Auto Italia Magazine - Issue 276, February 2019
Featuring ALFA FIAT LANCIA FERRARI LAMBORGHINI MASERATI
Editorial & Welcome
The February 2019 issue of Auto Italia magazine, Issue 276, priced at £4.99, covers a range of Italian automotive subjects. The editorial highlights Italy's engineering and design talent in the 1960s, focusing on Count Volpi's Serenissima sports cars and the re-emergence of three of his cars after 50 years. It also discusses Fiat Chrysler's new direction under CEO Michael Manley, including electrification plans for Fiat 500, 500X, Panda, and Alfa Romeo models like the Giulia, Stelvio, and Giulietta. Concerns are raised about the future of planned Alfa Romeo models like the GTV and 8C supercar.
Key contributors include Editor Chris Rees, Photographic Editor Michael Ward, and Events Director Phil Ward, alongside a team of journalists and photographers passionate about Italian cars.
News Highlights
The news section covers Fiat's electrification program, with the next-generation Fiat 500 set to be all-electric and hybrid versions planned for the 500X and Panda. Alfa Romeo models like the Giulietta, Giulia, and Stelvio will also see hybrid variants. Maserati's Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte will become plug-in hybrids. The article notes uncertainty regarding future Alfa Romeo models like the GTV and 8C supercar.
Other news includes the unveiling of the Ferrari SP3JC one-off, a Ferrari 250 GT `Breadvan' hommage under construction, the Lamborghini Urus ST-X Concept previewing a new racing series, the Italdesign GT-R50 confirmed for production, and the Abarth 124 Rally winning the R-GT Cup. Alfaholics delivered its 18th GTA-R 290. Milltek Sport launched a Giulia Veloce exhaust system, and Forge Motorsport released a new intake hose for the Fiat 500.
Auction news includes a 1956 Ferrari 290 MM selling for approximately £17 million, a 1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 Spider fetching £47,300 at auction, and an upcoming dedicated Ferrari sale by Silverstone Auctions. Parts for Alfetta and 75 models are also highlighted.
Features
Lamborghini Urus: Absurd?
A review of the Lamborghini Urus, describing its performance, styling, and off-road capabilities. It's noted as absurdly fast, luxurious, and large, with a 650hp V8 twin-turbo engine, 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds, and a top speed of 189mph. The article details its coupe-like stance, interior luxury, touchscreen infotainment, spacious cabin, and the V8 engine's sound. Handling, steering, four-wheel drive system, and brakes are discussed, along with its surprising off-road prowess. The verdict is that it's absurdly good fun and a true 'raging bull'. Technical specifications are provided.
Serene Triplets: Serenissima Sports Cars
The story of three unique Serenissima sports cars created by Count Volpi in the 1960s, unearthed after 50 years. The article traces the origins from the ATS (Automobili Turismo e Sport) company, Count Volpi's involvement, and the development of models like the Serenissima Jet, Torpedo, and Agena. It mentions the connection to McLaren's F1 efforts and the cars' eventual auction. The text describes the cars' design and technical aspects, highlighting their rarity and enigmatic history.
Taking The Tube: Alfa Romeo TZ
An in-depth look at the Alfa Romeo TZ, a racing car featuring a tubular chassis. It details the car's development from the Alfa-Abarth 1000 Coupe project, the collaboration with Zagato for bodywork, and the establishment of Auto-Delta. The article covers the Giulia TZ's racing successes in various championships and the development of the TZ2. It discusses homologation rules and the car's final racing season in 1965. Technical details and variations between TZ models are explained.
The Best Collection: Tony Best's Cars
A profile of Tony Best, a racing driver and industrial designer, and his collection of Italian competition cars. The article highlights his Ferrari 246 Dino, used in historic single-seater racing, his Ferrari 212 Inter with significant competition history, and his 1923 Alfa Romeo RL, rebodied as a Targa Florio car. It also mentions his air-cooled VW collection and an Abarth 595, emphasizing his appreciation for aesthetic appeal and motorsport pedigree.
