28.06.2004 ITALIAN CAR ENTHUSIASTS STORM SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS FOR THE ANNUAL SPAITALIA EVENT

More than 800 Italian modern and classic cars gathered on Sunday 27^th June at the legendary Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.  The full program included feature expositions, a Concours d’Elegance and first-hand track experiences.  

Centro Stile Zagato represented the main feature this year.  The renowned Italian design house celebrated their 85^th anniversary and was represented by a wide variety of historical vehicles.  Their stand included cars from the Alfa Romeo Museo Storico, with a Giulietta SZ, 1963 Giulia TZ1 and 1965 TZ2 seducing onlookers.  Other rarities included an Aston Martin DB4 GTZ, a 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Competizione and the recent Aston Martin Vanquish Roadster Concept.  The stand was flanked by an array of privately-owned Alfa Junior Zagatos with one owner travelling from Denmark.  

The day kicked off with wet weather and a soaked track, but this did not deter enthusiasts from turning up early.  The first event in the program was scheduled for the children of the Flemish Liga Cancer organisation.  Italiaspeed were present, giving children an entertaining ride around the circuit.

After half an hour, the track was passed on to the Alfa SZ / RZ Club.  Their international gathering was a record attempt, with over fifteen SZ’s and seven RZ’s present.  Certain owners had travelled from the UK and Switzerland to contribute to the historical event, but the record was not broken.  

By 10:00, the weather had cleared up and the circuit became basked in glorious sunshine.  The track was than used for the first ‘Grand Parade’, whereby participants had the possibility to drive their cars on the circuit.  Vehicles ranged from small Fiat Coupes to race-prepped Ferrari F40s.  

11:00 marked the opening of the Concours d’Elegance.  A small, but diverse array of cars gathered representing all corners of the Italian auto industry.  President of the Jury was Andrea Zagato, grandson of Ugo Zagato, representing the third generation Zagato to head Centro Stile Zagato.  

Notable entries included a stunning 1947 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Extra Lusso, with Stabilimenti Farina coachwork.  Fresh from a ground-up restoration, the car, owned by Italian enthusiast Corrado Lopresto, was awarded with the ‘Best-of-Show’ certificate.  

Other winning entries included a 1956 Alfa Romeo 1900 SS Ghia-Aigle, a 1955 Abarth 207A Boano Roadster and a 1947 Cisitalia Spider 202 MM, the latter two being owned by renowned Belgian enthusiast Paul Grant.  

The exciting Scuderia del Portello Belgio classification ran from 13:00 to 14:00, with the more powerful cars taking to the track.  Entries ranged from road-going Ferrari 360’s to race-prepared Alfa Giulia GTA’s and a 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa.   

Lamborghini Brussels took full advantage of the event, and used the track for three whole hours.  Diablo’s, Murcielago’s and numerous Miura’s roared around, with some unexpected spins entertaining the crowd.  The recently launched Gallardo was also put through its paces alongside a Diablo GT-R. Around five Miura’s were present, a stunning amount considering the model’s rarity.

By James Granger
Image credits: James & Paddy Granger