and Julie Jan, and Craig Percy. Sadly Jason Hood long drive. couldn’t join us in his white one as he had a bug, Once parked up people could then enjoy having a but I did send him the route so he’s hoping to enjoy natter around our cars who mostly managed to park it at some later point! together (it was very busy there thanks to the Now, Peter and Linda Farley brought their weather), with several also enjoying the café and gorgeous 1957 Giulietta Spider, only the week generally a relaxing afternoon at the very pretty before Peter fitted its original hard top…. Now I parkland setting that’s just great to stroll around. definitely think we know who to thank for all the Julie and Ian follow in It’s hard to mention all the people and cars that sunshine! Clive Tubb’s Giulietta
Warren and Brian arrive at the finish - perfect Spider weather!
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Above - Julie and Nav in their super-shiny Spider, then top right arriving at he leafy finish at Coombe Abbey.
Above - Ian and Julie brought William along; Julie did the driving, we think William was trusted to navigate over Ian. :0) Above — Big Andy and Little Andy at the start!
Above - Not 100% confirmed that Rupert here did the navigating for Matt and Lorraine in their 1750 GTV….. (Rupert's photo by Craig.)
Above - Stave Fryer’s eye-catching Giulia Veloce… Simon Drury’s quad pipes make a glorious noise! Andy Fotheringham’s superb 2000 GTV.
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Above - T’s stupendous Stelvio Quadrifoglio - enormous Carbon brakes too! (Pic by Craig) Iain and Ann Reeves’ GTV in our grassy parking spot at the finish. (Pic by Craig.)
Above - two vistas of Coombe Abbey , delightful photos by Craig.
Above—Dave and Chris arrive at the finish. Above Graeme and Shona’s Spider Above—Alex and Katie depart in their Stelvio Speciale Below—Mark and Nicki arrive in their 156 Ti Below—John’s arty shot of Sal and Clare in their lovely Maserati Spyder
ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter November 2018 - Issue 214 - P14 Plug-in Hybrid Hiatus
VW, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche halt plug-in hybrid sales on new WLTP emissions results.
With all the negativity surrounding diesels and was getting a big push in the their particulate emissions in particular (let’s ignore UK (despite a dramatic lack of the fact they were contributing to a genuine its specific car charging reduction in CO2 levels), the plug-in hybrid seemed points). to be the answer…. A petrol engine for times of A VW spokesman said its heavy load or long distances with no (or lessened) plug-in hybrid models were at range-anxiety which plagues battery electric the back of the line for WLTP vehicles (BEVs), and a far lighter battery pack testing behind more popular conventional petrol up battery to increase its electric-only range to 50 permitting at least some miles of pure electric and diesel models. "There is a bottleneck with the miles from 19.2 miles and record a CO2 figure of propulsion—like 16-20. Well, along has come the testing," he said. "We have to get priority for highest- 49g/km. It will also arrive in 2019. new WLTP emissions standards (Worldwide volume models." Volvo’s XC60 beats 50gm/k and Mitsubishi Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) and Porsche has pulled sales of its plug-in hybrid played a clever one and got their Outlander PHEV scuppered it for the majority of PHEVs on the Panamera saloon and Cayenne SUV. "We will not modified with bigger 2.4 litre petrol engine and market. start taking orders again until the cars are being batteries before WLTP and looks set to clean up the Essentially, the effect of the fully charged battery built, the timing of which has not yet been SUV end of market again. (Obviously people has been reduced. That, in turn, has pushed the confirmed," a spokesman said. overlook the fact its about as attractive as a fridge crucial CO2 emissions figure above 50 grams per Plug-in hybrid versions accounted for 69 percent freezer but with marginally worse handling.) kilometre. The cars lose tax benefits offered in of Panamera sales in western Europe in the first So have Alfa played it smart here in not launching many EU countries to ultralow-emissions vehicles. half, so this is really quite significant. PHEVs too early? We know the Giorgio platform for In Germany, many plug-in hybrid models have Mercedes currently has no plug-in hybrids Giulia and Stelvio is capable of taking the required fallen out of the category where they