Alfas Vicino Il Mare

2009-02-24T18:21:00.001-05:00

Brad - the website has moved!

Look at www.maarc.blogspot.com or www.mid-atlantic-aroc.com

Ciao,
Rick

2009-02-24T18:08:00.001-05:00

Alfa to return to Indy?

2008-06-30T11:08:00.003-04:00

As reported by Robin Miller on Windtunnel with Dave Despain, Fiat, along with several other Europenan manufacturers, held talks this week in Indianapolis with Tony George and the IRL about the possibility of supplying engines for the Indy Racing League. If this comes to pass is there an Alfa Romeo powered Indy car in our future? It would seem a logical marketing ploy considering Alfa's impending return to the USA. It would be the first time since 1991 when Alfa Romeo last supplied engines for INdy cars for the likes of Danny Sullivan, Roberto Guerrero and Al Unser Sr. The cars were fielded by Patrick Racing using a March chassis. Alfa, since it's withdrawl from the WTC, for the first time in memory does not currently compete anywhere in the motorsports arena. Let's all keep our fingers crossed and keep rubbing the quadrifolios.

2007-02-03T09:52:00.000-05:00

Alfas Vicino Il Mare Has Moved!

New Blog For Hampton Roads Alfa Romeo Club

2007-01-30T20:12:00.000-05:00

To all ALFISTI in the Hampton Roads Area:

I have moved the club blog to the MAARC server. All the posts you see here have been transferred there, but I will no longer post any new club information here.

For all you long time readers, plus any others of you that have stumbled over this site, please note the addresses for the new club blog (both will get you there - just click on them):

http://alfasbythesea.com

http://hr.mid-atlantic-aroc.com

It was fun - but now it's going to be better!

Ciao,
Rick Triebwasser

Advice for Cheating Wife

2007-01-24T19:07:00.000-05:00

Dear Abby,

I've never written to you before, but I really need your advice on what could be a crucial decision. I've suspected for some time now that my wife has been cheating on me. The usual signs...phone rings but, if I answer, the caller hangs up. My wife has been going out with the girls a lot recently although when I ask their names she always says, "Just some friends from work, you don't know them." I always stay awake to look out for her taxi coming home, but she always walks down the drive. I can hear a car driving off, as if she has gotten out of the car round the corner. Why? Maybe she wasn't in a taxi? I once picked her cell phone up just to see what time it was. She went berserk and screamed that I should never touch her phone again and why was I checking up on her. Anyway, I have never approached the subject with my wife. I think deep down I just didn't want to know the truth, but last night she went out again and I decided to really check on her. I decided I was going to park my Alfa Romeo Spider next to the garage and then hide behind it so I could get a good view of the whole street when she came home.
It was at that moment, crouching behind my Alfa, that I noticed that the oil pan on my engine seemed to be leaking a little oil. Is this something I can fix myself or should I take it to a specialist?

Thanks, Bob

British Car Show Same day as Wine Tour

2007-01-22T21:03:00.000-05:00

AACA Annual Swap Meet

2007-01-22T20:58:00.000-05:00

2007 VA Wine Tour 20-22 April

2007-01-17T04:58:00.000-05:00

Ok, now that winter has finally arrived, it’s time to think of spring!

Entering it’s second decade - this year’s Virginia Wine Tour will be held on 20-22 April in Charlottesville. Complete event details will be posted when finalized, but will generally follow the same format as in year’s past. Don’t miss this great annual MAARC event!

Room reservations are available now at the English Inn under the "Alfa Romeo Car Club" special group rate of $89.99 a night. See info below to reserve yours:

Group Name: Alfa Romeo Car Club (Group #: 042017c)

English Inn of Charlottesville
2000 Morton Drive, ph. (434) 971 9900 or 800-786-5400

All rooms are $89.99 + tax. (Standard King and Standard Doubles)
Full hot breakfast included

Check in Friday April 20th Check out Sunday April 22nd

Cut off date for group rate: March 20th

Happy New Alfa Year!

2007-01-01T07:42:00.000-05:00

Ok, 2007: one year closer to Alfa coming back to the U.S. (or maybe not)!

Regardless, the faithful Alfisti march on - and we are having our January meeting on Monday, the 15th, at Johnny Carino's in Hampton (7pm as usual). One main topic that will be up for discussion is where we will be having our February meeting. If you have a candidate for a Southside restaurant-meeting place, please have all relevant info ready for presentation at this month's meeting.

Exit 263a off I-64 in Hampton 7:00pm - January 15th.

Johnny Carino’s Country Italian Restaurant
2100 Power Plant Parkway
Hampton, VA 23666
757-827-5715

164 vs. Impala

2006-12-26T01:42:00.000-05:00

164 vs. Impala

Party Pics Posted!

2006-12-17T14:06:00.000-05:00

Check out the fun at this year's MAARC Holiday gathering in Manteo!

Photo Album

AROC 2007 Detroit Convention

2006-12-11T19:00:00.000-05:00

It looks to be a good one. Dates August 1-5.

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/showthread.php?t=34413

http://www.motorcityalfa2007.org/

Looks like some people already registering.

More info:
Motor City Alfa
Detroit, Michigan
August 1-5, 2007

Getting Started in Reverse?
After the December issue of Alfa Owner went to print, the convention web site went up and is: motorcityalfa2007.org (not the .com suffix published). Uh-oh. To make a long story short, we posted and wrote about the .com site for five months, then it finally came up as (you guessed it) .org. To make matters worse, someone bought the .com domain name within hours of our site going up, and filled it with spyware. Sorry about that. Please pass this notice on to all your AROC friends so that they will visit the correct web site and not stumble into something nasty.

Meanwhile, motorcityalfa2007.org is filled with photos, descriptions plus a convention overview in PDF format for download.

This is the first of a bi-weekly series of convention information letters. The next one will have a registration form attached. If you do not wish to receive this info, drop a line to the e-mail address listed at the end of the letter.

Revving to Red Line
Detroit is throwing a party disguised the AROC National Meet.
There will be a grand concours at an even grander estate with long rows of 1930s Alfas.
The race course and its 14 turns will be tested by a number of historic Alfa race cars.
An Alfa Parts Market will include truckloads of rare 750, 101. 105 and 102-series restoration parts from major collections.
Tour a building where dozens of classics are being restored for Pebble Beach and Amelia Island, then over to a place where mangled GTAs are resurrected and given life anew.
The hotel specializes in hosting car club national meets.
Woodward Avenue of cruising and muscle car fame is but a few blocks away, the beer will be chilled and the convention logo features some crazy naked chick.
AROC, get ready to party in the Motor City.

AROC Concours
The AROC concours will be Saturday at Meadow Brook. The elegant manor is 88,000 square-feet with 110 rooms for hosting parties of 850 friends–just the right size for our Alfa group to tour. The featured model of the AROC concours is the 1966-1969 Duetto and 1750 long-tail spider, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The Graduate (1967). So of course on the field will be the Alfa Romeo Duetto driven by Dustin Hoffman in the movie.
Even if your car is not perfect, enter it in the Street Class at the concours because you will want to have photos of your Alfa the day it was at Meadow Brook.

Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance featuring Alfa Romeo
The 29th annual Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance takes place on Sunday, August 5, 2007. Begin with a large circle of Alfas: The 8C Reunion. These most famous and celebrated of Alfa Romeos will gathered from around the globe, along with other historic Alfas among Meadow Brook’s typical display of over 200 classic automobiles.
The really cool part is that we obtained 500 special AROC passes available to the first 500 convention attendees to register for this event. The complete “Sunday at the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance/Alfa 8C2900 Reunion/AROC Alfa Corral” package is ten dollars. Yes, only ten bucks. Show your AROC convention ID and receive VIP treatment.

Rally and Driving Tour
Choose the gimmick rally or ask for a ‘touring’ version and enjoy the scenery along with pages of commentary. Either way, the rally/tour wraps around blue lakes and winding lanes dotted with 40,000 square-foot homes. Anything less and that could be the gate house or gardener’s quarters you are looking at. Who knows, you might spot Aretha Franklin out mowing her lawn or Elmore Leonard writing the next novel on his front porch (but don’t bet your Meadow Brook ticket on it).

Autocross
AROC autocrosses in Detroit are professional grade, the crew accustomed to handling 100 cars on any weekend. We run them for other car clubs as well as AROC chapters at their national conventions. An overall champion will be chosen after runs in matching spiders to reveal the best AROC slalom driver. Jim Steck will select a few drivers to test his latest turbocharged Alfa/high-tech lightning bolt. If you ever consider trying your hand at autocrossing, this will be the day to strap on a helmet and just do it.