Hot Points: Fiat Punto Group Test
A comparison of three generations of the Fiat Punto in their hottest forms: the Mk1 GT Turbo, Mk2 HGT, and Mk3 Abarth Scorpione. The article reflects on the Punto's history and its recent discontinuation. It details each car's specifications, performance, and owner experiences, noting the rarity of surviving GT and HGT models. Technical specifications are provided for each car.
Feisty Foreign Fiats: Sporting Fiats Around the Globe
This feature explores lesser-known sporting Fiat models produced in various countries, including Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, and India. It covers models such as the Fiat 770/800 Coupe & Spider (Argentina), Fiat 1500 Coupe, 1600 Sport & 125 Sport (Argentina), Fiat 128 IAVA (Argentina), Fiat 147 Sorpasso (Argentina), Fiat 147 Rallye, Racing & Spazio TR (Brazil), Fiat Oggi CSS (Brazil), Fiat 131 2000 Racing (South Africa), Fiat Tempra Coupe & Turbo (Brazil), Fiat Uno 1.5R/1.6R (Brazil), Fiat Uno Turbo I.E. (Brazil), Fiat Palio/Siena Sporting & 1.8R (Brazil), Fiat Uno Sporting (Brazil), Fiat Palio Sporting (Brazil), Fiat Bravo Sporting (Brazil), Fiat Idea Sporting (Brazil), Fiat Strada Sporting (Brazil), Fiat Argo/Cronos 1.8 HGT (South America), and the Abarth Punto (India).
Braking The Mould: Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Shooting Brake
An investigation into the Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 shooting brake, rebodied by Alfredo Vignale. The article discusses its controversial design, its origins with US Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti Jr and illustrator Bob Peak, and Vignale's history as a coachbuilder. It mentions other Vignale-bodied Ferraris and similar shooting brake conversions by other coachbuilders. The text details the car's reception and its last-ever Vignale bodywork.
Padova Auto e Moto d'Epoca
A report from Italy's largest classic car show, highlighting notable vehicles such as the Bertone 850 VIP, Volugrafo Bimbo, Volpe microcars, Abarth 207A Boano Spider, and various other rare Italian models. The article also mentions the presence of classic Alfa Romeos, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, and the Bonhams auction results. It provides diary dates for the next year's event.
Autumn Motorsport Festival at Brooklands
A report on Auto Italia's annual motorsport event at Brooklands, detailing the cars that participated despite rainy weather. Highlights include the Napier Railton, various Abarths, Ferraris, and other racing cars. The event featured track demonstrations and indoor attractions due to weather cancellations.
Zandvoort Historic Grand Prix
Coverage of the historic motorsport event at Zandvoort, featuring historic F1 racers and sports cars. The article mentions the track's history, upcoming upgrades, and the event's program, including FIA Masters Historic Formula 1 and Sports Cars championships. Notable cars like the Ferrari 250 GTO and AC Cobra are mentioned, as well as Ferrari 156 F1 replicas.
Banzai Q-Car: Alfa Romeo 156 V6 Sportwagon from Japan
An account of importing a Japanese-market Alfa Romeo 156 V6 Sportwagon. The author details the search for a specific specification, the process of importing from Japan with assistance from Midlands Car Services, and the issues encountered and resolved after receiving the car. The article discusses the car's features, including the Busso V6 engine and the Q-System automatic transmission.
Book Shelf
Reviews of two automotive books: 'Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/1967' by Patrick Dasse & Martin belher, detailing the development and racing career of the Tipo 33 in its debut year, and 'Martin's Cars: Pensieri in Tre Dimensioni' by Paolo Martin, a retrospective on the car designer's career and projects.
Regulars & Listings
The magazine includes sections for Back Issues, providing an extensive index of past articles, and Classifieds, listing Italian cars for sale. It also features Events and Clubs listings, detailing upcoming automotive gatherings and owner club contact information.
