Alfa Romeo Real People

“O Sole Mio”

Che bella cosa na journata ‘e sole

Nama serena doppo na tempestal

Pe’ll’aria fresca pare gia na festa

Che bella cosa na journata ‘e sole

Chorus (think one cornetto)

Just one Giullietta

Give it to me

Delicious Auto from Italy

Sorry Giullietta, to paraphrase the talent show host –

“You can’t sing, you can’t dance,

You look beautiful -

You’ll go a long way!”

IVVCC   Picnic at Powerscourt

Julia’s favorite event of the year!

All the glitterati of south Dublin and beyond were there. Picnicing on the lawn, cucumber sandwiches, glasses of chilled wine and a jazz quartet playing in the background-just my style.

Julia and I got the whole Meguiar’s carnubo wax treatment before we left home and if I say so myself really looked the bee’s knees sitting among the Caddy’s, Bentley’s, De Soto’s, Pontiac’s, Porsche’s and Jaguar’s of other days.

I won quite a few admirers among the great and the good and luckily ‘himself’ had brought a few brochures (courtesy of Garry from Tractamotors) so hopefully I made a few converts from brand X!!

As I left for home I was propositioned by a 1929 Ford Doctors Coupe. Well, really at his age he should know better! I acknowledged him with a subtle blink of my indicator, well I felt I had too, after all Henry Ford once famously said—”Every time I see an Alfa Romeo I raise my hat.”

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LATEST NEWS FROM THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Just back with ”Himself” from Donegal,
where he wanted to check out the preparations for the Kildare game.
The place was festooned with green and gold, from Bundoran to Malin Head, where incidentally, I met a DL reg Giulietta decked out in stylish Alfa silver.
” It’s wild caul up here ” she exclaimed– a Giulietta with a Donegal accent? it could catch on !!! ( you read it first here )

Donegal 1-12 Kildare 0-14

Sam’s for the hills!!

at last some good news!

HAPPY  75th BIRTHDAY

AER LINGUS

from your friends in Alfa Romeo

For over three quarters of a century Ireland’s national airline has been taking off with passengers and touching down with friends.

Alfa Romeo now beginning it’s second century has graced the roads and racing circuits of Ireland for almost 90 years, driven by discerning motorists who appreciate Alfa’s uncompromising commitment to engineering excellence.

Today’s new Guilietta carries on that proud tradition.

The shamrock and the cloverleaf, symbols of excellence on the roads and skies of Ireland

42 year old Julia’s a real tonic, waving to us from the comfort of her garage, as Kinky and I set about our busy day.
Her life now is Greystones on Sunday’s, the annual trip to Donegal and-her lamps light up in anticipation-the classic car rally’s in Terenure and Powerscourt.
How does she feel about all the Italian beauties of today? I asked her.
“I enjoyed my time she explained, things were different then, traffic free roads, no speed limits and free parking.
“Free parking Julia-your having me on!!”
“In my day she explains, technology was simple and basic,but like all Alfas we tried to be the best there was….and we usually succeeded!”
“Its your time now, enjoy it”
There isn’t a jealous valve in her engine!
We Guilietta’s have a lot to live up to.

Today I am on duty with Madame (she who must be obeyed).
Her personal transport ‘Kinky’ the cinquecento (Julia christened her that!) is in the garage for something called ‘regeneration’- whatever that is!
Kinky is usually cuddled up beside the hall door waiting on Madame’s every whim! She’s so full of herself with her fancy wing mirrors, Italian flag and chrome bonnet strip. A real “Here I am and who’s like me” little snob.
When No. 1 Daughter arrivers in her cinquecento you have a right pair of fashionistas. A real pain in the bum – I mean the boot if you’ll forgive the language!
Overheard them the other day talking about the new rag top cinquecento’s that can go topless! Listen sweetheart that may all be very well in Capri or the Cote d’Azur but we’re not quite ready for it in Brittas or Ballybunion!
On the way home from Powerscourt got flashed at by a big muscular 159- in broad daylight! “In your dreams” I murmur under my breath.
Still a girl likes to be noticed!

…. Well not actually ! Giulletta has taken herself off on holiday for a week, allowing me to say what she is like to live while her back is turned.
First impressions? Build quality as good as my neighbours Lexus. More space than a 156. Nice smooth gearbox. Muted diesel sound , much quieter than the 147. I wasn’t really looking forward to the stop start, but it works perfectly and adds to the Giulletta’s outstanding economy.
Not as fast from stop as my 2 litre GT, but once up and running a superb motorway performer. And hey switch to dynamic and you get the real Alfa experience !
Not everything is perfect. Negligible visibility over right shoulder and on the sportivo version a harsh sandpapery feel to the steering wheel. Not quite Alfa standard. If it can’t have leather like the others in the range then a softer plastic would be more pleasant. Overall a superb motor, and a step up from the mainstream manufacturers.
Giulletta’s diary will be back shortly, she is a touchy feely girl, so if you’re blogging for Gawd sake don’t mention the steering wheel !

I don’t believe it! ‘Himself’ had decided to drive to the Aviva to watch some rugger with Finn and the lads. But she-who-must-be-obeyed decided they needed to spend some quality time together, so here I am for the past four hours in the Kildare Village car park! Back she staggers with designer bags, “70% off!” she chatters to a passing lamp post. “70% off!” she beans holding up a garment for him to admire. “I’d pay twice that in BT’s” she exclaims with manic delight.
Oh my Gawd she couldn’t wear that! In that colour! At her ages! I may be profundo blue, but at this moment I’m Alfa red to the headlamps!
Let me outta here!

70% off!

Julia

Finally got to meet the last memeber of the family. 42 year old Julia has been in hibernation for the winter! She looks amazing- heavy botox job I suspect,  but do I mention it? No way! A whack from one of those stainless steel bumpers and I’m in casualty big time!

Julia is a true snakes and ladders girl, born and bred in Milan and proud of it. She’s one of the few remaining Irish Alfas who still have a “cúpla focail” of Italian. I just love her accent, the way she says “Mee-lano”- so much sexier than Turin or Napoli Sud! She’s very much an upfront girl, what you see is what you get. Something to do with her lack of curves and padded shoulders, so in at the time. Good on you girl, you never lost it!

I’ve found a new friend.

“Himself”decided to drive into the first session of the new Dail just in case the lads need some help!

Just into Kildare Street, when out rushed Enda straight across from Buswells Hotel without a glance left or right!

If it wasn’t for my ABS brakes we might be looking at the shortest serving Taoiseach in history!

“Enda” why dont you retire those over weight merc’s and replace them with a pool of 159′s and Giulietta’s? Now that would add a bit of style to government, and you’d be saving the economy a mint. Even Angela Merkel would appreciate that.

Whats more you could forget about Garda driver’s. With Alfas on offer, every minister will want to drive himself!