______Andiamo Arese!_____

This, and the following pages, are the full account of a trip that I made to the Alfa Romeo History Museum, and the Mille Miglia retrospective, in 1989. I hope you enjoy the read as much as I enjoyed the trip............... 

I have been an Alfa enthusiast since I was at school. I think that's where I got the Alfa bug. The maths master, Mr Ham, was a pretty good guy, and although I was scared stiff of him in my younger years (he was pretty strict, and would shout a lot), as I got older things seemed to change and we got on very well together. He turned up at school one day with a Gulia Super. It was white with tan leather upholstery. Being keen on cars, motor-sport and most things mechanical, I asked if he would let me have a look at the engine. When I saw the name Alfa Romeo inscribed on the can covers in that lovely flowing italic style, I couldn't help but be impressed. Great names from the past seemed to be symbolised in that name, and there in-front of me was a direct link with the golden age of sports and competition motoring - Monza, Targa Florio, Mille Miglia, Fangio, Ascari, Nuvolari, Ferrari, just the names gave me goose bumps. You have to remember that in the late 60's in England, this was a rare and exotic foreign car. That school lunch-time was ages ago, nearly thirty years, but for me the magic of Alfa Romeo has endured, and when the chance to go to Italy and see not only the historic Alfa museum, but also witness the sound and sights of the Mille Miglia retrospective, I knew I would fulfil a long standing ambition...

Mike Hawthorn, the British '50's racing driver, had a special phrase he used to describe his best friend Peter Collins, also a famous driver. Mike called Peter his 'Mon Ami Mate', and that's how I like to think of Malcolm Monti, my Mon Ami Mate. He is nearly always referred to as just plain 'Monti'. Monti had been to the museum before but was keen to return and see it again, and invited me to go with him. So it was that over Christmas 1988 the plan was formed to go to Milan in April, see the museum and then go on and watch the Mille Miglia.

Sunday 22nd April 1989

 Sunday the 22nd April was a dull wet day. The news from Europe was bad too. Snow and rain in Milan, temperature low for the time of year. Do I pack my shorts? Why not - be optimistic for a change! Monti arrives late, as usual, and we pack the car with my bags. He says he has left Jean (his Mon Ami Misses) in tears, 'she always cry's when I go away' he grins. I kiss the cat and Zena goodbye, in that order, and wonder the usual silly thoughts about whether I will see them again. Monti's driving is safe, but he does like it fast! Before my emotions get the better of me I give Zena a final kiss and then we are off down the road. Malcolm drives guess what? An Alfa of course. A three litre Alfa 75 to be precise. Under the bonnet 190 thoroughbred Milanese stallions begin to canter, and the most glorious sound comes from the exhaust. Only an Alfa can make a noise like that, and I could listen to it all day! By 10pm we have arrived in Dover and booked in at the Moat House hotel. After a couple of drinks and a meal we retire. I sit in bed watching the TV, a program about Italy - Umbria, Assisi, I can't believe that this time tomorrow I'll be there. I fall asleep thinking about pasta and fast cars...

ã Ian Preece, 1989, 1999. All rights reserved. You are welcome to use any material on this site for personal use, but use for material gain is strictly prohibited. The material on this website is reproduced in good faith. It is an account of my own personal experiences, and as such is subject to personal opinion and potential inaccuracy.

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