As I've been following the "roll call", I was surprised at how few were
responding. Then, while I was reviewing my spam folder to see if any good
messages had been sent there, I found dozens of post by digesters. It's
probably worth everyone's checking, as many of us must be spam bait!
Unfortunately, the ones who should do the reviewing have probably banished my
post to spam, and will never see it!
Best regards,
Alan Lambert
--- En date de : Ven 9.12.11, Les Singh <[email protected]> a icrit :
De: Les Singh <[email protected]>
Objet: [alfa] RE: I'm Here on alfa-digest V10 #2493
@: [email protected]
Date: Vendredi 9 dicembre 2011, 18h19
Whoever started the roll call take a bow! This has been the most amazing
trip down memory lane for quite a while. I too miss the beautifully
constructed, historically accurate contributions from the late,
much-respected John Hertzman and the well-informed instructions from Fred di
Matteo who was not beyond being more than a bit abrasive, a quality that I
found added to the stature of the man. I am grateful to digesters many of
whom have helped me in the past: Brian Shorey, Steve Luftman the first
digester I met in person who showed me around some of LA on my visit there,
Pat Braden (RIP) who stored the John Lennon 2600 coupe plus another for me
on his lawn and many others. It's great to read the names of all the others
who have been around since the early days especially the pre-split era (hey,
I'm a geologist!).
In October it was my pleasure to meet and to be hosted by New York Alfisti
at a breakfast on Long Island. The invitation came via Stuart Light
(Giulietta Spider, GTV6) and I was picked up from my Manhattan hotel by
Griff de Noyelle (GTV6 maggiorata - 3 L, Team Shoestring Racing) who
transported me in style with engine and exhaust providing perfect background
"music". That was one of the highlights of my last visit to the US, a
country I have become very fond of over the years.
Many US Alfisti bemoan the lack of modern Alfas but hopefully they will
return soon. The 156 was the breakthrough for Alfa (IMHO) into the modern
age. Admittedly it is riddled with electronics and fixing one requires
plugging it into a diagnostics unit. They aren't without the Alfa penchant
for idiot lights malfunction either: at the moment our daily driver 156 1.8
Twinspark manual, has an airbag light showing because it believes that there
is passenger airbag malfunction despite the fact that there isn't a
passenger airbag! Computers are stupid. However the mechanicals can't be
faulted - a silky smooth engine, gearbox with no 2nd gear crunch and
everything else working just beautifully.
Until 2 days ago we had a 156 2.0 Selespeed as well but alas that has gone
in a round of rationalizing - too many cars, not enough space. My daughter
and son-in-law bought it. I let him drive it back from a motor race and that
was it, he had to have it! Unlike the 1.8 the 2L is not quite as smooth and
the engine has to have a balance shaft but the power difference is palpable,
and how! At 4 grand it takes off like my friend's cat when I fired a .44
Magnum Super Blackhawk near it :-). Yes, I was sorry to see it go, the car
not the cat :-) :-). So right now the stable comprises
1964 Giulia Sprint GT modificato molto with tin worm
1969 GTA 1300 Jr the ex Dave Ammen/Bruce Perry racer - needing engine
rebuild
1972 2000 GT Veloce running but not used much
1972 2000 Spider Veloce, going to Christmas party in it this afternoon!
1974 2000 GT Veloce body under restoration by very slow bodyshop guy
1998 156 1.8 L Manual
Ciao tutti
Les in Wellington, NZ on a beautiful Summer's morning
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