So yesterday, without an emergency 5 litre petrol for back up, we set off for the 100 mile or so journey to Torino. Unfortunately the weather was more Manchester than Italy, well at least for the first 50 miles or so. After a while the cloud began to lose it's grey uniformity and began to break up as the heavy rain gave way to light drizzle and by the time we reached Torino it was dry but overcast.
We reached the outskirts of Torino and took a deep breath and plunged straight in. Our first stop would be at the Museo dell automobile, the sat nav did it's job perfectly and I have to say that our car is a far calmer place than it used to be with various maps held upside down with Hilary (wife) giving directions just that little bit too late. Back to the museum, or 'museo' as those of us who holiday in Italy say these days. Firstly, the building is a fine example of, well a building, it's champion and looks fine and modern. Inside, on the ground floor there is space for a small race track! We needed a coffee to fortify us after the journey across Torino, more of that to come. I am usually somewhat reluctant to purchase drinks etc in a museum, sorry museo, due to the prices etc but we were pleasantly surprised to pay only 3 euros for a couple of coffees and a doughnut. Top marks awarded.
We duly paid our 12 euros each for entrance to the galleries and started to have a mooch around. I was a little concerned as I had heard a report that it had gone ''all modern'' with very few cars and loads of videos and social comment. Well I need not have worried there were loads of cars, ok they were mainly, Italian and then of course mainly Fiats, well no surprises . Yes it could have a better balance as it is looking at the development of the motor car and the social impact but we are in Italy and I like Italian cars so no problemo for me. I thought that they explained the economic and social aspects of the car really well and Hilary said she found that really interesting. The motor racing hall was really good with many racingcars across the history of F1 lined up in threes in grid formation along the room; it was a spectacular line up, if a bit red. I did tell you that it had it had an Italian ; it was spectacularly brilliant.
Yes there were a few Lancias and there was a Fulvia coupe that had been prepared for Paris-Peking long distance rally; now that did look wonderful. Well worth a visit if you are ever in Torino.
Now to part 2 of our visit to Torino. The plate that covers the radio has been well butchered and has no Fulvia script so looks a mess. I emailed Cavalitto's and they have one in stock so thought aha! When we visit Torino drop in there and pick one up, simples. Address in sat nav and off we go. It looked like we would be crossing right through the centre of Torino no matter we have driven through a Milanese rush hour we had been trained and was ready for anything.
I did learn a lot more about driving in Italy, red lights do not neccessarily mean 'stop', a solid white line in the centre of the road does not always mean you can't cross it to get to the front of the queue, bus and tram lanes are not for their exclusive use, and to top it all pavements are nor for the exclusive use of pedestrians, if your car is narrow enough and you can bump up and down the kerbs use them, make that fourth lane! Driving assertively we got to Cavalitto's where people were buying windscreens, seals, and all sorts of Lancia bits and bobs. After waiting 20 mins or so I got served and bought my radio cover. Good news is that it is cheaper than the email quote.
Had a wander around la centro doing some window shopping and then set the sat nav for home and negotiated the Turinese evening rushour traffic. Piece of cake don't know what all the fuss is about driving in Italy.
Sorry no photos yet, they will follow.
