Lancia Motor Club

The contract is nearly finalised for this event now, so I'm just giving some notice of these early plans. The hotel is just North of Stratford upon Avon and we have been allocated a large field for the event, with the fall back of the car park if the weather is poor.

We hope to have full details in VL in either February or March.

I will be managing the event so you can send any early queries to me.

I've attached a copy of the booking form which has just been finalised. Feel free to send early bookings if you like. Full details of the event, and a hard copy booking form, will be in the March edition of Viva Lancia.

Full details of the event and a hard copy booking form will be in March Viva Lancia.

Bookings for this event close on Friday (24th April), though bookings received in Saturdays post will be accepted.

Daniele Audetto, world famous Italian Formula 1 Team Manager has agreed to be the guest speaker at  Saturday nights Gala Dinner. Here's an extract from his Wikipedia entry;

Audetto started his motorsport career in rallying as a co-driver of Luca di Montezemolo and Sandro Munari in the factory Lancia team. During his three years with the team he earned management degree at Bocconi University. He severely injured his legs during an accident and turned his attention to management within FIAT. In 1976 he replaced Montezemolo as Ferrari team manager. Audetto thus oversaw Niki Lauda's 1977 Formula One season. At the end of that season he was promoted as supervisor of all FIAT motorsport activities.[1]

He left FIAT four years later and began working as an independent sponsor-hunter and liaison, working with a variety of F1 teams and powerboat organisations, notably with the Ceramiche Ragno sponsorship of Arrows F1. After three years he was recruited by Lamborghini Engineering and within a year had been promoted to managing-director, overseeing the company's F1 engine program between 1989 and 1993. After Lamborghini Engineering shut down Audetto worked in the Superbike World Championship.[1]

At the beginning of 1996 Audetto joined Tom Walkinshaw's Ligier operation in F1 but within a few weeks Walkinshaw split with the French team, which was controlled by Flavio Briatore at the time, and bought a majority shareholding in the Arrows F1 team; Audetto, along with many others, followed him and joined Arrows. He stayed with Arrows until it closed down at the end of 2002. The following year he joined Renault F1 to coordinate the engine department and later became the business development director. He left the team at the end of 2003 for Menard, where he was the Vice President and Commercial Director.[1]

Two years later he moved to Super Aguri, where he was appointed as managing director. He remained in that position until the team ceased racing in 2008.

He has now taken up the position of managing director at HRT F1.

Hi All,

I'm putting together a SlideShow for the AGM of database photos uploaded in the past year which is something to have running in the background during the weekend.

If you've uploaded a photo in the past year it will be included - if you wish to have a photo included then please upload one. The instructions for doing this are here http://www.lancia.myzen.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7564.0 - it's the same thing I did at the NEC and thought it'd be nice to bring it along to the AGM too.

Photos from the website news page will also be included ( automatically ) from here http://www.lanciamotorclub.co.uk/club-news.php

If you'd like something included but don't want to do the upload yourself then please email to me ( Database Admin email address is fine ).

I'd love to do Forum pictures too but there's no easy way to do it ( and there's rather a lot of them ! ) but if you have a favourite then send it along ( bear in mind copyright issues )

Any photos sent, please send me a brief description of what / who it is ...

Good idea - 4 pictures sent

Let's get the "forumistes" represented !

I hadn't thought of that aspect ! But great idea Simon and thanks for the pictures you've sent - they're in ....

Saturday afternoon:

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q136/vernonderby/Lancia/P1030324.800_zps0mswffcx.jpg)

and Car of the Day:

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q136/vernonderby/Lancia/P1030341.800_zpser7jv5sc.jpg)

Thank you !

More pics and commentary please for those of us unable to attend. Can we have pictures of people as well please (with names) because I for one do not know who everyone looks like nowadays .... even many of the Forumistes are just avatars

AGM summary ?