Shop ’til You Drop
If hotel testosterone levels reach danger level, grab five friends and head to the designer, fashion house and boutique strip on Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham. Not in the mood for dropping $4,000 for a dress for the banquet? Shift over to Somerset Collection in Troy with Neiman-Marcus and dozens of good friends from Saks and Coach to Nordstrom. More casual but with over a 100 stores to choose from? Great Lakes Crossing is on the way to Waterford Hills Race Course up I-75. All that is needed is a precisely timed exit ramp maneuver. The credit cards are already smoking in anticipation! And the Avis car/gift-hauler barge rental shop is just across the street from the hotel. Vroom!

Is there more? Much more! Tap the keys to visit motorcityalfa2007.org. The site is still growing and PayPal with online registration will soon appear. The hotel link on the web site has the AROC discount rate code already embedded. It would be a good idea to register now, before all 500 Meadow Brook Concours tickets are long gone. And in a few days, the full-color “crazy naked chick” convention logo shirt will be available so you will be dressed to party!

Pass this on to all your AROC friends. Questions or comments can be sent to motorcityalfa@aol.com

See you at Motor City Alfa!

Dave & Andy

Steve

Post Party time

2006-12-09T21:08:00.000-05:00

Anybody got any pictures of party to post? I think a good time was had by all and the gift exchange was a hoot. Thanks again to all who worked to make the party a success.

Have a Happy Holiday Season!

Earth to Skip...Monthy Meeting November 20th!

2006-11-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Ok Skip - you made me feel bad (but not too bad).

Next monthly meeting at Johnny Carinos, Monday, November 20th - exit 263a off I-64 in Hampton 7:00pm.

Johnny Carino’s Country Italian Restaurant
2100 Power Plant Parkway
Hampton, VA 23666
757-827-5715

Final Reminder for MAARC Holiday Party Reservations!

2006-10-27T07:11:00.001-04:00

Alfisti - it's that time of year again!

There's less than a week left for you to get your room reservations for the MAARC Holiday Party in Manteo on December 2nd.

The group rate expires November 2nd and is good for $49/night for both Friday and Saturday nights, December 1-2. Chances are we will have group drive-downs for both days.

There are plenty of rooms left - see reservation info below. Hope you can make it!

Reservation Info:
The Elizabethan Inn
814 N. Main Hwy
Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: 800-346-2466 or 252-473-2101
Mention "Alfa Romeo Club" for the group rate.

Sunday Schedule Change!!!

2006-10-14T11:52:00.000-04:00

Due to a family medical emergency, the Concours/Pot Luck Lunch at Tom & Robin Gonnella's has been cancelled. Sunday's HR Weekend events will now begin with the drive to Fox Hunter's Grill, beginning from Hardee's on Rt. 143 at 2pm. The concours judging will take place in the parking lot at the Fox Hunter's Grill and the voting/awards presentation will be done during dinner.

Click on the link below for a map of the Hardee's on Rt. 143 (corner of Merrimac Trail & 2nd St.). Thanks for your understanding - we are hoping this is the last schedule change we will have to make on the ever-changing event!

Map of Merrimac Trl & 2nd St
Williamsburg, VA 23185, US

RSVPs for HR Weekend Dinners

2006-10-11T17:44:00.000-04:00

For those attending Friday and Sunday dinners this weekend, please notify Steve Patchin (Friday at Harold's) and/or Rich Minor (Sunday at Fox Hunter Grill). We are attempting to collect some type of head count for dinner reservations. Just click on the appropriate name to send an email! See - I've made it soooo easy for you!

Ciao for now,
Rick

Monthly Meeting this SUNDAY!

2006-10-09T09:26:00.000-04:00

This is a notice or a reminder for HR club members that this month's meeting will be held this Sunday at Fox Hunter's Grill north of Williamsburg at 4 pm. This is in conjunction with the Hampton Roads Weekend events. You can find the directions by clicking HERE.

If you are not participating in the rest of the weekend's events you can still meet here for the dinner and meeting. Please inform Rich Minor if you are attending so he can get a reservation count.

MAARC Combined Holiday Party - December 2 in Manteo!

2006-10-07T03:26:00.000-04:00

The combined MAARC holiday gathering in Manteo, North Carolina was so much fun last year we are going to do it again this year! Practically everything will be the same, but for those who missed it, here are some quick details:

Party runs from 7pm - midnight on Saturday.
Party is BYOB with the club picking up the tab for the Italian dinner buffet.
Evening highlights are the Chinese gift exchange and the Roger Medlin Award presentation.
This year you will be able to reserve both Friday and Saturday nights at the group rate for those desiring a longer stay.

We have a block of 25 rooms reserved at The Elizabethan Inn in Manteo for Saturday, December 2nd. Please book your reservations no later that November 2nd! When reserving, mention that you are with the Alfa Romeo Car Club. All rooms have a flat rate of $49.00 + tax for the night. You can also receive the same rate for Friday night as well if you would like to come early. The hotel has a very large swimming pool, a sauna, jacuzzi, and there are refrigerators in all rooms. BOOK EARLY FOR THE BEST ROOMS - CUT OFF DATE FOR THE GROUP RATE IS NOVEMBER 2nd!

Reservation Info:
The Elizabethan Inn
814 N. Main Hwy
Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: 800-346-2466 or 252-473-2101

New Final Hampton Roads Weekend Schedule

2006-10-05T04:55:00.000-04:00

Alfisti:

Below is the final event schedule for the HR Weekend. NOTE THIS IS A CHANGE DUE TO THE NOR'EASTER FOR THE ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED WEEKEND. PLEASE DISREGARD ALL PREVIOUS EMAILS AND SCHEDULES. For those attending Friday night and/or Sunday night dinner, please notify Steve Patchin and/or Rich Minor so they can provide reservation numbers.

Friday October 13 Event:

Friday at 7pm, Dinner will be held at Harold's Restaurant, 4445 Virginia Beach Blvd 757-499-1378, I-264 Exit 17 north to Pembroke Mall area, right turn onto VB Blvd.
Located next door to Barnes and Nobles going east just past Town Point Center Hilton Garden Hotel

Saturday October 14 Events:

Sat 8:30-10:30 am - Coffee Bagels Brunch and Tech Sessions at Duncan-Patchin's 3792 Strathmoor Circle House, VB, VA 23452, 757-306-1374 or 353-0338 cell. Skip and Steve will conduct Alfa Romeo related tech sessions. Also, see the “Work in Progress” of Strathmoor House remodeling project. Directions to 3792 Strathmoor Circle Located off I-264 Exit 18. Take Rosemont Rd north across Virginia Beach Blvd. (US-58) past Burger King, turn left on Malibu Palms Dr (becomes Lampl Ave). Turn right at third street Casselberry Lane go to you see the Alfas in driveway on left.

Afternnoon Events
Sat 11:00- 12:00 pm - Tour Vintage War Bird Aircraft at Fighter Factory’s Virginia Beach Airport/ Hangar complex, 757-721-7767, located 1341 Princess Anne Rd 3 miles south of Pungo traffic light (Indian River Rd/PA RD intersection).
Sat 12:30-5 pm - 6th Annual Harvest Wine Festival Tour at Moonrise Winery / 134 Moonrise Bay Landing, Knotts Island, NC 27950 phone 252-429-wine. http://www.moonrisebaywine.com/ Food, Wine Tasting and Blue Grass Music Festival is $25.
Evening Events
Sat 5:30-6:30 pm Car display “Saturday Night Fever” at Jenro's Coffee House 1085 Independence Blvd , Virginia Beach, VA Phone - (757) 460-0444
Sat 6:30 pm – until Pizza and Desserts at Rick and Andy's 4040 Mason St, 757-363-9781 or 757-567-1955 cell, Located real close to Jenro’s.

Sunday Oct 15 Events:

Sunday 10:30 am to 1:30 pm - MAARC Concours at Robin and Tom's 63 Rivermont Dr Newport News. 757-599-3266. Pot Luck Lunch.
Sunday 2-4 pm - a drive starting from Hardees Rt. 143 Williamsburg Rich Minor 757-254-1412 cell.
Sunday 4 pm - dinner Fox Hunter Grill 804-966-8333 on Chickahominy River north of Williamsburg. http://foxhuntergrill.com/index.htm

Richmond Italian Street Festival

2006-09-23T04:35:00.000-04:00

The Richmond Italian Street Festival is next weekend (30 September - 01 October). This was a very nice festival we participated in last year. We did a group drive up on Saturday and were parked on a nicely shaded street next to a historic church.

