Ballymena Car Fest 2012 – Bellissimo!

9th June 2012 – A good club turnout at Ballymena Fest despite the overcast weather. There were ten club members cars on display –  from Alfa Romeo we had a Giulietta, Brera, 147 GTA, Alfasud Sprint and Alfetta GTV, from Fiat we had an X/19, 500 (Luigi), a Lancia Delta Integrale and Beta Montecarlo and Johnny’s Ferrari 348 TS. Four other Italian cars were on display in the Italian category, all Fiats  – a Panda, 2 Puntos and a smart yellow Barchetta.

Star of the Italian cars on display at the show was undoubtedly a glorious orange Lamborghini Aventador – all heads turned as it arrived, the deep rumble of its exhaust filling the air.  A Maserati Granturismo drew many admiring glances as well – it too looked sharp finished in white with a winey red soft top.

Paul Swift, stunt driver drew the crowds with his stunning display of precision driving  – from J turns, parallel parking to his piece de resistance, driving on two wheels complete with a car full of excited (or petrified) passengers.

When it came to the presentation of awards Chris Byrne picked up the prize for the Best Italian car, his immaculate 1985 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV winning favour with the judges.  Peter Simpson’s 1993 Lancia Delta Integrale was runner up.

Thankfully the weather held up and despite some menacing clouds the rain stayed away. Another enjoyable event – well done to the organisers.”

Tim