Be nice to know how many Lancias and the makeup as there doesn't seem to be that many going by these photos,  I was disappointed at the lack of cars last year at Cambridge compared to the turnouts we used to get.
Unfortunately I couldn't make it this year, so I'd be interested in what Fulvia Berlinas made it to the AGM

Brian
8227 8)

I estimate 60-70 cars. You dont see them all unless someone has done a panoramic. Everyone felt it was a good/nice turnout. Low on Sp cars and Flaminias (1) and I did not see a Fulvia Berlina, but good show of Fulvias in general, Deltas, evos, betas, montes, and todays Lancias. Bear in mind half the UK appeared to be going on their annual holidays this weekend so maybe this held back numbers.

Oldest was Roland Grazebrooks Theta - car of the show.

Please to say my HF won a hotly contested competion class against some very serious competion from 3 other Fulvias.

The highlight was "An audience with Daniele Audetto" as after-dinner speaker who offered candid answers to questions about Rallying, F1, Lancia, and drivers. I only took issue with his view that Alonso is the best of the current drivers; but great cine footage of some truly great motor sport at its zenith.

Looking back at my pictures I can see 57 cars but it is possible I am a few out.  The field that we had was a lovely setting and seemed to be just the right size for the cars that gathered.  The weather was kind to us too.  Link to photos attached (cars and people  :))

https://www.flickr.com/photos/8165854@N08/sets/72157655772429202

Excellent photos , thanks !

I was surprised at how few of certain models there were: only one Lambda, one Thema, one Dedra, one Gamma, one Flaminia, one Y10; ten years ago we would have seen multiple examples of all these models... I was pleased to see several of the current cars, both Lancias and Chryslers, but I don't think there was one example from the previous generation - no Delta HPE, Ypsilon, Lybra, or Kappa.

Tim, any chance you can jot down what you remember of his after dinner talk for a VL article? Have to say I'd love to see Alonso alongside Hamilton in a Mercedes.

Great pictures! I especially like your choice of the Gamma as the opening/cover photo  ;) :D ;D

sorry Stan my shorthand is not good after a bottle of Chapoutier's finest (well I would have chosen a Lange red if there had been some....). It is something a journalist like Peter Baker could do but I can't....

Yes, quite understandable Tim.

To add a few more photos from the day, heres a link to a small selection of mine.

Flickr set: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tonysphotos/sets/72157656013220215 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tonysphotos/sets/72157656013220215)
Facebook album: https://www.facebook.com/tony.harrison.9250595/media_set?set=a.10153069753932825.1073741865.576052824&type=3 (https://www.facebook.com/tony.harrison.9250595/media_set?set=a.10153069753932825.1073741865.576052824&type=3)

Guys,

Looks like it was a wonderful day.

Unfortunately I only got as far as Daventry, not because the Flavia broke down (Perish the thought !)  but because I did !

I stopped to have a stretch of my legs in a lay-by on the A45, and next thing I knew 30 minutes had passed and I was surrounded by Paramedics !

It seems that I had a seizure which was brought on by a brain Haemorrhage that I had some years ago, and so I was taken to Northampton General Hospital, where I spent all day there having tests, and my wife had to come and collect me from Colchester later that evening. Fortunately, the police officer who attended drove my car back to Daventry police station for safe-keeping, and a friend of mine travelled with my wife and drove it home for me.

To be honest, I was more concerned about the Flavia being left at the roadside than me being in hospital ! Thank heavens for that police Officer !

So roll on next years AGM, maybe I can get there !

Bob

Crikey Bob,
Now that is what you call a good reason :o
Hope you are well now.

Brian
8227 8)

Hi Bob
Sorry to hear of your day's events. Hope all OK now.
There was a good showing of Flavias at the AGM but sorry that yours wasn't one of them.
Hope to see you and the car at next year's AGM!
Justin

Brian/Justin,

Thanks for your kind words, much appreciated.

I am feeling a lot better today, and going back to work on Monday, but only for 3 days as we are off to Tuscany on holiday for a well deserved rest.

Thanks again.

