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The Online Magazine for Italian and French Classic Car Enthusiasts

A Lady Sells Her Jewels: Lamborghini Showcars

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Courtesy Bertone Group.

By Roberto Motta and Pete Vack

As a consequence of the financial reorganization of Bertone, the liquidators of the Bertone Museum have chosen to offer six automobiles to collectors. These wonderful cars will be auctioned by RM at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, Italy, 21st May, 2011. Three of the most original, thought provoking and classic Italian designs launched on high performance Lamborghini chassis are previewed in depth below. The remaining three–the Stratos Zero, Corvair Testudo and Lancia Sibilo will be showcased next week.
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The Expedition Michèle Ray, 1963 Monte Carlo Rally and Other Worldly Adventures of the Incredible Renault R4

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Four beautiful girls, two R4s, and an expedition the length of the Western Hemisphere leave a trail of broken hearts…

By Roberto Motta

Photos Courtesy of Renault Communications

Renault R4 has allowed generations of drivers the opportunity to take up the challenge of motorsports and to see the world at the same time. This tough little car competed in the 1962 East African Safari Rally (finishing fifth in class), the Monte Carlo Rally, the Expedition Michèle Ray, and the tough 1980 Paris-Dakar, all with success, proving that despite its ungainly looks, it was both reliable and versatile.

As we noted in “Celebrating Fifty Years of the Renault R4”, this small car was a huge social phenomenon. It was also a great commercial success. But the “Regie” wanted more, so to support and increase sales the company decided to demonstrate the reliability and versatility of the R4 with a series of memorable feats. We’ll begin with the 1963 Monte Carlo Rally.

The R4 number 44 makes its way through the snow during the 1963 Monte Carlo Rally.

Monte Carlo Rally

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Monza Weekend: Formula Junior and Vintage

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M. Antoniazzi, De Tomaso Vallelunga worked his way throught field to take fourth overall.

Story and photos by Roberto Motta

The first round of the historical racing championship on the Monza track

On March 26th and 27th, the Monza’s Autodromo Nazionale hosted the first round of the 2011 Italian Historic Championship and the event was well attended.
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Ferrari 430GT 1-2 at Monza Four Hours

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Marco Cioci and Piergiuseppe Perazzini in the F430 GT2

Ferrari dominates the first round of the Endurance Championship Cup 2011

Story and photos by Roberto Motta

On March 26th and 27th, the Monza’s Autodromo Nazionale hosted the first of four rounds of the 2011 Endurance Champions Cup and attracted more than thirty entries. The fastest and most powerful cars were the Ferrari 430 GT2, the Ferrari 430 Cup, the Porsche 997 GT3 and Lamborghini GT Cup.
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OSCA 1600GT at Le Mans Part I
Part I deals with the team of John Gordon and John Bentley, whose exploits and successes at Le Mans and Sebring in a 750 cc OSCA led to the drive of an official OSCA factory entry at Le Mans. Their mount was the only flat-topped Zagato coupe, with a twin plug head and live rear axle. Co authored by Sebring Index winner John Gordon himself. Part I will be published April 13th.

OSCA 1600GT at Le Mans Part II
There were two OSCA 1600GT entries at Le Mans in 1962, s/n 0036, driven by Gordon and Bentley, and 007, entered by N.A.R.T. for Arents/Behra. Yet 007 appeared to be a very stock GT2 model, with IRS and a 108 hp single plug engine. We investigate these mysteries; relate what happened to the cars at Le Mans, and where they are now. Co authored by John Gordon. Part II will be published on April 20th.

Alfa Giulietta Berlina Manual
Part of an in-depth series of Premium articles about the much-neglected Alfa Giulietta Berlina, this segment offers a rare look at a Alfa 1300 Berlina owner’s manual. The series also includes factory brochures, a full history, variants, and much more, all dedicated to what should have been the most advanced sporting saloon of the 1950s.
Coming soon.

Savonuzzi, the Designer, Part II
In Part II of Savonuzzi, the Designer takes us from Ghia to Chrysler, then on to Fiat. Never-before published documents and photos illustrate Savonuzzi’s role in the Ghia Chrysler Turbine and his fascinating American adventure. Written with the help of his daughter Alberta, Savonuzzi, the Designer describes his accomplishments and frustrations while at Chrysler. April 6th.
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Incredible Balilla Spider Barn Find: SOLD!

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What you need to know:
Is it for sale? SOLD

The vast majority of enthusiasts cannot afford a pre War Italian sports car. This Fiat Balilla, a truly rare barn find, may be the last opportunity to own a genuine pre War Italian classic at an affordable price.

By Steve Gurr and Pete Vack

All photos by Steve Gurr

Last month Steve Gurr and his wife were minding their own business happily driving to their home in Gainesville, Ga. when they spotted what looked like an old Austin Bantam on a trailer a short distance ahead. Catching up, a closer look revealed a pre-war Fiat roadster with a “Balilla” script across the grille.

