Canberra, Australia's national Capital, hosted its 17th Auto Italia Day on Sunday, 13th March. In brilliant sunshine on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, almost 300 Italian-built motor vehicles were on show.
Known as Australia's largest Italian vehicle show, the event has for some time attracted from other States contingents of participants. Groups of Ferraris and Lamborghinis came from as far away as Melbourne and Sydney, while visitors came from all over Australia and from the USA and Europe.
While Fiats, Alfas, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Lancias from the classic era lined the lake, models of particular interest included one of the 3-only Lancia Aprilia Pininfarina roadsters ever built, a delicious Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale coupe, a rare Bertone-bodied Fait 850 Spider, and a desirable Ferrari 330 GTC coupe.
Probably more commonly seen in Australia than other Italian marques, Fiats were out in force, ranging from the oldest car on display – a 1926 503 tourer – to examples of the rare 1900 Grand Luce pillarless saloon, the 2300 saloon, and the handsome 130 coupe.
The "celebration" model this year was Dante Giacosa's Fiat 600, which celebrates its 50th birthday. Two examples were on hand, along with a large number of Giacosa's subsequent design – the Nuova 500 (including a 695cc Abarth version).
Can't wait until next year for Auto Italia No. 18!
An extremely
rare Pininfarina-bodied Lancia Aprilia.
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What was once bountiful is now ever so rare; the 1900 Grand Luce Fiat, circa 1954. The 1900 first appeared at the 1952 Paris Auto Show.
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Ferraris came in groups from Melbourne and Sidney. A Dino and a 365 sit in the summer sun.
Oh yes, it is summer in Australia yet.
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Still rated as one of the prettiest small spiders, the Fiat 850 by Bertone has become a minor classic.
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Between 1926 and 1927 Fiat cranked out 42,000 of the popular 503. This was a 1460cc four cylinder with 27 horsepower.
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This year, Auto Italia Day celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Fiat 600. Note the front opening doors, indicating that this was an early 600 model as seen at the Geneva show in 1955.
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The B.A.T. inspired
Alfa Romeo Sprint Speciale sits between two other Alfas.
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