This year the event organizers are offering free food and beverage coupons for car display participants. This is good for either Saturday or Sunday or both days. Please send me an email ASAP if you plan to attend so I can do a group registration. Please note which day(s) you will be attending and which car you will be driving. I would like to get this turned in no later than Tuesday.

CLICK HERE to view the event flyer. Hope you can make it!

Rick

Hampton Roads Weekend 2006

2006-09-14T11:52:00.000-04:00

Steve wanted me to "post something quickly" about the Hampton Roads Weekend. Well, here it is (final details to be determined at this Monday's club meeting):

Laid Back Pasta Eaters FYI for planning:
Hampton Roads Weekend Oct 6-9 (Columbus Day weekend)

Friday night dinner at Harolds
Sat AM Coffee Bagels and Tech Session at Duncan-Patchin's Strathmoor House
Sat mid day Vintage Aircraft Factory Hangar complex/air field tour downtown Pungo out in the old Princess Anne county and country road tour to Knotts Island
Sat Afternoon Wine tour Moonrise Winery Knotts Island, NC $5 We can picnic lunch if we bring our own as Owner Katie no longer does box lunches.
Supper location can be back at town center complex or wherever as Jenro's and Rick and Andy's place real close to each other and town center only about 3 miles from Jenro's
Sat evening Car display/show Saturday Night Fever at Jenro's Coffee Shop 3 PM to 9 PM
Night cap desserts/pizza at Rick and Andy's
Sunday morning MAARC Concours at Robin and Tom's in Newport News/Hampton
Sunday mid day drive up Peninsula
Sunday afternoon 4 PM Dinner Fox Hunter Grill on Chickahominy River north of Williamsburg.

Work in progress so some more details about Sunday breakfast/brunch/lunch plans as well as final Saturday plans forthcoming.

Please canvas out of towners for how many rooms we could book. We need to reserve 10 kings to get $119 daily rate for weekend. All other Hilton rooms booked for soccer tournament that weekend. Let Alfisto Steve know ASAP.

Hotel info:
Hilton Garden Inn VB Town Center w/ Great American Grill
252 Town Center Drive @VB Blvd across from Pembroke Mall
VB 23462
Attn: Libby Ross 757-326-6200 her direct # 757-448-2105/2104 Room Block reserved under "MAARC"
King rooms only @$119 group rate w/min of 10 rooms $139 otherwise.
Soccer tournament has all other rooms booked.
Will check out Crown Plaza and Econo Lodge nearby on Bonney road, but to get group rate at Hilton need 10 king rooms reserved. Red Carpet Inn and Holiday Inn Exe Inn farther down toward Norfolk.

Harold's Restaurant next to Barnes and Nobles
VB Blvd.
VB 23462
499-1378

Within walking distance of hotel:
Pembroke Mall across VB blvd.
Columbus 12 Movies and Pembroke 8 movies
*Harold's Restaurant (Friday nights dinner meeting place)
Planet Music
Barnes and Noble
Chesapeake Bagel Factory
Max and Ermas
D'Mustard
Red Star Tavern
Zushi Japanese Bistro
California Pizza Kitchen
Ruth Chris Steakhouse
Bravo Cucina Italiana (no separate meeting room)
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Coldstone Creamery
P F Chiangs Chinese
The Cheesecake Factory
Romano's Macaroni Grill
Kelly's Pub
Jason's Deli
Gordon Biersch Brewhouse (possible south side dinner meeting place with separate room holds 50)
Keagans Irish Pub
Silver Diner (past Harold's so longest walk).

Attenzione Graylyn Rally Participants!!!

2006-09-11T19:17:00.000-04:00

All Graylyn Rally participants: NEW START POINT FOR THIS FRIDAY'S RALLY TO WINSTON-SALEM.

The Smithfield Gourmet Bakery on Main Street does not open until 8 am - so that is officially out as our rally start point. Fortunately, the same people run another bakery just to the south of Smithfield at the junction of highway 258, 10 and 32 on Benn's Church Blvd. They are open at 6:00 am and have great doughnuts and all the good stuff of the place on Main Street. Click here for a map: Benn's Church Deli & Bakery. The address is 14526 Benn's Church Blvd., phone: 357-9776. Please shoot for a 7 am or earlier arrival time at the bakery as we would like to get the rally underway sometime around 7:15 - 7:30. This is going to be an 'untested' run, so there is a high probability for some wrong turns and just living la vita loca in general.

Also, you should have received your official Concours de Graylyn letter and yellow dashboard pass from Bert Neily. If you didn't get it in the mail today, keep an eye out for it.

Wee . . . are we having fun yet?

Italian GP: Last F1 Breakfast this Season

2006-09-11T18:49:00.000-04:00

A small but devoted group of Alfisti was on hand for the Italian GP and the last F1 Breakfast of the season. An Alonso DNF and a Schumacher retirement announcement were the highlights (insert appropriate expletives as necessary).

From Ragtop to Rich's...

2006-09-11T18:41:00.000-04:00

Checking out Rich's new top.

Skip's New Wheels...

2006-09-11T18:40:00.000-04:00

One of a kind wheels - that's the way to show club pride!

F1 Breakfast this Sunday and September Meeting on the 18th!

2006-09-06T19:45:00.000-04:00

Ok, this is a twofer posting so let's see how confused I can make you!
F1 Breakfast this Sunday for the Italian GP (7:30 am at the Brass Bell as usual) and September's meeting will be back at Johnny Carino's in Hampton on the 18th (7:00 pm as usual).

Repeat after me:

Sunday F1 Breakfast 7:30 am at The Brass Bell.

Monthly meeting 7:00 pm on Monday, September 18th at Johnny Carinos.

By jove, I think you've got it!

Formula One Breakfast This Sunday (August 27th)

2006-08-25T20:47:00.000-04:00

FORMULA ONE BREAKFAST ALERT!

I forgot to mention at the meeting Monday that this Sunday is the GP of Turkey (maybe lack of food addled my memory). Well at least the breakfast at The Brass Bell is somewhat quicker!

7:30 am for the pre-race as usual. Hope to see you there!

Rick

Concours de Graylyn Informazioni!

2006-08-24T18:51:00.000-04:00

Hopefully everyone is aware by now of the Concours de Graylyn at Winston-Salem September 15-17th. This is a first-time event that holds a lot of promise to be THE concours for the Mid-Atlantic region. The below links will provide all the information you will need in regards to registration information, rally route and schedule. Time is short for those desiring to attend. Please follow the directions on the below links and you should be ‘good to go’. Many Alfisti are staying at The Wingate Inn in Winston Salem, but The Marriott is also highly encouraged as they are an event sponsor. I have included the room reservation links for both. Hope to see you there!

Graylyn Rally Flyer
Concours de Graylyn Registration Instructions

The Wingate Inn

The Marriott (Group discount code CDGCDGA)

New Alfasud

2006-08-24T11:43:00.000-04:00

Alfa Romeo is working on a new supermini to compete directly against the Mini.
It will be based on the Fiat Grande Punto platform and takes Alfa back into small cars for the first time since the brilliantly engineered, but appallingly built, Alfasud. Currently the new model goes by the name of Junior, a name used by Alfa in the '60s and '70s for the smallest engined versions of its coupes.
Engines will probably be modified versions of the 1.4, 1.8 and 1.9 engines from the Grande Punto, including a range-topping 1.8 turbo petrol with over 200 bhp and four wheel drive. The launch date is 2008.

Southside Meeting Places

2006-08-22T22:12:00.000-04:00

The Car Club Council of Hampton Roads meets each month at the "Old Country Buffet" at Military Circle. They have large private room with doors that close it off from the rest of the restaurant. Although not an "Italian" restaurant, they do have pasta dishes on the buffet. There is little to no waiting for your food. Large salad and desert bar.
One big drawback: NO ALOCOHOL ;-(
This would only be for 4 meetings per year. The Holiday party and Hampton Roads weekend take up the other 2.
If there is enough interest from the membership, I can check with the management to see if they are in favor of hosting us.
I don't believe I can return to Amalfi. I kinda wore out my welcome there last night ;-)
Thanks,
Skip

The Curse of Owning a Supercar

2006-08-22T17:12:00.000-04:00

Roller Coaster Ride for Ferrari Fans

2006-08-06T19:26:00.000-04:00

F1 Breakfast Bunch Group Hug. Not pictured is Andy (taking the photo) and Bill Sinclair, who made a surprise cameo appearance but had to leave before the race ended. And what an ending it was! Ferrari went from striking distance back to square one in the space of a few laps.