qualified for available to order but will start selling them again hardware. Perhaps you could argue yes, but they the 3,000-Euro subsidy, In most cases, car makers within the next two months, starting with the S-class really need to get their act together to get in on a will need to fit a bigger battery into the vehicle to and E-class models. The C class is not due until next slice of the market which is only going to increase if keep the tax benefits, They then have to decide year, a spokesman said. All will record under 50g/ this negativity around diesel continues and fuel whether the extra cost to fit a bigger battery is worth km of CO2, he said. prices continue the charge back towards $100 a the incentives given. BMW is working to switch its plug-in hybrids over barrel. The indications are that the first electrified VW has stopped sales of the Passat GTE, to WLTP. The company says the 530e saloon is now Alfas however will use 48v ‘mild hybrid’ tech rather Europe's No. 2-selling plug-in hybrid. A VW available to order with emissions below 50g/km, than being capable of electric-only propulsion, so spokesman said the model will not be sold again though it killed off the old 330e this year the new majoring on performance and driver involvement. until next July, when an update for the Passat range one arrives around April 2019. The new X5 will We will see how things develop. is due. VW also stopped selling the Golf GTE, which include the xDrive 45e plug-in hybrid with a beefed- John
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BTCC Finale - Brands Hatch
Rob Austin snatches a Podium
It’s been a heck of a season for HMS Racing who’ve had some terrible luck along the way. Back at Brand Hatch for the last meeting, that was finally about to change. . .
(Photos courtesy of HMS Racing)
Rob Austin grabbed a 3rd place at the first race meeting of the 2018 season on championship was decided in the race with Colin Turkington taking the crown in the short circuit layout at Brands Hatch. Things were really looking good. With his BMW 125i for the 3rd time, Rob again kept out of trouble though did pick up just one car in the team gathering data to make the car quicker is twice as hard some bodywork damage (repairable) coming in 9th. as in the other teams who almost all run two. And it truly is down to fractions of Race 3 saw that blind draw for reverse grid, which came out as the top 10 so a second. Often the first 24 cars on the grid of 32 are covered by 0.8 of a Rob was in P2! At last a little luck!! He got an absolutely storing start, easily second. By the end of the season it’s even closer. At the final round on 30 outstripping Josh Cook’s Astra into paddock bend to take the lead, which he September at the Brands Hatch GP circuit, Rob qualified 14th. If he had fought to hang on to valiantly for a full 5 laps. Basically Rob’s set-up meant his managed to save 1/4 of a second he’d have been 4th. tyres (the slower hard ones) switched on sooner, but Cook’s Astra’s came back Let’s have a quick view of BTCC regulations. The cars use a great many shared into it and he finally managed to push his nose past. Just behind was a hard components for equalisation and to control costs. Suspension, gearbox, charging Subaru LeVorg (a name nearly as ugly as the car) of Ashley Sutton. Rob differential, brakes, even basic roll-cage design is all standardised. The engines was then in an almighty tussle for 3rd with Tom Chilton’s Focus. Time and again are heavily regulated 2 litre turbo units giving approximately 330bhp. Swindon they were side by side, but Rob would not let it go. ad Mountune are the prime makers of the (largely Ford-based) engines, HMS With Cook and Sutton really going at it at the front Rob closed to within inches, Racing use Swindon in their Giulietta. Weight is also a critical factor and used but as the front 2 stopped fighting each other so hard they could just stretch for race equivalency. This is where the Giulietta makes gains on a number of away, though we are still only talking half a second! Rob also got in some clean rivals as the basic shell, though all steel is light, so more of the required ballast laps to pull away from Chilton, but it then all came down to the last lap - and what weight can be placed where it’s wanted in the car. It’s aerodynamically one of a lap!! Rob fighting off the Ford to snatch his second podium of the season in the best shapes too. It runs a standard rear wing that is set once at the start of great style, and winning The Independents Cup! Up front, it