Clive Bennett and Andrew & Marlene Scadding's Alfetta.
Story and Photos by Vince Johnson
South Australians have been treated to a showcase of Italian culture, tradition and style at Carnevale time for the last 36 years. The food, fashion and music festival at the Adelaide Showgrounds in February brings out the best in Italian style, nowhere more so than in the car and motorcycle displays. Single-make clubs included Alfa Romeo, Ducati, Ferrari and Fiat 500. The Scuderia Italian Car Club presented a colourful selection of several makes and local distributor Prestige Formula had new examples of Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Maserati on show.
Alongside Gary Savis’ class winning 246 GTS was the immaculate yellow 308 GTS originally owned by ex-Minardi F1 driver Pierluigi Martini. Local regulations allow left hand drive cars over 30 years old to be road registered, so its originality has been kept intact. Equally impressive was the thirty-nine year old engine bay of Michael Calabro’s 365 GT4 2+2.
The Fiat 500 Club of SA’s line up of ‘Bambini’ included a 1960 Giardiniera and a maroon 1949 example of their Topolino predecessor. Of similar vintage was the cream 500C Topo in the Scuderia Italian display. Bought for $400 in 1986, its rebuild was completed in 2004. Nearby was one of three right hand drive Fiat 2300 coupes delivered to Adelaide in the 60’s, also the recipient of an elegant restoration.
A delightful assortment of Fiats, Alfas and Maseratis.
Fiat 500 Club of South Australia's display.
Recently restored 1949 Topolino was purchased for $400...in 1986.
Class winning Dino from above.
Just a part of the Ferrari Club of Australia (SA) display.
Fiat's big 2300 six powered the short lived 2300 sport coupe. Excellent restoration...
Lamborghini Urraco-P300.
Ducati club had its own display.
Later model FWD Alfas drew interest.
308GTS was originally owned by Minardi driver Pierluigi Martini.
The picture of the charming small Fiat 500 always bring fund memories to me – my very first car was a 500 Station Car. The 500s are seen every where at classic car shows, so you would think that no one is left in Italy. But numerous visits to Sicily the past 7 years have proofed other wise. You see a few restored to better than new but you see many every day in daily use in various state of repair. Until a few years ago a Toppolino Station Car visited the village café every day – this, too, was in in good working order and well used.
as the president of the Fiat 500 in South Australia i am very proud to see our beautyfull little machines amongst the big boys thanks for the publication Athos