Fiat 127 Sport

Chris Bangle-designed Fiat Coupe

Story and photos by Gary Axon

First held in 2024 by the Fiat Motor Club (GB) to celebrate Fiat’s 125th anniversary, this year’s edition of the now annual ‘Fiats & Friends’ event was once again held at the popular British Motor Museum at Gaydon in central England on August 1st. As its name suggests, Fiats & Friends caters for all Italian vehicles, whether made by Fiat or one of its many associated brands (Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati, etc.), as well as other non-Fiat/Stellantis marques.

A healthy turn out of Fiat models from all eras and varieties made the trip to Gaydon for the day, along with a good spread of Alfa Romeos, Lancias, Abarths and Autobianchis, plus a few more exotic Ferraris, Maseratis and a sole De Tomaso.

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Yep, this one has correct hose clamps on the radiator…

Story and photos by Jonathan Sharp

Let us make no mistake: the upper end of the classic car hobby has always been for the very wealthy. But at one time there was a discrete middle class who could afford to own the lower end of the upper end, perhaps a Dino 246 GT or a Maserati 3500 or a Lancia Aurelia in good shape. But eventually even the lower end sports cars became ultra-expensive, out of the reach of the normal enthusiast. Those days are gone and probably gone forever. So what is left for the real car enthusiast who has a family, a mortgage and a moderate income?

Between his coverage of Goodwood, Salon Prive and Windsor Castle, Jonathan Sharp took the time to attend a down- to-earth-event at a golf course near Silverstone. Ed. [Read more…] about The Last Refuge of the Enthusiast