looked like Cook the season for all races - that’s a tricky calculation to make. Do you run high was going to hang on, just, but Sutton set up his RWD Subaru for a final charge downforce for the twisty tracks or back it all off to be quick at the likes of around the outside of the last bend and down the finish straight to edge past as Thruxton and Silverstone? they crossed the lie, winning by the width of his front bumper—just brilliant stuff! The real skill is down to setting up the suspension and geometry to help the car So a fantastic day’s racing, and all smiles at HMS Racing too. We now hope behave at its best, making the most out f the control Dunlop tyres. Tyres add a Alfa Romeo will get more behind the squad with at least some cash to perhaps degree of variance as they is an ‘option’ tyre that has to be run in one of the enable team boss Simon Belcher to run a second car which would ultimately races. Normally it is a softer, grippier compound that make sit perhaps half a allow so much more development. It could be a great shop window for Alfa with a second a lap faster, but it may not be super-consistent during the race. re-styled Giulietta to promote next year, let’s hope so. Meantime, though results The race weekend format sees 3 races, usually at roughly 11:30am, 2:30 and could have been better, it’s been a really brilliant thing to watch. Here’s to more 5:30. Race one is decided on qualifying positions, with weight penalties given to successes next season! John the leading cars in the championship. After race 1, the frontrunning finishers are given more weight penalties— up to the equivalent of carrying a hefty passenger, Race 2 starts in the finishing order of Race 1, but race 3 throws another wildcard in with a reverse grid. The number of cars involved in that is decided by a blind draw. So lots of variables! It’s another reason why in all the races this year (30 across the 10 race meetings) there were 17 different winners! Consistency is key, with points given to the top 15 finishers. So Brands Hatch GP. Rob did his usual solid practice sessions, regularly running in the top 6 times, but come qualifying the opposition’s sand bags get pulled out and Rob could only grab 14th. As explained earlier though the times were INCREDIBLY close. Race 1 saw Rob trying to keep out of trouble. He didn't choose the soft tyre for this race so was up against it, but after a fair old tussle brought the car in 15th place. Chaos behind him saw several cars out. Race 2 was a lot better, he banged on the soft ‘Option’ tyre and was immediately lots quicker, the car steering way crisper in the bends, enabling tighter lines and a real boost in overtaking. Rob likes his car set up with a lot of oversteer, which allows some great cornering lines on tracks like the brands GP with its cambers and tight corners. Whilst the overall
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Rob grabbed 2 trophies, 3rd place and 1st Independent runner. Great job!
Above: final round, final race, final lap…. Ash Sutton beats Josh Cook by 0.03 of a second! Rob is 0.7 of second behind in 3rd. Left: - Colin Turkington crowned champion after Race 2.
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CarPro PERL: Ceramic Surface Mega-Coat — a True Bargain!
My detailing armoury is getting taken over by 2. Exterior plastics and rubbers: CarPro suggest a Ceramic products. The added protection and longevity dilution ration of 1:3. This works really well, giving a they bring are a real boon, and discovering the South rich, dark lustre that’s not too shiny. At this ratio it Korean CarPro brand in particular, who sell products darkens as well as my previous favourite, Gtechniq T1, that can be easily diluted, mean they are extremely but works out at under a quarter of the price! That’s good value too. incredible. Also, though water and not oil based, the In the last edition I wrote about CarPro’s spray SIO2 content means it lasts very well, though it still cleaners and sealants; ECH2O and Reload. Next up is needs reapplication after a lot of exposure to water, say their product called PERL: PERL is a coating treatment every 3rd wash, but it seems to outperform Autoglym for vinyls, plastics and rubber — even leather. It is Vinyl and Rubber Care, which works well (as many water-based and Silicone Dioxide (SiO2) infused (the know) but washes off to matt rather quickly in rain. ceramic bit.) A 500ml container of the neat product is 3. Interior dressing for plastics, door cards, and around £14, and you dilute it to