Thanks to all those who sent me pics. There were a couple of great ones amongst them. Fingers crossed one or two will get a run in Unique Cars next edition with a small piece on the Italian Challenge.

Also keep an eye out for the next edition of Australian Classic Car which should be running a wrap up of the Italian Challenge.

Regards,

Brent

Queenslanders,

I am in urgent need of a couple of good racing action shots from the recent Italian Challenge. I am in particular need of a good shot of Andrew Wilson's Alfetta GTV. if you have an good quality pics, please email them to me at bhampstead@live.com.au ASAP. Only email shots within the next two days please, as i am trying to meet a deadline. I would also need your permission to print the shots in a magazine. I can try to get you photo credit, but of course no cash!

Cheers,

Brent

Mick,

I have also owned the 3.0 and the twinspark. The 3.0 did make a sensational noise and had tremendous straight line speed but the twinnie, in my opinion is a better alrounder. I realise you are tossing up between the 2.5 and the 2.0 but I make the comparison as it is still V6 vs 4cyl.

The twinspark is cheaper to run, register and generally repair. It has a decent amount of power, great handling and tremendous feel. I recently bought a 2005 156 TI and to be honest, I wish it was a three year old 75 twinspark!

I converted my twinnie into a club racer and have had an awesome time with it. It has been a great experience learning the fine details of the models as I've slowly made modifications. The twinspark motor in standard form mixes it on the track with several of the modified 4 plug 2 litres.

And yes, they did come with sunroofs as an option in Australia.

I think Julian Lord has a twinspark that he is currently looking to sell in Brisbane. There is very little that Julian doesn't know about twinnies and he has done most of the work on mine. Send me a PM is you would like his details.

Regards,

Brent

Just had to get this announcement back on the main page.

Cheers,

Brent

OK Queenslanders it's time to rise and shine bright and early on Sunday, July 20 for the 2008 All Italian Swap Meet.
WHERE: Indooroopilly State High School, 107 Ward Street, Indooroopilly.
WHEN: 7.30am - 12 noon, Sunday, July 20
COST: $5 per stall, free for shoppers
Light refreshments will be supplied by ISHS Interact Club. Please note that this swap meet is for Italian autos only.
Tell your friends, clean out your garage and be sure to come early.

Jim,

Thanks for the note mate. i hope the holiday is going well.

I managed to come 10th out of 26 entrants in the Italian Challenge, driving the 75. Would have given it a real shake had the Guilietta been healthy. Disregard the message on your answering machine when you get home. The day before the crash, the Guilietta had an electrical issue, which turned out to be a wire leading to the alternator. When I was trying to sort the problem I phoned for your advice. We fixed it up and it ran beautifully until the accident. Give me a call when you return and I will give you the full rundown.

Cheers,

Brent

Last reminder to Italian car fans about the wonderful 2008 Italian Challenge coming up this weekend at Qld Raceway. Read the outline below if you haven't already done so. A few showers are predicted but being Ipswich, they probably won't spread that far west.

We have a good spread of cars confirmed for the show and shine as well as the two track categories.

Cheers,

Brent

Dave,

I'm actually not sure if there are any other suspension changes. I'll be seeing the original owner on the weekend, so i'll try to remember to ask him about it.

Cheers,

Brent

Here is a before and after shot of the Guilietta. Sorry Jim. It will look pristine once again.

Thanks very much lads. I guess these things happen and one has to move on. Guili will have to sit in the garage for a few weeks while I organise the spares and repairs. Panel beater is coming by tomorrow to assess and quote.

Cheers,

Brent

It's been a weekend of mixed fortunes here in Qld, with four Alfas bearing battle scars and three of them out of action. Unfortunately for me, the car formerly known as the custard tart, so lovingly hand-crafted by Jim Nielsen, as been attacked by an out of control Mazda MX5 and has sustained substantial damage. I wore the impact of the crazy little topless bugger right in the B-pillar of the driver's side - so at least I know the cage works. The result is a bent B-Pillar, a slightly bent cage, two stuffed doors, slightly bent front guard and a very sad B.Hampstead. The upside is that I climbed out the window and walked away.

I'll post some pics when I figure out how to downsize the bastards on this Mac.

The 75 is going to have to come out of retirement for next weekend's Italian Challenge.

Cheers,

Brent

Adam,

I have a very good track prepared 75 Twinspark that is coming up for sale on July 7 (my brother is driving it in a regularity on July 5 & 6). It is $10,000 but it has had a ton of work put into it and I have double that in receipts. Email me on bhampstead@live.com.au if you would like to know more. It beats any 75 2.5 in Qld - although there is a 24v 3 litre that give me a good towelling!

Cheers,

Brent

Oops, disregard this post as I just picked up on the NSW thread.

Cheers.

Is Wakefield park still full steam ahead for the September race meeting?

Brad,

Sorry to take an eternity to reply. My 156 is a dark metallic blue. i can't remember the exact colour. I bought it from a dealer, although it had been sold to the dealer by a fellow club member (which I found out just after the purchase). He had lowered it a little on firm Eibach springs, so it looks hot but rides a bit harsh around town. On a good bit of road though the springs really improve the handling.

I'll appreciate the 156 even more when I get in it in an hour or so, as I just finished wrestling my race car onto the trailer, behind the old landcruiser ute. I have a steep driveway, off a busy street, a low trailer and a ute that is slipping a little in reverse. It was quite the operation.

Anyway enjoy chilly Canberra.

Brent