Story and Photos by Paul G. Hanmore
Bristol hosts an Italian spectacle.
The 7th Bristol Italian Auto Moto Festival, held on April 25th, 2009, featured Lancia and we were enthusiastically supported by scores of Lancia enthusiasts who celebrated 30 years of the Integrale with many superb incarnations of the model on display. There were many delightful Fulvias, Appias, Montecarlos, and numerous other confections of the Marque.
There was as always, a strong turnout by the Stratos Enthusiasts Club. Alan Parkes’ Fulvia Zagato was chosen as the organizers’ favourite and Ben Courage’s 1937 Aprilia received the Moto Guzzi Club’s unique, special award for their best choice of the featured car marque.
This year we held a special display of cars with alternative bodies of Italian origin, such as Zagato, Touring, Farina, etc. Amongst them was a pair of locally produced Bristols, one of which, the immaculate 412 Zagato of Paul Wilson received the organizers award. Favorites from the other marques were David Newby’s Maserati Bora, Paul Jeuh’s Ferrari 355 Spider, Steve Denning’s enchanting 1938 Fiat Topolino Siata Smith Special and Ryan Higgins’ Alfa Romeo Giulietta 116 2.0 RS. The Lamborghini display was remarkable for it’s content, ranging from Jan Pettifor’s startling white Gallardo Superleggera to the choice of film stars–two Isleros. Iain McFarlain’s had at one time been loaned to Brigit Bardot and Ed Stratton’s had been driven by Roger Moore in the thriller ‘The Man Who Haunted Himself.’ All deserved praise but Ed’s bagged the prize.
Among the many notable motorcycles were Gordon de la Mare’s 500cc Dondolino, one of only 54 made between 1946 and 9151 and undoubtedly the noisiest bike at the show and John Davis’ Magni Australia.
Bridging the gap between the cars and the two wheelers was Nigel Bentley-Beard’s intriguing Moto Guzzi powered Tri-King which he had constructed himself and several Moto Guzzi sidecar outfits.
This year we have made an official DVD recording of the Festival and much, much more! To get your on your own copy see: www.djvs.co.uk/biamf
Aprilias are rare anywhere, this one appeared for the Bristol Moto Festival to join a wide variety of other Lancias.
The Aprilia was very advanced for the 1930s, with a V4 and all independent suspension. It was also the road car of choice for many Grand Prix drivers.
Lancia Appias were imported into Great Britain in large numbers and many remain today to dress up the old streets of Bristol.
Fulvias line up for the show.
A remarkable showing of Lancia Stratos.
David Roots’ Alfa Romeo Giulia Special.
Carl Allen’s Fiat 500L with matching trailer – note the twin exhausts!
Fiat 500s were numerous as well.
Moto Guzzi with a special sidecar was just one of the dozens of Italian motorcycles which took part in the event.
Nice line-up of Statosses. How many were Hawks, how many Lancias ?
I have been a regular visitor to this event over the years. The marshals are always helpful and friendly. Everyone just chills out. It’s run for the entrants by the entrants and it’s a great way to start the season.
I think Carl Allen’s 500+T is fantastic a real delight and will put a smile on anyone’s face. Also the Stratos in rally trim really look as they have “attitude” GREAT .
I lost my beloved Fulvia Zagato to cancer (corrosion) when I was too busy chasing women to know where true love really was. I’ve mourned her for 30 years . . .
Oh, I tried to find another love – Porsche,’74 Z tuned by Bob Sharp, 300GTs, Honda 2000- but there was never an equal.
Anybody want to sell one to a besoted old man in a deep depression? Maybe even a BR green/ saddle interior one? I suppose I could do a Flavia Farina coupe but . . .well, you people all know the drill.
Thanks,
Forlorn in Maine