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The Auto-Moto-Italia event has become one of the shows that start the indoor season in the Netherlands. In a weekend that the clock was turned back an hour, hundreds of enthusiast gathered at the Euretco Expocenter in Houten to enjoy all that automotive Italy has brought to the world. New this year was that the exhibition was also open to Mediterranean cars that had been designed by Italians, which explained the presence of some nice Peugeot 504s, a Simca Sport and even a Delahaye. Although the exhibition area is relatively small, there is always a nice atmosphere and this seems to attract some special cars both on the exhibition floor as well as on the visitors’ car park. This year was no exception. While people could catch a ride in a 355 GTS and 355 Spider, others could admire several exotics outside. Many owners used the opportunity to drive their car once more before the winter period really starts. Several Alfa Romeos, Lancias and Fiats found the way to the centre of the Netherlands. Even classic Lamborghinis and Maseratis could be found in the parking lot, as well as a Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 and Dino 246 GTS along with several eight-cylindered horses. Inside there was more interesting machinery. An Alfa Romeo tipo 33 was displayed on the club stand. Savali displayed a more modern Alfa racecar; a SZ cup racer as driven in an Italian race series. Ferrari was present with twelve cars, ten of them fitted with a V12 engine. A gorgeous 275 GTB was arguably the most beautiful car there, but it could also have been the spectacular 365 GTB/4 as well. Finished in silver with a black interior, the car drew much attention from the public. There was also a mean looking 365 GTB/4 competition conversion on display and a 330 GTC and 365 GTC in a very nice light blue colour. A 365 GT4 2+2, 400 GT and 512BB bridged the gap between classic and modern, the latter being represented in form of a Mondial cabriolet, a Testarossa, a 456M, and a 360 Spider. It was not only cars that could be experienced. One room was dedicated
to automobilia with model cars, books, magazines, brochures and the like
for the Italian car nut. For the hungry spectator it was possible to choose
from a variety of Italian food, which could be consumed with live Italian
music on the background. For the fourteenth time the event managed to
bring a little passion of Italy to the down-to-earth Dutchmen. Next year’s
event will be the 15th anniversary and we are already curious what the
organization is going to do to celebrate it.
Click here to return to the Ferrari Happenings page.
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