New tricks for old Alfas

2006-08-05T20:52:00.000-04:00

Ten years ago, Jim Kartalamakis wrote the definitive book on modifying Alfa Romeo twin-cam cars, sharing his considerable research and experience in making these wonderful cars faster, more reliable, and better in every way.
Kartalamakis is back again, this time with a new-and-improved edition of the classic How to Power Tune Alfa Romeo Twin Cam Engines, now titled, The Alfa Romeo DOHC Engine High-Performance Manual.
The author’s hands-on experience with a variety of rear-wheel-drive Alfas, from the 105 series through the last of the Alfa 75s, is reflected in new material on TwinSpark cylinder heads modifications, big-brake conversions, improvements to the electrical system and limited-slip differential adjustment, all aimed at the do-it-yourself enthusiast.
Published by Veloce Publishing, it’s available through the good folks at Motorbooks International, Amazon.com, and other booksellers. Own a V-6 Alfa? Don’t despair—Kartalamakis’ new book covering your favorite car is coming soon.
- By David LaChance

HVPR Car Show 02 September

2006-08-05T08:19:00.000-04:00

The Historic Virginia Peninsula Region Antique Auto Club of America is planning to have their 33rd annular car show "round-up" at Newport News Park on Saturday September 2, 2006. The cost is $ 15 prior to the show and $ 20 the day of the show. Registration is from 8-11 am on 9/2/06. Proceeds go to Children's Hospital , Relay for life and some other beneficial organizations. This is a very well run show, so don't hesitate to display your Alfa!

Cars need to be at least 20 years old and must be equipped with a fire extinguisher. Check out the event flyer HERE for more info and registration form.

HVPR Car Show

Hungarian GP F1 Breakfast This Sunday!

2006-08-03T11:21:00.000-04:00

The Hungarian GP is this Sunday, August 6th, so time once again for a F1 Breakfast! Ferrari is really narrowing the gap to the point where they are leaving Renault and Alonso no room for error. After this race there is a three week break in the schedule.

Brass Bell at 7:30am as usual - hope to see you there race fans!

August Alfresco at Amalfi's

2006-08-03T11:00:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that this month's meeting will be on Monday, August 21st at Amalfi Ristorante in Norfolk (7pm as ususal). Hopefully the "outdoor oven" weather conditions will have cooled enough to allow us to dine outside!

See you there!

Map to Amalfi's

THE MEN IN BLACK...

2006-07-31T18:57:00.000-04:00

You never know what you're going to see on Shore Drive on Sunday morning!

2006-07-31T18:56:00.000-04:00

After a huge turn out for the German GP, the Alfisti stopped at a Shell gas station car show on Shore Drive to get some planning done for yet another upcoming event (Graylyn Concours at Winston-Salem). Stay tuned for details!

Pasta Eaters Outnumber American Iron 2-1

2006-07-31T18:52:00.000-04:00

One weird little car show!

German GP F1 Breakfast This Sunday!

2006-07-26T20:03:00.000-04:00

Ok, Ferrari's on a roll so let's have breakfast. Meet at Brass Bell this Sunday, 30 July at 7:30 am or thereabouts and watch the fun! Instead of watching those same old "tired" Michelin tire commercials, we will be having a Concours de Graylyn planning committee meeting, so just watch us dual task! Any final details for this event can be ironed out at Rick & Andy's afterwards if need be.

Hope to see you there!

Concours de Graylyn at Winston-Salem

2006-07-19T01:21:00.000-04:00

I promised to post B&B and hotel info for those interested in going to the Graylyn Concours in Winston-Salem 15-17 September. We are listed to be one of the car rally arrivals on Friday, September 15th! This event is to be filmed for an episode of "Car Crazy" so I guess we need to book rooms and go or face NATIONWIDE embarassment!!!

Winston-Salem B&B's:

Brookstown Inn 800-845-4262
Augustus T. Zevley Inn 800-928-9299
Henry Fries Shaffner House 800-952-2256

Winston-Salem Hotels:

Wingate Inn 800-228-1000
The Hawthorne Inn 800-972-3774
Best Western 800-533-8760

Ferrari Wins in France - TAKE THAT!

2006-07-16T18:16:00.000-04:00

Sizable Formula One Breakfast Bunch meets to watch another Ferrari win! On hand were Skip's daughter Susan and her daughter Jessica - apparently it takes both of them to get Skip out of bed early enough to watch a race that is non-NASCAR!

MONTOYA GOING TO NASCAR? F1 BREAKFAST ALERT...

2006-07-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

Ok, F1 Breakfast Bunch...YEAH YOU! Alfa coming to US in 2009, Montoya going to NASCAR(!?!) in 2007, FERRARI kicking you know what in the US GP... IT'S TIME FOR A F1 BREAKFAST AT THE BRASS BELL. This Sunday 7:30 am - see you there race fans!

IT'S OFFICIAL: ALFA RETURNS 2009

2006-07-14T06:24:00.000-04:00

ALFISTI rejoice. First Italy wins the World Cup and now this. Start saving up your lira!

It's Official: Alfa Romeo Confirms Return to U.S. in Late 2009

New Restaurant for July 17th Meeting in Hampton!!!

2006-07-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

Due to the closing of Delargy's Bistro several months ago, we are trying out another restaurant for our Pennisula meeting. This one is Johnny Carino's Country Italian Restaurant located in the Power Plant shopping center off Mercury Blvd (I-64 exit 263a). Meeting time/date is 7:00pm, Monday, 17 July. Hope to see you there!

Johnny Carino’s Country Italian Restaurant
2100 Power Plant Parkway
Hampton, VA 23666
757-827-5715

Alfa Alfa bloggers where are you?

2006-07-05T14:15:00.000-04:00

Guys and gals we have falling off the wagon lately. Anybody out there? I have to retrain myself to do this blogging thing. Testing testing!

June Meeting at Rick & Andy's

2006-06-09T07:27:00.000-04:00

Alfisti Amici:

Andy and I are hosting this month's meeting due to our recently completed home addition that just happens to be conducive to both entertaining and car repairs - imagine that! This will be a BBQ - fried chicken type of affair with plenty of beer, wine and softdrinks. Please do not bring anything (except maybe your fine Italian automobile) to the party. This one's on us!

The highlight of the evening will be the ceremonial "pushing of the green car" signifying (hopefully) a new beginning for an old Alfa. The "meeting", actually party, will start at 5pm on Saturday, June 17th. Click here for the DIRECTIONS. We hope you all can make it!

Rick & Andy

P.S. The front lawn is still recovering from the recent construction-destruction-devastation - which makes it ideal for parking! There's also a big dirt pile in case someone wants to play 'king of the mountain'.

2006-06-05T00:06:00.000-04:00

There are now just a few days to go before the public launch of the Alfa Spider, the model that – following its world preview at the Geneva Motor Show – was named ‘Cabrio of the Year 2006’ by the ‘Cabriolet Committee’, a jury of 23 specialist journalists from 12 countries. The venue for the launch is Sicily, particularly the suggestive seaside village of Bonagia, at the foot of Monte Erice, in the province of Trapani. It is there, on the slopes of the mountain, that the more than five-hundred journalists will be able to experience first-hand the driving thrill that only the new Spider can offer. This car is a true Alfa Romeo, thanks to the excellent dynamic performance provided by the high wishbone front suspension and the Multilink setup at the rear. The new Alfa complements this wonderful driving comfort with a sporty trim and the use of advanced ‘Alfa Q4’ four-wheel drive, available on the 3.2 260 bhp version. In terms of safety, the new model adopts the most advanced electronic devices for control of the car’s dynamic behaviour, from braking to traction.

Meanwhile, on the inside, the Alfa Spider offers welcoming, highly-sophisticated surroundings, thanks to the use of exclusive materials and equipment such as the dual-zone automatic climate control system, radio controls on the steering wheel, VDC and cruise control. Available in two versions (Spider and Exclusive), the range comes with two JTS petrol engines (the 2.2 185 bhp and 3.2 260 bhp), and a choice of two gearboxes: a 6-speed mechanical unit available with both engines, and an automatic gearbox for the 3.2 260 bhp engine, which will be available after the launch. The turn-key prices start at € 35,800 ($46,339) for the ‘Spider 2.2 JTS’ version and € 37,800 ($48,929) for the Exclusive version. Meanwhile, the Alfa Spider Exclusive fitted with the powerful 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 engine (260 bhp) and four-wheel drive will cost from € 45,800 ($59,285).

FMoW 2nd Annual Cookout

2006-06-04T22:49:00.000-04:00

Ferrari-Maserati of Washington will hold their 2nd annual cookout for Italian Car Clubs on June 25. The cost is $25 and includes "all the usual good food on the grill, ice cream and treats." Click the above link to sign up or call 703-478-3606 for questions or additional information.

CARS the Movie -Road Trip!

