2013 Italian Show a Roaring Success
All Ireland Italian Motor Event – Lagan Valley Island – 25th May 2013
The Northern Ireland Italian Motor Club (NIIMC) hosted their annual display of Italian vehicles last Saturday at Lagan Valley Island. As the Italian bunting fluttered gently in the morning breeze there was barely a cloud in the sky. The sun was shining brightly and everyone was hopeful that there would be plenty of brightly shining Italian vehicles on display too.
They weren’t to be disappointed. Donnelly Group had pulled out all the stops to support the event by supplying 6 of the latest cars from the Abarth, Alfa Romeo and Fiat ranges. Charles Hurst Specialist Car Division also provided 2 supercars (both of which made a super noise) for everyone to feast their eyes on. The exclusive, yet surprisingly practical Ferrari FF and a stunning black Maserati Gransport, both the epitome of Italian style and flair drew many admiring looks.
To celebrate 10 years since the club was formed NIIMC was privileged that local jeweller Mervyn Shannon had teamed up with luxury brand TAG Heuer and donated a TAG Heuer watch to the club. Anyone joining the club this year will have a chance to win the watch with their name being entered into the grand prize draw at the end of the year.
The range and quality of the vehicles that arrived was truly impressive, some old, some new, some familiar cars and some very rare examples too. The oldest and perhaps rarest car on show was a 1926 Fiat 507 Torpedo.
An Italian car show wouldn’t be complete without a true Italian icon and a couple of small but perfectly formed Fiat 500s were real crowd pleasers, attracting as much attention as the fabulous Ferraris such as the 308 (the one that Magnum PI used to drive), 348, California, 430 Spider and a rare white Ferrari 16M Scuderia Spider – the car that startled most people especially when it’s owner, Paul Gray revved the engine as unsuspecting spectators walked by.
Amongst the multicoloured display of vehicles were some real beauties. Members of the Southern Ireland Alfa Romeo Owner’s Club had driven up to be at the show and their cars certainly added to the impressive display at Lagan Valley Island. Numerous Alfa Romeos, including Spiders, Breras, GT Coupes, Alfasuds, 1750 and 2000 GTVs, Mitos, Giuliettas, 147’s, 155’s, 156’s, 159’s and 166’s were all present as well as an extremely rare 1974 Alfa Romeo Montreal.
Another modern classic, the Lancia Delta Integrale was a firm favourite with the onlookers and other Lancia’s such as the Beta Spider and Fulvia Sport S were a welcome reminder of Lancia’s ability to produce stylish cars. Fiat’s were well represented too – from a 1964 1500 Cabrio to 500’s, Pandas, Puntos, X/19’s, 127 Sport, 131 Mirafiori Sport and several Fiat Coupes, not forgetting an immaculate Fiat 850 Sport Coupe. Two Maseratis – a Coupe GT and Quattroporte were both contenders for best sounding car of the day.
No one could deny that all the cars demonstrated the flair, curves, structure and grace that is placed into each and every Italian designed car. Italian engineers have well and truly captured the marvel that makes Italian automobiles a little more exciting than your average car today.
In terms of the two wheeled attractions Ducatis were undoubtedly the most popular bike on display but other Italian marques such as Moto Guzzi also appeared.
A range of other interesting non Italian models included a Triumph TR6, a rally Mini Cooper, Bentley Arnage, 1965 Mercedes Fintail a 1979 Mercedes 350 S Class, BMW M6 cabriolet and an original M3 as well as some classic Fords and a range of Porsches driven by members of the Porsche Club who had come along to support the Italian gathering.
In total over 100 cars and around a dozen Italian motorbikes filled the carpark at Lagan Valley Island – a superb turnout. The Italian theme was also extended to Lighters restaurant and those attending had the opportunity to sample the delicious Italian cuisine which the chef had prepared specially for the event.
Lisburn’s Mayor William Leathem and his wife also attended the event and escorted by Club Chairman Cyril McMullen took the opportunity to mingle and chat with owners who were only too glad to tell them about their love affair with their Italian beauties.
The only formal element of the day was the prize giving for the best in class. Four prizes were awarded. Honours were as follows;
Best Italian Car sponsored by Michael McDonald – prize Naviwax products, leather cleaner and polishing cloths from Nubawax.
Won by Clare Logan for her Abarth 595 Competizione
Best Italian Motorcycle sponsored byEddie McNeill – prize car accessories from Lisburn Autoparts.
Won by David McMullen for his Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak.
Best non Italian vehicle sponsored by Mervyn Shannon – prize Ice Phone Retro handset from Shannon’s Jewellers
Won by Mark McMullan for his 1972 Jensen Interceptor
Overall award for Best in Show sponsored by Woodstock Autoparts – prize Autoglym cleaning products
Won by Gerard Campbell for his 1964 Alfa Romeo Guilia 1600 Spider
Our thanks to the exhibitors for their generosity in donating the prizes to the award winners. As the event drew to a close and everyone started to depart there was still a real buzz of excitement in the air – club members stayed behind to reflect on the day and to marvel at the precision driving skills by Stephen from CCRS as he carefully drove the Maserati Gransport and Ferrari FF into place on the back of his truck.
Overall it was another truly successful event for NIIMC – the 2012 event had been a special day which was always going to be difficult to eclipse but I think we may just have managed it. This year’s show had all the right ingredients – fabulous cars and bikes, fine food and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Teamwork was also critical to the show’s success with everyone playing their part, however small it may have been. The superb weather played its part too – will our luck hold out for next year and will we be blessed with another bright sunny day? – who knows, we will just have to wait and see.
Tim Logan
Club Secretary
28th May 2013