different levels with leather. It’s 1:5 for this and it works well. This has deionised water for various purposes. made a few bottles of my other stuff redundant…. I To help with organising these diluted potions you used to buy Meguiar's Ultimate Interior Detailer at £16 need some good spray bottles. I tracked some a pop; this works out at under £5 for the same amount! equivalents of the excellent 500ml Autoglym ‘pro’ 4. Under-bonnet dressing: open the bonnet of most bottles for under £2 each on e-Bay: £9.65 for 5 recent Alfas and you are of course greeted by a sea of delivered), and labelled them up for the different asks. black plastic and black rubber hoses and where For the distilled water, Tesco sells 2.5 litres for just £1! previously I would douse it all with Autoglym Vinyl & Rubber Care I now use PERL at 1:3 and the results are THE MIXES excellent. With the V&R, if you weren’t careful it was a tad sticky and over-glossy, but with PERL at these 1. Tyre dressing: you can use it neat for this for dilutions it just looks nice and rich with a smart semi- maximum sheen, but for a nice, clean, natural look, matt sheen. that’s still good and black, you dilute it 1:1 with distilled 5. Leather Seats: use PERL at 1:5. The potion has water. The base product is so thick at 1:1 it becomes cleaners for lifting dirt such as Denim dye-transfer, and like one of the traditional water-based dressings such it leaves that protective low-gloss layer when buffed as Autoglym Tyre Shine or Angelwax Elixir. You can with a microfibre. spray it on with a trigger but I prefer to apply it using a So that’s CarPro PERL. It’s probably the best value sponge pad for more accuracy. high-quality Detailing product I know. John
CarPro PERL’s cost equation. So, after applying the Ceramic Coating you really need to ensure you Cost for PERL 500ml: £14.79 (eBay, delivered), maintain it with a sympathetic 2.5 litres distilled water (Tesco £1), Silicone Dioxide infused shampoo…. 5 x Trigger spray bottles (good quality) (£9.95 eBay),
Total: £26.85
500ML PERL then can replaces-
Autoglym Instant Tyre Dressing (£7.50) x 1, AND Autoglym Vinyl & Rubber Care (£7.99) x2, AND Meguiar's Ultimate Interior Detailer (£18.00), AND Autoglym Leather Cleaner (8.99). Total: £50.47 (More if you use certain manufacturers’ alternatives.)
This is ‘back of fag packet’ maths of course - not forgetting the trigger bottles are reusable, and that you can also buy PERL in a 1Litre size at around £22, and the distilled water for greater quantities is extremely cheap.
The Leather Myth... cleaner and a separate protector nonetheless and Autoglym, Liquid Leather (formerly Gliptone), Meguiar’s, Furniture Clinic, and many others, including Hides can be prepared in different ways, however leather has not been dyed CarPro, sell a pair of products this way. It’s just become the marketing norm. throughout as part of the tanning process since the 1950s when the leather was A great way of looking after leather seats is to get a quality sealant on them Aniline - an uncoated, and therefore absorbent, when they are fully clean, and there are tough material. Today, car leathers are essentially all coated ceramic coatings available these days for that. These - Top Grain, Bicast or PU. Aniline is reserved for very are absolutely ideal to apply on new seats. I used high-end furniture, handbags and custom jobs. So, BMW’s normally dealer-applied ‘Protect X’ on my Top Grain leather is essentially painted with a polymer Giulia when new and it’s worked really well in 18 pigment which is then sealed with a polyurethane top months now. CarPro sell a similar ‘Ceramic’ product; coat, similar to how car bodies are now painted. Bicast CQuartz Leather & Vinyl at £40 for 30ml. With such a leather is similarly treated only the leather is coating lifting dirt or the dreaded dye-transfer from reconstituted; it’s a load of off-cuts minced-up and jeans becomes a breeze. ArmorAll Leather Wipes reconstituted with an adhesive, a leather-like texture (only about £4 a pack of 40) are great for basic stamped on its surface. It’s like chipboard compared cleaning and very handy with no messing about with to solid oak furniture. PU is fully synthetic, but the special cloths to clean afterward. For bigger cleaning technology used today makes that highly convincing in jobs, I’ve used Autoglym’s Leather Cleaner for years texture and feel. Often manufacturers will mix PU on a as it’s a good price and effective, however, CarPro ‘leather’ seat; for its side or rear panels for example. Perl has replaced that now, diluted at 5:1! (See So - when we talk about cleaning and maintaining above!) leather we’re basically cleaning a polyurethane layer - Most Alfa leather seats have a lovely semi- matt i.e. a plastic! It’s all therefore a bit crazy that despite many leather care finish and it’s important to keep that, which is why I advise people to be very products talking about “feeding and nourishing natural cow hide” they are sparing with the feeds / protectants, especially as shiny leather is usually a sign actually working on a polymer - a paint. Most Detailing companies sell a leather of dirt. As many manufacturers say, try it on an inconspicuous spot first! John