2006-06-01T08:05:00.000-04:00

I think this will be a good one! I suggest you get a copy of the May 29.2006 AutoWeek

Click here: AutoWeek

Vintage Virginia 2006

2006-05-21T08:51:00.000-04:00

I've posted the 2006 Virginia Wine Tour itinerary for your viewing pleasure. There are several major changes in this year's tour to note:

IAP visit is on Friday from 5-8pm! (Pizza get-together at English INN will still start at 7:30pm)
Saturday there will be TWO groups! Group A will travel to White Post Restorations in the morning and meet up with Group B for a winery lunch. Group B will strictly be doing winery visits.
Saturday dinner at VIVACE will be off a restricted group menu at $25 per person.

Hope to see you all there!

May Meeting at Andrea's Italian Restaurant

2006-05-21T08:44:00.000-04:00

Mike Griffin (above) doing a bang-up job has the new M.C. for the club. The room at Andrea's was a little cramped, but hey, we're a friendly sort. The hot topic was the upcoming Virginia Wine Tour (see itinerary). Also, the club welcomed back two of our military members; Marlene DeMaio and Matteo Martemucci!

2006-05-21T08:35:00.000-04:00

Anxious Alfisti "talking in" Rich Minor to the "new" Penninsula meeting spot - Andrea's Italian Restaurant. P.S. No relation to the Andrea holding the phone!

Car Condos

2006-05-20T17:05:00.000-04:00

By DEE-ANN DURBIN, AP Auto Writer Fri May 19, 3:18 PM ET

David deMartino just bought a 760-square-foot, one-bathroom condo for $212,900 in the booming market of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He's already ordered custom flooring and cabinets and a flat-screen TV, but he has no plans to move there.

That's because the condo is for his collection of cars and motorcycles.

The idea of buying a parking space is nothing new in crowded urban areas. A 180-square-foot space at the Brimmer Street Garage in Boston's exclusive Beacon Hill neighborhood just sold for $200,000, according to a garage manager.

But a parking space may be exposed to the elements, or next to a rowdy family's hulking sport utility vehicle. That's why some enthusiasts with money to burn are turning to car condos, where their vehicles will be stored in individual, weatherproof, air-conditioned garages with 24-hour security and concierge services.

"It's just peace of mind for my collection," said deMartino, 47, who plans to store a 1930 Ford Model A coupe, a 1961 Corvette convertible, a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL and three special edition motorcycles in his condo.

Three car condo developments are scheduled to open in south Florida by the end of 2007, and developers say they've already sold between 20 and 30 percent of the condos available.

Park Place Car Condo is opening a 224-garage facility in North Miami and a 179-garage facility in Fort Lauderdale and plans to open locations in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Fla., and Scottsdale, Ariz., in the next few years. Developer Kevin Buckley said Park Place condos start at $150,000 for a 620-square-foot condo for three cars and go up to $400,000 for an 1,800-square-foot condo that can house a bus.

Buckley said so far, typical buyers have been men in their late 40s to early 60s who have earned enough to buy the muscle cars that enchanted them in high school. Others plan to use their condos for boats and Jet Skis, he said.

"It's part car culture and then a lot of people who are just interested in safe, secure storage," he said.

Another car condo development, DreamCar Carriage House, plans to open a 120-car facility in the Fort Lauderdale area next spring and is scouting for more Florida locations in Naples, Miami and Palm Beach, said Dayna Heit, a car collector who is developing the facility along with her husband. Prices range from $59,000 for a 300-square-foot condo to more than $200,000 for a 972-square-foot condo. Heit says an antique Rolls Royce and a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air are among the future tenants.

Buckley and Heit say Florida was a logical place to start their businesses because of the number of nearby high-rise housing developments with ocean views but little storage space.

"In most of the new urban high-rises, the average guy has 100 cubic feet in a little cage somewhere," said Buckley, who has previously developed high-end retail complexes. "You've had this massive redevelopment in affluent urban areas in the last five to 10 years, but the storage market really hasn't kept up with that."

Heit said buyers also consider car condos an investment.

"It's a piece of real estate as well as a place to put your car," Heit said. "It's very minimal compared to what you're paying for the homes down here."

The threat of hurricanes also is a problem for car collectors. Right now, deMartino keeps half his collection in his two-car garage in Boca Raton, Fla., and half in a warehouse, which has been breached by flood waters and damaged by high winds.

"It kills me. I can't have it," said deMartino, an entrepreneur and chief executive of Ozonelite Inc., a company that makes air-purifying light bulbs.

Both Park Place and the DreamCar Carriage House will offer concierges to take care of details such as picking up and dropping off owners, tuning up the cars before a drive or washing and waxing. The Carriage House will have an onsite photography studio where owners can commission portraits of their cars. Park Place offers infrared cameras that will allow owners to view their cars 24 hours a day, and it will send a message to an owner's cell phone if security is breached.

Car collectors don't have to own a condo to get those kinds of services. At the Collectors Car Garage in Bedford Hills, N.Y., members can rent a parking space in a secure, environmentally controlled facility with concierge service for $345 a month.

Manager James Machinist says the rental concept seems to work for his customers. His facility, which has been open since January 2005, already is over capacity with 191 cars ranging in price from $5,000 to $1.5 million.

"I liken it to a yacht club. Instead of having a slip, you have a car space," he said.

But Buckley says he thinks people will prefer owning a condo because they can customize it. Among the options offered to Park Place buyers are custom rubber flooring and hydraulic lifts so they can store more cars.

"We felt like people would want to be able to put everything they wanted in there and be able to control the entire thing once they closed the door," Buckley said. "We didn't want to be in the business of running a warehouse full of cars."

DeMartino said he's more willing to invest in extras because he'll own the condo. He'd also consider buying a car condo in another city so he can use his cars and motorcycles when he travels.

For now, deMartino is just happy that his days of running back and forth between his hot garage, where he works on his cars, to his air-conditioned home to watch NASCAR races will be coming to an end.

"I spend a lot of my time in the garage polishing them," he said. "To me, they're artwork."

F1 Future Secured

2006-05-19T20:14:00.000-04:00

F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has signed an agreement with rebel carmakers that brings to an end their threat of a breakaway series starting in 2008.

On Friday, both Ecclestone and the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) confirmed they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The five carmakers are Renault, BMW, Mercedes, Honda and Toyota.

"We've now signed our part. It's just a question of sending it to the lawyers," Ecclestone told the Autosport website.

"The negotiations have taken a while and we spent a lot of time discussing issues which were not real, honest issues.

"But now at least we have the MOU and that will form the basis of the Concorde Agreement, once we get the FIA technical issues sorted."

The five manufacturers had threatened to start a rival series to Formula One because they want a bigger share of the revenue generated by the sport.

They signed the document during the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend but Ecclestone left the Circuit de Catalunya without putting pen to paper.

A GPMA spokesman confirmed that all parties had now signed the agreement.

The existing Concorde Agreement, a confidential document binding the teams, commercial rights holder Ecclestone and the sport's world governing body the FIA, expires at the end of 2007.

Champions Renault had already announced they are committed to the championship in the long term.

Last year, Ferrari broke ranks with the GPMA's predecessor, the GPWC, and signed with Ecclestone until 2012.

The terms of the new deal have not been disclosed.

However, reports suggest that the teams - currently 11 but going up to 12 from 2008 - will get 50% of the $1bn (£530m) annual revenue generated by F1.

Under the terms of the previous agreement, in 1997, teams share around 23% of the revenues.

"This will constitute now the biggest single commercial resolution and will allow us to move forward to focus on the future of Formula One," said McLaren boss Ron Dennis in Barcelona last Sunday.

"This document is only the first step towards (a new) Concorde Agreement, sporting and technical regulations.

"There is a long, long way to go, but this is the core, the absolute cornerstone of the future Concorde Agreement."

Alfa back in the USA

2006-05-14T10:41:00.000-04:00

04.05.2006 FIAT CEO Sergio Marchionne confirms Alfa Romeo's return to the USA

During yesterday's conference call to announce Fiat's first quarter financial results, CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that Alfa Romeo is gearing up for an imminent return to the USA.

Fiat's Alfa Romeo division has long eyed a full-scale return to the hugely lucrative United States market which it withdrew from more than a decade ago, but several ambitious target dates in recent years have had to be postponed. However with a new model range that has been engineered from the outset to meet stringent US crash and safety regulations Fiat CEO Marchionne has been putting a careful timetable in place to realise this ambition.

