27.05.2010 ALFA ROMEO OWNERS' SWAMP THE HISTORIC STREETS OF YORK

YORK ALFA ROMEO CENTENARY DAY - MAY 2010
YORK ALFA ROMEO CENTENARY DAY - MAY 2010
YORK ALFA ROMEO CENTENARY DAY - MAY 2010

Over 100 beautifully presented Alfa Romeos from the Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club UK took over the streets of York as part of a weekend of Italian-themed festivities, spurred by Alfa Romeo’s Centenary, which included a large Italian market and musical performances.

Over 100 beautifully presented Alfa Romeos from the Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club UK took over the streets of York as part of a weekend of Italian-themed festivities, spurred by Alfa Romeo’s Centenary, which included a large Italian market and musical performances.
 
The Alfa Romeos represented all of the ages of the marque, from the 1929 1750 Super Sport Zagato, belonging to AROC’s Vintage Registrar Carol Corliss, through to the latest Brera Italia Independent, MiTo Cloverleaf and GT Special Edition, all part of the display from Piccadilly Alfa Romeo of Knaresborough. Piccadilly also brought along a stunning black 8C Competizione which was the focus of a huge amount of attention from the general public.
 
AROC’s organisers arranged the cars on the specially closed roads in age order, flowing from the vintage cars through 1900s, Giuliettas, 2600s and Montreal’s, to a host of 105 Series Berlinas, Coupés and Spiders, to St Sampson’s Square, the centre of the event, which was surrounded by Alfasuds, 33s, 75s, 155s, 164s, an impressive line of SZ and RZs, then ‘916’ model GTVs and Spiders, 156s, 166s and 147s – right up to the latest GTs, 159s, Breras, Brera Spiders and a side road full of MiTos close to the Italian market area. Colin Metcalfe, AROC Yorkshire Section Secretary and Events Team member said: "We wanted to have 100 cars to help celebrate Alfa Romeo's centenary. While we didn't quite manage to get a car from every year, it has been a wonderful turnout. York is the perfect place to stage something like this and there has been a real feeling of a Little Italy during the day.”
 
Many Club members had travelled from across the country to be part of the special event, indeed from as far as Scotland and the South of France, all meeting up at focal point of the Alfa Romeo Hospitality Unit in St Sampson’s Square itself. Reaction from the general public during the day was remarkable, with people drooling over the hood-down Spiders, posing for photographs by the Vintage cars, and stopping for long chats with the various owners.  Many just could not believe the variety of models, but all were taken aback by their general condition, presentation and sheer beauty!  The club was also delighted to sign up a good many new members, inspired by the collection of cars on display.
 
Alan Lathwell, from the AROC Events Team commented: “Our Club is delighted to hold such a unique event in the historical city of York, clearly enjoyed by all those who’ve made a special visit and those just passing by," while John Griffiths, also from the AROC Events Team said during the day, “I’ve just been talking to a lady who’s owned Peugeots for 15 years who’s literally now off to place an order on a MiTo that she’s just seen for the first time, and clearly influenced by the enthusiasm of the owners!”
 
Mention must go to York City Council who were key to making this event the great success it was; always constructive and helpful throughout the prior year of planning – of course this type of thing doesn’t happen overnight.   The Council’s representatives present on the day were absolutely delighted by it, and particularly the general public reaction to the cars which looked so good among the city’s beautiful architecture – so much so that they are very keen for it to become an annual event. Also delighted with the outcome of the day was Ed McDonough, the ever-enthusiastic AROC Chairman, he added: “The team has done a brilliant job to bring this together, but we are indebted to the support of our members for bringing along such wonderful cars for everyone to enjoy.”
 
All Alfa Romeo fans can be part of the Alfa Romeo Owner’s Club UK’s Alfa centenary celebrations at their next big event on 21 and 22 August at the famous Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb track in Worcestershire, UK. As well as a two days of top-flight competition including a wonderful array of Alfa Romeos both racing and doing demonstration runs, there will be as many as 800 Alfa Romeos parked in a large display area, plus an Alfa Romeo Concours d’Elegance contest, trade stands, the AROC shop and many other attractions. All details of this event and the AROC UK can be found on www.aroc-uk.com
 

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