Always Looking For Another

The Tipo 33 Stradale is my all time dream car.  Here's an article on this dream car and its apparent descendant, the beautiful 4C. http://hooniverse.com/2011/12/21/2011-hcoty-nominee-the-alfa-romeo-33-stradale/

Exclusive: the Alfa Romeo 4C draws nearer - BBC Top Gear

Alfa Romeo model collection to be sold at auction at Brooklands. http://www.sportscardigest.com/alfa-romeo-model-collection-offered-at-auction/

The FIAT 500 Abarth was finally officially entered into the American auto market and what a tidy little package it is.  I hope that when Alfa releases their new line they will be as sexy. http://www.roadandtrack.com/auto-shows/los-angeles/2012-fiat-500-abarth .

Raw video footage of the Alfas at the 2011 Best of France and Italy show in Woodley Park, Encino, CA.

Phil Hill Tribute at Petersen Automotive Museum - Preview I am a big fan of Phil Hill. He was a fantastic race car driver and human being. This is a fitting tribute by one of the premier automotive organizations.

New'ish details on the plan for Alfa Romeo. http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/10/alfa-romeo-lays-out-product-plans-until.html

Pictures from the Car Club Corrals, Saturday qualies and a walk through the paddock at the Coronado speed festival.

We had a really fun day at the grape stomp, sitting in the shade of an apple tree sipping on a variety of reds and whites (Menghini's own Sauvignon Blanc is excellent on a warm day with food).  Meeting new Alfisti and wanna-be's.

While others were lounging in the cabana at the Harrah's pool, I went next door to the Imperial Palace Auto Collection.

It was a beautiful day for morning drive.  Went down to the Saturday morning car club meet in Rancho Santa Fe and saw these fine examples of automotive excellence.  The big beige auto is the Pebble Beach winning Minerva.  This is what a 100 point car looks like.

I got Margherita back home last night after the extensive maintenance that she desperately needed, thanks to Erik at Rathmann Auto Works in Poway.  He had to replace the old 3 liter cams since one of the exhaust lobes was severely worn.  I had found two sets of cams through the AlfaBB.com site; one came with a set of heads, which I did not need but Erik said that he could use them.  The cams were re-profiled and re-ground to spec. She now has a rebuilt clutch, all new rubber seals, drive shaft flex joints (commonly referred to as doughnuts in America, giubos in Italian), new braided stainless steel brake lines, brake pads, suspension tweaks, and so much more the invoice is literally 5 pages long; BUT I am not complaining.  Margherita is now the car that she once was.  Nice crisp handling and the distinctive exhaust note has returned.  She gets right up on the cams and scoots.  I can hardly wait for this weekend to shoot up to Cars and Coffee on the early morning speed run. A grea

My GTV6 is undergoing a much needed mechanical rehabilitation.  Rathmann Auto Works is going from front to back and fixing, repairing and replacing things that probably should have been replaced years ago, meanwhile upgrading some of the safety features (like brake lines).  Erik is also repairing old worn out seals and plugging those nagging little leaks, and fixing things done by other mechanics in the past.  I can hardly wait to get her back on the road.  It will be like getting a new Alfa, almost. Braided Stainless steel brake lines for better brake pedal response, front and rear. New rear CV Joints Trans-axle seals. Camshafts are worn and in need of replacement Gunk caused by condensation.  Probably from a clogged oil breather.

The design of the 4C has been a bit controversial among some Alfisti.  The chief criticism has been that it looks like a copy of the Lotus Elise/Exige.   InsideLine.com has an article explaining why this is.  The chief of Fiat design was the head of a design team that worked on the project Ethos, which was the inspiration for the Lotus models as well as the Renault Sport Spider.

It's real! And I WANT ONE! Geneva 2011: Alfa Romeo 4C - BBC Top Gear

My dreams are about to be realized! A new Stradale, with modern components. Carbon fiber and aluminum chassis; close to 235HP in a 1784 pound car. Can you say ZOOOM? Alfa 4C concept draws inspiration from the legendary Stradale - AutoWeek Magazine

"the stuff that dreams are made of"

BusinessDay - LAUNCH NEWS: Car to get Alfa brand on track : "1750 TBi Quadrifoglio Verde"

Confirmation that Alfa will be back in 2012. Alfa Romeo is not for sale, Fiat chairman says - AutoWeek Magazine

FINALLY!! Thanks to Larry, SR. at  APE  I have my Balocco quadrifolio badges!!!!! I called when I saw the post on AlfaBB.com on the Balocco he was parting out and actually talked to Larry, Sr. and did the deal. Got them today! I have to find the right shade of green and re-paint and re-mount and Margherita will be "whole" again. Thanks again, Larry. __________________

There are literally volumes of history written on the Alfa Romeo involvement in all types of racing during the 20th century.  It's time for the beloved marque to hit the track again! http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110103/CARNEWS/110109995?uid=16115