Bob

In the Flavia?

Brian
8227 8)

Brian,

Sadly no. We are flying to Parma and collecting a rentacar from Hertz to travel to the villa.

I have always fancied doing a continental tour in the Flavia, with Matt Monroe playing ("On days like these") on the radio, if my car had a radio of course!

The only thing is I would be worried about the weather, as it hasn`t been wet in the 4 years that I have owned it, I don`t even wash it, which i know drives some members potty, but it was in a private indoor collection for over 20 years and never saw rain, which is why it looks as it does.

Maybe I should just get a life and take it out in the rain one day and be done with it !

Bob.

Go for  it Bob,
It's the only way you'll really find out while enjoying yourself at the same time!
Although I put "Fay" back on the road in 1999 it was 2004 before I felt confident enough to take it abroad, but when we got to the Bay de Somme services and spotted a RAC van,  I asked  the driver what they were doing there they pointed to a load of Classic cars and said,  "We're supporting these cars on a tour of the Wye valley, knowing we were on our own, and on our way to Portugal another 1000 miles further on, to say the least caused us a bit of concern, but the further south we went the confidence in her abilities took over and eventually just enjoyed the trip.
Since then we went to Turin for 100th Anniversary Lancia Celebrations, again on the Knights Rally in 2013, along with diversions to Holland and Belgium.
The total problems encountered in this trips amounting to about 8500 miles, was one puncture in Portugal travelling to a dinner 4 up when I hit a rather large pothole, and one puncture in the same wheel position, but a different tyre, 40 miles from home on the M25 on the way back from Turin in 2006, she ran like a dream on the Knights Rallye, including torrential rain in Belgium on the way back heading for near Mons to visit friends.
It all boils down to preparation & more preparation, and enough spares in the boot to frighten her from misbehaving ;)
However you get there have a great time.

Brian
8227 8)

PS.
You don't need the radio, the blat of a Lancia is all the music you'll need!

Bob enjoy looking for your second Flavia so you can drive on in the rain. Have agreat break. Tim

How fortunate that you stopped to stretch your legs and wasn't behind the wheel at the time. I have to confess that I have a foot in the non-rain camp but not to the extent that I wouldn't take it on a long trip like the Knights Rally. In fact it did get caught in torrential rain for the last couple of hours of the trip home. Of course, it looks exactly the same two years later as it did then, it's not a pile of rust on the garage floor. But I do try to protect it as much as I can. If I fancy a weekend drive I'll pick the dry day over the 'maybe rain' day. It gets plenty of use, but dry use. Probably because of this I only wash mine once or twice a year then it sits under a dust cover in the garage so doesn't really get dirty. Definitely take your Flavia on a continental trip. Even if you meet some rain the memories of driving it over stunning Alpine passes will soon outweigh it. Have you had it Waxoyled?

I would waxoyle it and treat the underside with Finegans black velvet then use it in the rain in moderation. Certainly you are seriously missing out if your care regime is preventing you from enjoying your Lancia on a continental tour.

Also how about cleaning with one of the modern waterless cleaning products that are advertised these days. Has anybody tried them?

Frank

Chaps,

After my little "Incident" on AGM day, I am softening about using the car in less than ideal conditions, particularly as I so enjoy driving on the continent.

My biggest problem at the moment is getting back in and driving it, as I haven`t even sat in the car since that day, as I guess I am sub-consciously associating the car with the event, even though it wasn`t the cars fault.

Maybe I just need that rest and holiday in Tuscany to forget about it all, and look forward to getting back in and going for a drive, if not, there is going to be one fantastic Flavia available in a few weeks time !

Bob

When I was reading an advert for one of those posh tours I noticed that the support doctor got higher billing than the mechanic.  I couldn't find the exact link but I'm 99pct sure this is the organisation.  Tim Heath and Brian Mills are listed as participants this May for references.

http://www.via-flaminia.com/organisation/

In terms of building confidence, as with anything else, start small and have a really good friend along with you.