ALFISTI - AROC East Midlands Section Newsletter November 2018 - Issue 214 - P18 Our Alfas Bertone GT Junior Fergus Etheridge Local Members’ Cars Fergus has only recently completed the car’s mechanical rebuild, it’s core being an Alfa Nord engine taken to 1800cc with help from Ian Ellis down on the south coats. With two big Weber 4C Spider cars and a meaty stainless exhaust it just Brian Smith sounds incredible. As reported inside, the suspension is relatively stock but it sits really Incredible that Brian has had his 4C for 3 years well with a traditional Bertone tail-down stance. now. He’s done approx. 5,000 miles a year in The chassis as standard has a rigid rear axle it, and in that time hasn’t missed a beat. He and can be provoked into some interesting has had the AlfaWorks suspension spacer mod slides, though he is after a limited slip diff to and the carbon exhaust upgrade and he’s just make them even more controllable. Watch this had some subtle black graphics added, custom space! A lovely Classic Alfa. made and nicely applied by him. Like all 4Cs Giulia Veloce it’s a little flying machine, as the many Steve Fryer members who’ve had a ride in it will testify! Steve is absolutely delighted with his Giulia and being a motorsports fan leapt at the chance of taking it on track at our Curborough Track Day in October. In Misano Blue with black trim it looks fantastic, and watching it blasting around the track looked very much at home. Most noticeable was its obvious control in the tight corners, the chassis vey nicely tied down as standard with limited body roll and pitch under braking. And he was trying hard as a the repeated hard braking hazard flashers would attest!
Stelvio Quadrifoglio Giulietta Spider T Lum Peter Farley
T is delighted with is new Alfa, one of the very Peter’s Giulietta is a much admired car. Not first customer-delivered Stelvio Quadrifoglios over-restored it feels, and is, wonderfully and fitted with a load of cool extras including original To add to that he’s now got around to ceramic brakes, it’s an absolute monster! fitting its hard top which he’s owned for many Supplied by Paul Jones sat Stoneacre it’s been years and just never got around to. In position it very nicely fettled with additional carbon-fibre looks great. Peter says it is very definitely all trim too. This Super-SUV is unbelievably quick steel, but strangely features a Perspex rear with 0-60 in just 3.8 seconds thanks to screen not glass. Not something you’d pop on amazing 4 wheel drive traction, and a 178mph and off in a hurry anyway, but great for winter top speed. What a machine! (Note T’s Devilish motoring. registration here too!) ES30 SZ Keith Krog
Keith and Germaine have owned this simply wonderful SZ from new, and it still has under 6,000 miles on the clock! In August this year they took it up to Scotland to join in the big Montreal group tour of the country. It too in some superb venues and tremendous roads. He also finally got rid of the car’s original Winter tyres it had been supplied on new from Switzerland! We will have more photos from that event courtesy of Keith in the next edition.
Stelvio Speciale Dave Atkins - SCOOP! -
‘Diesel Dave’ is back!! His 2.2 220hp Stelvio landed in October replacing his Giulia Super, Husbands raise concern over Alfa 24-hour test drives. courtesy of Paul Jones at Stoneacre. The car is in 90 Day Blue, sorry, Montecarlo Blue and on Blokes - I think we all 19” silver alloys and the chrome window trim recognise this….. looks superb. Dave had mulled over the idea of a E-Pace, but the Stelvio’s great value and much better driving dynamics sealed the deal.
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NEC Classic Motor Show, 9-11 November 2018 AROC Member Ticket Discount Code is available in the October members’ magazine and Forum.
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