Firmly cementing the new strategic relationship between Fiat's Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands will be that Alfa Romeo's model range will be distributed through the US-based Maserati dealer network, which itself over the last year, has been separated from its previous union with Ferrari. Maserati CEO Karl-Heinz Kalbfell who has been working on the long-term future of the two Fiat Auto brands as one of his roles, has been drawing up fresh plans along with James Selwa, the former Rolls-Royce North America CEO who Kalbfell brought in to take charge of Maserati North America once it was removed from Maranello's control and returned to the Fiat Auto fold. No timetable has been laid out yet, but it is expected it could come as early as late next year.

Attenzione All Alfisiti - New May Meeting Spot!

2006-05-11T21:07:00.000-04:00

Attenzione Alfisti! May's meeting will be at Andrea's Italian Restaurant off the J. Clyde Morris Blvd exit (US Hwy 17). We've been there before, but a good while back. Click on the link for another map masterpiece made possible by your humble webmaster. That's this Monday, May 15th; same time (7pm) but not the same place!

Monday, May 15th map masterpiece made by man with much on his mind (maybe).

F1 Breakfast Returns!

2006-05-11T20:53:00.000-04:00

Four Formula One Faithfuls (plus Andy) showed last Sunday for good grub and a great race. No F1 Breakfast this Sunday - not because it's Mother's Day, but because it's a CBS noon re-broadcast day!

First Formula One Breakfast!!!

2006-05-05T05:01:00.000-04:00

OK RACE FANS...

It's been a long year - but the Formula One Breakfasts are back! Ferrari's still in it - so show up to cheer or boo them, or at least get some cheap breakfast at the Brass Bell!

Hope to see you there - this Sunday, 7:30 am (The Grand Prix of Europe)!

Rick

Alfisti Out for a Smashing Good Time!

2006-04-25T20:01:00.000-04:00

Ok, poor choice of words - but a nice day for a drive! Last Sunday the Alfisti took (what else?) the Colonial Parkway on their way to the Colonial Vintage British Car Club's European Car Show at the Williamsburg Winery. The field was a bit muddy and buggy from the recent rain, but none the less it was a very well run show with lots of door prizes and nicely engraved wine coolers for the class winners. I must say the Brits, their cars and their hospitality were a bit of all right and they put on a cracking good show! Spot-on!

2006-04-25T19:51:00.000-04:00

We may have been off in our own corner, but we were bestowed with "Class 1" car show honors; no doubt in deference to Alfa Romeo's long automotive history. Here Rich Minor gives his engine bay a quick spritzing, but alas, Dan and Ruth's creamy convertible was selected as best in class this day!

2006-04-25T19:45:00.000-04:00

Class 2 entrants - Miguel Acuna won with his series 4 Spider with Turbina wheels.

2006-04-25T19:42:00.000-04:00

Some of the many car classes at the show. One of the classes consisted of two Citroen 2CV's and a Ferrari 328 (guess who won).

2006-04-25T19:33:00.000-04:00

Alfa Babes in attendance at Williamsburg. Of course, the Alfisti accounted for more than their share of wine sales, but we didn't get rowdy!

2006-04-25T19:31:00.000-04:00

Yes, you can find Italian styling on an English car! Here is a fine example of a rare Triumph Italia 2000 GT.

April Meeting Minutes

2006-04-22T11:25:00.000-04:00

Alex finally pawned off the club MC duties onto Mike Griffin, but he did provide one last summary of the April meeting. Here's what was discussed:

1. Williamsburg Winery British and European Car Show - 23 April. We will meet at the Starbuck's off Victory Blvd at about 8AM on Sunday as a group to drive to the car show (we will leave there around 8:30AM). Details are still available at www.alfasbythesea.com and there is still room for more!

2. VIR Performance Driving School - 28-30 April. This should be a fun event! Some of us will even be trying to learn to drive! Come on out even just to watch all the great vintage cars! I'll be leaving for Danville early on Saturday morning if anyone is interested in forming a 'convoy'. Details are available at www.pastaeaters.com

3. Moonshine Rally - Elkin NC 6 May. A really fun event to do, but I don't think any of us are planning to attend. Details are available through the Corsa Rossa link when visiting www.pastaeaters.com

4. Espresso Autocross and Cookout - Greensboro, NC 13 May. Umberto Terreni has graciously offered us the use of the parking lot and barbecue facilities at his business, General Espresso Equipment Corporation www.espressobrewer.com in Greensboro, NC to stage an autocross and cookout. We will be joined by members of the BMW 2002 Club, who will set up an autocross course complete with timing equipment. Details soon at www.pastaeaters.com and in the next Alfa Advocate.

5. The MAARC Annual Wine Tour - 26-28 May. A fabulous weekend event which is filling up with Alfas coming from all over! Reservations are still available at the English Inn at reduced rates until 26 April. Stay tuned for updated details at www.pastaeaters.com.

6. The annual AROC USA (Alfa Romeo Owners' Club USA) National Convention - 15-18 June. This years' national event will be held in beautiful Tulsa, OK. Information is available at www.alfadeco2006.org

7. Rich Minor and Thomas Gonnella have put together a great group drive for us, but we need to figure out a date to do it. Suggestions please!

Group Drive for Car Show

2006-04-17T10:25:00.000-04:00

The Colonial Vintage British Car Club car show is this Sunday and at least seven of us have registered to participate. A group drive is planned leaving from Starbuck's off Victory Blvd at exit 256 in Newport News at 8:30 am in punto (sharp)! In other words, if you want your morning triple espresso please try to get there earlier than 8:29! We will then proceed smartly up U.S. 17 to the Colonial Parkway and take a brisk morning drive over to the Williamsburg Winery to arrive around 9:30. Breakfast and lunch are catered at this event so there will be food for sale upon our arrival and thoughout the day.

There may be a Southsider's sortie to Starbuck's, then again maybe not. Stay tuned for details on that. Hope to see you there!

MAP TO STARBUCK'S

April Alfresco at Amalfi's

2006-04-09T10:50:00.000-04:00

Weather cooperating, this months meeting will be held alfreso at Amalfi Ristorante in Norfolk on April 17th (7:00 pm). One of the top items for discussion is where we will have next month's meeting as Rich Minor has reported that Delargy's Bistro is closing! Also details of this year's Virginia Wine Tour will be discussed. Don't miss it!

06 Wine Tour Hotel Reservation Cut-off Fast Approaching!

2006-04-09T09:53:00.000-04:00

Due to club schedule and hotel booking conflicts, this year's wine tour is being held on Memorial Day Weekend. The final tour route is still being finalized, but as usual there will be pizza/beer/wine on Friday night and dinner Saturday night at Vivace. The stop at IAP may be pushed to Friday to open up Saturday for new tour stops. Stay tuned for all the details - if you plan to stay at the English Inn, you need to reserve by April 26th!

2006 WINE TOUR HOTEL INFO
Dates:Arrive Fri. 26 May, 06---Depart Sun 28 May, 06
Cut off for reservations—26 April 06

Hotel/Base of operations:
English Inn of Charlottesville
2000 Morton Dr.Charlottesville, Va. 22903
434-971-9900 or 800-786-5400
http://www.wytestone.com/eic/
Group Name/ID Number:ALFA Romeo Club or 042806
Rooms/Rates:
5 Double Standard, 15 Standard King, 5 King Suite
All rooms for $82.00 each plus tax
Individuals must guarantee rooms with a major credit card.

Notes:Friday Night—Queen Anne Room is ours for our gathering party
Each Morning—Full hot complimentary breakfast.

March Meeting Minutes

2006-03-26T06:30:00.000-05:00

Ciao Alfisti!

We had a great meeting last night, and thanks to some recent moves, contacts and purchases...we now have two new members in our little group. Welcome to Sharon Villines (who recently bought Myron Diamondstein's Red Series 3 Spider) and also to Rafael de Echeandria, who moved here recently (OK...December) with his beautiful '84 GTV6 Maratona. Thank you to Rich Minor for hooking Sharon up with Myron's car, and thank you to Pete Vack (by the way Pete...why not join us at a meeting sometime?) for letting Rafael know about our group.

Just to recap what was covered, here's what was discussed last night:

1. Williamsburg Winery British and European Car Show - 23 April. Some of us will attend. There is a 1 April cut-off for early ($15 as opposed to $20) registration. It sounds like fun. Details are available at www.alfasbythesea.com

2. VIR Performance Driving School - 28-30 April. This should be a fun event, whether you are attending the school or just watching the vintage racers. Some of us plan to attend. Do you want to come on out and have some fun? Details are available at www.pastaeaters.com

3. Moonshine Rally - Elkin NC 6 May. A really fun event to do, but it didn't seem like too many of us will be going this year. Details are available through the Corsa Rossa link when visiting www.pastaeaters.com

4. The MAARC Annual Wine Tour - 26-28 May. A fabulous weekend event for all. Reservations at the English Inn are available at reduced rates until 26 April. A planning meeting will take place at Jim Salerno's on Monday, 27 March. Details at www.pastaeaters.com

5. The annual AROC USA (Alfa Romeo Owners' Club USA) National Convention - 15-18 June. This years' national event will be held in beautiful Tulsa, OK. I know that Skip Patnode, Steve Patchin and Don Melia plan on going. Information is available at www.alfadeco2006.org

6. Dave Morris will be checking with our friend Aren Baze at European Classics and Sportscars in Richmond to see about arranging a "Tech Session" at his service center. Standby for more details.