David

Enjoy Tuscany Bob. I too am out to Tuscany - Certaldo to be precise for a week from Sunday. A wonderful place to recharge the batteries. Enjoy!!

Frank,
I do on "Fay" I use greased lightning purchased from one of the TV shopping Channels although you can get it on ebay,
I must admit if she's very dirty I take her to the local Eastern European hand wash place first, who are very good, but it's very easy to apply and immediately polish off, gives a brilliant shine, and no scratching if you use microfibre clothes as directed to.
It's no longer the chore it used to be when using wax polish, and equally as good, if not better, certainly easier.
You can also use it on glass, I do everything except the windscreen where I use Rainx, I also do the headlamp glass as well.
Brian
8227 8)

point of information. No Doctors on Via Flaminia Rallys! Although great fun as we did one 2 years ago and were going to do another with Brian and Linda Mills but we had to pull out at the last minute when my father passed away unexpectedly. Hope to do another in the future.

On that page on certain rallies Medical Doctor and Photographer Wico Mulder is joining in order to give the needed medical assistance and of course for taking pictures during the rally.

The other place I might have seen it is a posh Alpine rally.  I got on their mailing list way-back-when and get the mailings and a rather nice Christmas card from them.

David

Chaps,

Firstly, thanks for your kind words.

We have just returned from our break to Tuscany, and it was a welcome rest after recent events. Very hot (38 degrees).

Hopefully tomorrow I will get my act together and get the Flavia out for a run, although I am still a little wary.

On another note, I did at last read "The Book" whilst away, and it has created a desire to own an older Lancia to keep the Flavia company, maybe an Appia series 3. So if anyone has any hints or advice, it would be welcome.

Thanks again,

Bob

Chaps,

Well the inevitable has happened !

DVLA have decide that I must not drive for 6 months from the day of my seizure, which means that I can`t drive until the 11th of January.

However, this is not the end of the world, as I don`t use the Flavia or my old motorcycles over the winter period anyway, so that`s not an issue.

The only problem is getting to work, as it means that I have to cycle there, at my age !, so have been out tonight to Halfords and bought lots of wet weather gear for the next few months cycling.

I Will be counting down the days until I can apply for my licence back, It`s not until you lose it, that you realise how much it means to those of us who are so car related, it`s like my legs have been cut off !

Roll on January !

Bob

Not the best news Bob, particularly at this time of the year. Still, cycling is a very good way of keeping fit, a non impact form of exercise ...... not that I indulge in it myself!!!! As you say, roll on January!!!

Best wishes,
   
             Andy

Bob,
I don't know how far you have to travel but I've recently bought myself a secondhand electric bike, with the current batteries the range was about 7 mile, without having to pedal, but I've just bought a new pair of sealed lead acid battery replacements that I'm in the process of changing today, these should extend the range to between 20-25 miles. and with a top speed of 15mph it's pretty quick.
You don't need a licence to ride one and unless you really feel the need for the exercise it's great, you do of course sometimes need to pedal to assist up hills otherwise you'll reduce the range, but it's a darned sight easier going up hill and on the flat with the battery assist than without.
Sorry about the licence but as you don't use them in the Winter the 6 months should go quite quickly, so come the Spring you should be ok to drive again. :)

Brian
8227 8)

My sympathies Bob. I had to give up my license for a while when I was diagnosed with sleep apnoea until I was under successful treatment. The time soon passes and it's a good opportunity to do some more serious work on your vehicles while you are grounded.

Frank

I had not thought about the electric bike, a stroke of genius!!! Yes, you are still exposed to the elements, but at least you do not need to arrive everywhere hot and sweaty!!!

                                                     Andy

Am having a mighty email purge today and stumbled on this:

https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/bikes/vintage-electric-produces-board-track-bicycles-spark?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Members%20Only%20E&utm_content=Members%20Only%20E%20CID_7d7e266f7d695129d2d889c821842c19&utm_source=newsletter