Steve is a longtime car enthusiast who has owned MGs, Porsches, Miatas. He owned only one Italian car, an Alfa GTV, but was astute enough to know that he should find out more about whatever kind of Fiat was on that trailer. At the next traffic light he hopped out and approached the driver. “What are you going to do with the car?” he asked. The two young men in the truck enthusiastically hollered back, “Want to buy it? We have more!”
By Steve’s watch, it was about 4 P.M. on Sunday when the traffic light turned green.

Ahead of Steve and his wife in the traffic of an Atlanta suburb was a Fiat Balilla, identified by the script on the grille. It turned out to be a 508 M, found in Ethiopia and probably used in the Italian-Ethiopian war in the mid 1930s. This would lead to the discovery of the Balilla Coppa d’ Oro.

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VeloceToday Interview: SPEED’s Bob Varsha, Part II

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In Part I of VeloceToday’s exclusive interview with Bob Varsha, he discussed how the Formula 1 SPEED team evolved, took us on behind-the-scenes tour of the studio, and talked about the future of F1 in the U.S. In Part II Varsha talks about Monterey coverage, the BJ Auctions and his most memorable moments as a broadcaster.

Surprisingly SPEED’s Formula 1 anchor Bob Varsha was brought up not as a car enthusiast, driver, mechanic or designer but a lawyer by profession and a cross country runner by choice. Yet for over 20 years, Varsha has reported on our favorite sport with great enthusiasm, in-depth knowledge and professionalism far above par. Unflappable, with a magnetic memory and smooth, even, assured delivery, he is an anchor’s anchor, rising above the noise and screams and conjecture whether at BJ Auctions or a Formula 1 race. It would be hard to imagine watching a Formula 1 event without Varsha at the helm.

David Seibert is well known to Ferrari race fans and VeloceToday readers, having been in charge of the U.S. Ferrari Historics for many years. A long-time friend of Varsha’s, Seibert conducted this exclusive two-part VeloceToday interview with the dean of Formula 1 broadcasters.

Interview by David Seibert, Interview photos by Sidell Tilghman

VeloceToday: Will SPEED be doing more programs like Victory by Design and Behind the Headlights?
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Phillip Island Classic, Australia, 2011

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Story and photos by Vince Johnson

Australia 18-20 March 2011

Maserati 250Fs haven’t been thick on the ground at race meetings since the fifties, but there were three of them at the Phillip Island Classic in March. During Sunday’s lunchtime demonstration they ran together for several laps. Peter Giddings in 2501/2523, Tom Price in #2525 and Jeffrey O’Neill in #2527 were obviously enjoying the moment. They’d filled the podium in their first race on Saturday morning in that order, proving they weren’t there just to circulate, and the sound of these three Italian classics had grown men misty eyed.
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Citroën Wins Rally Portugal, Mini Cooper Debuts

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Sébastien Ogier flying enroute to his second win in Portugal.

A year after they won their first victory in the FIA World Rally Championship in Portugal, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, after driving a tactically perfect race, have won the event for a second time in a row.

By Roberto Motta

Photos by Citroën Communication Citroën Racing, Ford Motor Company and
Rally de Portugal – media

March 23-27th
After the dusty gravel roads in Mexico, the WRC returned to old Europa for the continuing battle between the Citroën DS3 and Ford Fiesta RS. The fans had great expectations for this third round of the Championship because of the emotional rivalry between the teams. Even Americans had a favorite—Ken Block was entered in a Ford Fiesta WRC.
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Australian Grand Prix, 2011

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The Start

By Erik Nielsen
Photos courtesy and copyright Ferrari Media

Sebastian Vettel’s number one on the nose of his Red Bull led the way in the season opener as the German took the momentum of winning the championship and converted the first pole into the first win. The Red Bull is quick out of the box; the question will be how long can they hold their advantage over the rest of the field.
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VeloceToday Interview: SPEED’s Bob Varsha, Part I

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Surprisingly SPEED’s Formula 1 anchor Bob Varsha was never a car enthusiast, race car driver, designer, engineer or mechanic: he graduated from law school and his first love was cross country running. Yet for over 20 years Varsha has reported on our favorite sport with great enthusiasm, in-depth knowledge and professionalism far above par. Unflappable, with a magnetic memory and smooth, even, assured delivery, he is an anchor’s anchor, rising above the noise and screams and conjecture whether at BJ Auctions or a Formula 1 race. It would be hard to imagine watching a Formula 1 event without Varsha at the helm.
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Ferrari 458GT2’s Maiden Race

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Not the greatest maiden race, but promising. Melo behind the helmet.

By Roberto Motta

Photos: Ferrari-Media

March 19-20, Sebring, Florida
The Sebring 12 Hours started the season of the American Le Mans Series and the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. Making their international debut was the Houston’s Risi Competizione 458 Italia GT2 and the Tequila Patron 458 Italia GT2. The Risi 458 was closely observed by Ferrari managing director, Amedeo Felisa, in Florida to witness this special moment.
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