7. We are hoping to have a driving event soon. Rich Minor and Thomas Gonnella graciously volunteered to put something together...stay tuned for details and don't forget to visit www.alfasbythesea.com for all of our local Alfa news!

8. Debbie Morris' son Jerry is hiking the Appalachian Trail. He has an online journal of his travels you can see at www.trailjournals.com. His trail name is Freefall. Please visit the site and offer him some encouragement!

Sadly, we will be losing Eric Hogue as he is moving to GA. Good luck, Eric!That's about it for now!

Ciao, Alex

2006-03-26T06:29:00.000-05:00

Alex displaying his oratory prowess once again as he holds the membership in rapt attention during the March club meeting. Alex is still looking for that one special person to take over his job! Please... don't make him beg!

2006-03-26T06:24:00.000-05:00

Some of the usual suspects checking out the latest arrivals to the club at the March post-meeting tire-kicking session.

2006-03-26T06:23:00.000-05:00

New member Sharron Villines. Welcome Sharron and thanks for buying Myron's 84 Spider! And thanks to Rich Minor for finding someone to buy Myron's Spider!

2006-03-26T06:17:00.000-05:00

New member Raphael DeEcheandia and his beautiful 1984 GTV-6 Maratona. Welcome Raphael (I hope I got your name right!).

Good Flight Planning Brad!

2006-03-15T06:14:00.000-05:00

Our very own roving Veloce Today reporter reports from Geneva

Colonial Vintage British Car Club Car Show Reminder

2006-03-14T10:39:00.000-05:00

Just another reminder that early registration for the CVBCC British and European Car Show ends April 1. You may register by downloading the pdf form HERE.

This year's event will be held April 23rd at the Williamsburg Winery. See www.cvbccva.com for details.

March 20 Meeting at Delargy's

2006-03-14T09:53:00.000-05:00

What better way to begin Spring than by taking your favorite Alfa out to dinner?

Just a reminder for this month's meeting - March 20, 7pm at Delargy's Bistro in Hampton.

Hope to see you there!

Ferrari's Back!

2006-03-11T07:28:00.000-05:00

1-2 poll for Bahrain GP!

Collectibles

2006-03-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

Kyosho's latest celebrates the pride of Milano

The latest round of 1:64 scale Kyosho models has hit the street, and this time the die-cast powerhouse has turned its sights on the history of Alfa Romeo. Thirty-three versions of 12 castings are available; since Kyoshos are sold in boxes of 20, this means it's a bit of a crapshoot as to which ones you get, although you'll get a complete set of cars one way or another.

The lovely presentation box gives no indication to what's inside, so you have to open the packaging to see what you get; cars are screwed to a plastic plinth, then protected by a plastic bubble. What's inside is a testament to how far 1:64 scale die-cast has come in the last decade and a half. Separate headlights and taillights, correct wheels on soft tires, nicely molded chassis, separate chromed grilles where appropriate, legible tampo work and picture-perfect proportions are all here. Many of the models haven't been done in small-scale in more than a quarter of a century, if ever: you have to go back to Playart to find another Alfetta GTV, and back to Politoys Penny in the '60s for a Giulia Sprint. We don’t recall a Guilia TI sedan, ever. It's cars like these that have made 1:64 a true collector scale, despite the prevailing European mentality that 1:43 is where it's at.

These look as good as any commercially available 1:43 scale model. If we have any criticism, it's that there's too much focus on newer models (eight of the 12 new castings are models of cars from 1990 and later) and not enough on the oldies: do we really need a 155, 147, 159, GT, and GTV in the line? Would not a Guilietta or another Spider or two, or maybe a BAT, have been preferable? Possibly. But the quality of what's here is unassailable. The only other bummer is that these aren't readily available here in the States. Since our favorite Asia-based online dealers like HobbyLink Japan (www.hlj.com) and ToyEast (www.toyeast.com) don't seem to have them in stock (yet), your best bet appears to be an online auction.
Check out Kyosho's official site at kyosho-minicar.com and find a friend who speaks Japanese.
- By Jeff Koch

New Alfa 159 - Mediocrity is a Sin

2006-03-03T21:44:00.000-05:00

Check out the new 159 UK site

New Alfa 159 - Mediocrity is a Sin http://www.alfaromeo.co.uk/

February '06 Meeting at Zio's

2006-03-02T19:20:00.000-05:00

Ok, I have been remiss in my webmastering duties - so here are a few photos from the last club meeting at Zio's. There was a large turn-out and it was not quite as noisy as last time, or so I'm told. Very pleasant evening was had by all. By the way, the guy in red is not Yule Brenner but Jerry Lake!

2006-03-02T19:18:00.000-05:00

The usual suspects and some new faces at Zio's.

2006-03-02T19:15:00.000-05:00

Alex (looking a bit disembodied here) doing his usual superb job at the meeting.

2006-03-02T19:10:00.000-05:00

We welcomed two guests at our February meeting - Harley Focht and Yukako Kobayashi (I hope I can read my handwriting!).

May 2006 Cars at Carlisle

2006-03-01T22:13:00.000-05:00

See http://www.carsatcarlisle.com/schedule/import/index.asp for May 20-22 Import Weekend.

Wines From Italy

2006-02-28T18:16:00.000-05:00

Southside Meeting Tonight at Zio's

2006-02-20T05:52:00.000-05:00

This is your last official reminder that the February meeting is at Zio's in Norfolk (just a few blocks down from Amalfi's on Colley Ave). Hope to see you all there! MAP

Alfa Romeo Spider to return

2006-02-10T19:18:00.000-05:00

The new all-wheel-drive Alfa Romeo Spider looks dreamy but, the harsh reality is, it isn't destined for these shores in the near future.
We can dream, can't we? Alfa Romeo will introduce a new Spider at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, reviving a well-loved name from the not-too-distant past.
Unlike the last Spider sold on these shores, the new car will be a generously-sized four-seater, derived from the highly regarded 159, and powered by a 185hp 2.2-liter four or a 260hp 3.2-liter V-6.
All-wheel drive will be offered on the V-6 cars. Underneath, there’s a double wishbone suspension at the front and a multilink setup at the rear. If you’ve dreamed of a Spider with dual-zone air conditioning, stereo controls mounted on the wheel and electronic stability control, well, this just might be your car… unless you live in the United States.
Alfa has made no announcement on if or when it will re-enter the U.S. market, but the addition of the Spider and the recently introduced Sportwagon to the 159 line gives the company a broad lineup that should appeal to American tastes.
The Geneva Motor Show runs from February 28 to March 12; for more about the show, see www.salonauto.ch.
- By David LaChance

Sales and job cuts help Fiat return to a profit

2006-01-31T21:35:00.000-05:00

By Mathias Wildt Bloomberg News

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2006

MILAN Fiat reported a fourth-quarter profit on Monday after drastic job cuts and a rise in sales from the redesigned Punto ended 17 successive quarters of losses at the car unit.

Net income was E38 million, or $46 million, compared with a loss of E550 million a year earlier, said Fiat, which is based in Turin. Sales rose 7.5 percent, to E13.1 billion. Fiat Auto had an operating profit of E21 million as sales rose 6.6 percent, to E6.2 billion.

Fiat's chief executive, Sergio Marchionne, laid off half of the Italian work force, cutting costs by more than E500 million. He sped the introduction of a new version of the Punto hatchback in September, reversing a decline in market share. Fiat in August said it planned to invest E10 billion in its auto unit and build 20 new models over the next three years to lift sales and restore profit.

"The numbers are all pointing in the right direction," said Philippe Houchois of J.P. Morgan in London. "The auto business did as well as I'd expected and the nonauto businesses are doing better."

The shares rose 4 cents to close at E8.21 in Milan. The stock has gained 12 percent this year.

Fiat reported a full-year profit of E1.3 billion, helped by one-time gains, including a E1.5 billion payment from General Motors to end a failed alliance, E850 million from the sale of a stake in Italenergia Bis, and E700 million from the sale of new shares to repay a E3 billion convertible loan to eight banks.

"You need to put Fiat Auto's performance in parallel with those of Renault and Peugeot, both of whom issued profit warnings," said Patrice Solaro, an analyst at Kepler Equities in Paris.

The carmaker in September introduced the Grande Punto, a new version of Fiat's best-selling model, and has sold 100,000 so far. The car accounts for 20 percent of Fiat Auto's vehicle sales.

Because of the success of the new model, Fiat will bring forward the opening of a second production line of the Punto to May from September, Marchionne said. He said there were four weeks of back orders to fill for the new model. Fiat also aims to sell 220,000 Panda small cars this year.

Fiat said it ended the year with E7 billion in cash, compared with E6 billion at the end of 2004, and reduced its net industrial debt to E3.2 billion from E9.4 billion.

The company reaffirmed a profit forecast of E700 million this year and E2 billion in 2007. Fiat expects to have positive cash flow in 2006.

Fiat's Italian market share in 2005 declined from March to August and then rose in the last four months after the Punto's introduction, leaving the full-year share unchanged at 28 percent. The carmaker accounted for 6.5 percent of cars sold in Western Europe last year, down from 7.4 percent. Fiat has said it decided to sacrifice market share to lift profit from each vehicle. Fiat said it expected the West European car market to be stable this year.

Fiat expects an average Italian market share of 30 percent this year, Marchionne said. He aims for a West European market share of 7.2 percent this year, and worldwide sales of 1.8 million units.

"There are four countries we will invest in to boost sales in Europe: Germany, France and Spain and U.K., particularly for Alfa Romeo," Marchionne said

Iveco, Fiat's truck-making unit, reported an operating profit of E138 million, compared with E148 million in the same period last year. Sales rose 9.8 percent to E2.8 billion. Fiat expects higher Iveco truck and bus sales this year.

New Brera Spider

2006-01-31T11:05:00.000-05:00

February Meeting At Zio's

2006-01-30T17:58:00.000-05:00

I forgot to mention that at January's meeting the membership decided to return to Zio's for February. Since Zio's and Amalfi's are so close to each other it was decided for Southside meetings to go to Amalfi's for the warmer months (to partake of the al fresco dining) and Zio's for the colder months.

Hah! Now you'll have to read the blog!

P.S. Please disregard the location posted for this month in the Alfa Advocate.

And now for something completely different...

2006-01-30T17:32:00.000-05:00

Bob Thiel - from somewhere in Italy - sent me a bunch of car show pictures a few weeks back. I thought I would post one every once in a while to keep things interesting. This one may be better than the Brera commercial!

Will Alfa Romeo ever sell cars in the United States again?

2006-01-28T21:17:00.000-05:00

Taken verbatum from the offical Alfa Romeo UK web site:

The long-awaited return of Alfa Romeo to the United States market should take place by 2007, with a range of new models.

Living Will

2006-01-26T11:27:00.000-05:00

New Living Will Form

I, __________________________, being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be kept alive indefinitely by artificial means. Under no circumstances should my fate be put in the hands of pinhead politicians who couldn't pass ninth-grade biology if their lives depended on it or lawyers and doctors interested in simply running up the bills.

If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to ask for at least one of the following:

______a Glass of Chianti
______a Glass of Pinot Grigio
______Bruschetta
______the Keys to my Spider
______a Shot of Limoncello
______an Adjustable Spanner
______Grappa
______the Latest Issue of Alfa Owner
______a Pizza Margherita
______Pat Braden’s Alfa Romeo Owner’s Bible
______a Cappuccino
______an eBay Listing of all Alfas For Sale
______Tiramisu
______Sex

it should be presumed that I won't ever get better.

When such a determination is reached, I hereby instruct my appointed person and attending physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes and call it a day. At this point it is time to call the Fat Lady to come do her thing at my memorial service, and ask all of my friends to raise their glasses to toast the good times we have had.

Signature: ___________________________

Date: ___________________________

CVBCC British and European Car Show

2006-01-25T16:17:00.000-05:00

The Colonial Vintage British Car Club of Williamsburg is hosting a British and European car show April 23rd at the Williamsburg Winery. This is a great chance to meet people from other local car clubs and see some interesting cars. It also fills the hole left by our own wine tour, which has moved to the end of May this year.

Early registration (prior to April 1) is $15 and late registration is $20. Click HERE to download an entry form. (It is a large pdf file so be patient.) There will be food for sale and winery tours. We may do a pre-show drive as well.

The car show will be by popular vote of the registrants so I guess if everyone votes for their own cars we’ll all win!

Check this out

2006-01-24T10:19:00.000-05:00

http://www.machinewarriors.it/

(sorry, but I can't seem to get the linky thing to work)

(--works now, click away -- Rick)

Invasion!

2006-01-24T09:59:00.000-05:00

January 19, 2006

Italians Invade Washington: Alfa 159 Spotted!

Chris was minding his own business after work when he happened upon an Alfa Romeo 159, rumored to be the vehicle that’ll spearhead the brand’s return to the US market. Take it, Chris.

“Saw a new Slfa Romeo 159 in Redmond, WA about an hour ago on the Microsoft Campus. I was leaving my office to take my ‘88 Trooper (2nd car … great ski/dog hauler) to Novus for windshield repair when i spotted a new, grey Alfa 159 with white tape on bumpers/lower doors cruising slowly through the MS campus. Unfortunately it was two lanes away and I fumbled the camera phone and dropped it on the floor, so no accompanying pic. I know Spinelli’s a bit of an Alfa freak so thought you’d like to know. Wonder if this is any indication that alfa is a bit closer to returning to the US?"

Alfas Vicino Il Mare

Alfa to return to Indy?

New Blog For Hampton Roads Alfa Romeo Club

Advice for Cheating Wife

British Car Show Same day as Wine Tour

AACA Annual Swap Meet

2007 VA Wine Tour 20-22 April

Happy New Alfa Year!

164 vs. Impala

Party Pics Posted!

AROC 2007 Detroit Convention

Post Party time

Earth to Skip...Monthy Meeting November 20th!

Final Reminder for MAARC Holiday Party Reservations!

Sunday Schedule Change!!!

RSVPs for HR Weekend Dinners

Monthly Meeting this SUNDAY!

MAARC Combined Holiday Party - December 2 in Manteo!

New Final Hampton Roads Weekend Schedule

More Graylyn Pics Posted!

Richmond Italian Street Festival

Hampton Roads Weekend 2006

Attenzione Graylyn Rally Participants!!!

Italian GP: Last F1 Breakfast this Season

From Ragtop to Rich's...

Skip's New Wheels...

F1 Breakfast this Sunday and September Meeting on the 18th!

Formula One Breakfast This Sunday (August 27th)

Concours de Graylyn Informazioni!

New Alfasud

Southside Meeting Places

The Curse of Owning a Supercar

Roller Coaster Ride for Ferrari Fans

New tricks for old Alfas

HVPR Car Show 02 September

Hungarian GP F1 Breakfast This Sunday!

August Alfresco at Amalfi's

THE MEN IN BLACK...

Pasta Eaters Outnumber American Iron 2-1

German GP F1 Breakfast This Sunday!

Concours de Graylyn at Winston-Salem

Ferrari Wins in France - TAKE THAT!

MONTOYA GOING TO NASCAR? F1 BREAKFAST ALERT...

IT'S OFFICIAL: ALFA RETURNS 2009

New Restaurant for July 17th Meeting in Hampton!!!

Alfa Alfa bloggers where are you?

June Meeting at Rick & Andy's

FMoW 2nd Annual Cookout

CARS the Movie -Road Trip!

Vintage Virginia 2006

May Meeting at Andrea's Italian Restaurant

Car Condos

F1 Future Secured

Alfa back in the USA

Attenzione All Alfisiti - New May Meeting Spot!

F1 Breakfast Returns!

First Formula One Breakfast!!!

Alfisti Out for a Smashing Good Time!

April Meeting Minutes

Group Drive for Car Show

April Alfresco at Amalfi's

06 Wine Tour Hotel Reservation Cut-off Fast Approaching!

March Meeting Minutes

Good Flight Planning Brad!

Colonial Vintage British Car Club Car Show Reminder

March 20 Meeting at Delargy's

Ferrari's Back!

Collectibles

New Alfa 159 - Mediocrity is a Sin

February '06 Meeting at Zio's

May 2006 Cars at Carlisle

Wines From Italy

Southside Meeting Tonight at Zio's

Alfa Romeo Spider to return

Sales and job cuts help Fiat return to a profit

New Brera Spider

February Meeting At Zio's

And now for something completely different...

Will Alfa Romeo ever sell cars in the United States again?

Living Will