New Stratos Article in AutoItalia?

[Chris Jarvis]

I think there will be a Stratos V Dino 246 article in the next issue of AutoItalia. Correct me if I'm wrong, I might be.

[rutthenut]

Originally posted by Chris Jarvis
I think there will be a Stratos V Dino 246 article in the next issue of AutoItalia.

That's what I was told too, apparently including a great picture of the cars on a scenic coast road somewhere in Spain. Lucky bleeders, these magazine people (well, some of the time).

And you'l be getting a free mouse mat to go with the 'relaunched, new look' Auto Italia magazine as well - this month or next! :eek:

[Stratos]

John,

Do you know people at Auto Italia personally?

How come our Abingdon event never gets mentioned in Auto Italia?

I send them press releases, pictures, reports. I even sent them a copy of the video this year.

Still no mention.

[Bernard]

Dave.....

i think they would sooner do the umteenth report on a Alfa 156 or Fiat Brava......i actually subscribe to AutoItalia and next year may discontinue....

Bernard

[Stratos]

This is the third year of running the event, and it's never even had a paragraph in the news section.

I can't understand it, because they are supposed to be about Italian cars.

[Matt No VAT]

One of the guys from Auto Italia did a piece on one of my cars early last year, (it was one of the first 5 Lancia HF4WD's imported and used as the special press cars) This was also supposed to be in a new book, but I've not seen that either although I've just asked Paul Baker who is the chairman of the LMC what happened with that as it was co-written by him.

I stopped subscribing to Auto-Italia as its the same report (but revamped on a bi-monthly basis) on Alfa's, and when they do print articles on other vehicles thier level of accuracy when it comes to the printing the facts leave a lot to be desired.
Roberto Giordanelli and myself didn't exactly see eye to eye on that one!

[rutthenut]

Originally posted by Stratos
Do you know people at Auto Italia personally?

Yes and No. I know a couple of them to speak to when I do meet up (for instance, at their Brooklands event), but not with any form of regular contact.

I heard about the Stratos feature the other day because I had a call from their advertising salesperson, about a Hawk Cars ad.

How come our Abingdon event never gets mentioned in Auto Italia?

Strange, I was thinking about that particular point this morning before getting up!

As this year is a Stratos anniversary, that gives that little more reason for them to include it - although I would have thought that anything focused on Italian cars should be included anyway if there is space for such a feature.

I'm not surprised that they haven't run a full feature (as they prefer to do 'car launches' and reviews in most cases). But they do have a section relating to motorsport events, which covers the LMAI, Alfa Romeo and PMFC series. It would be nice to see some sort of mention in there following the event.

They could also include mention of the event beforehand in their calendar of events or even in the news section, which would be ideal.

I would hope to see Michael Ward and/or Phil Collins at the Castle Combe race next Monday. If I do, I will definitely try to discuss this with them.

One of the events that the magazine staff like to go to (I would too) is the 'Silver Flag Hillclimb', which is held in Italy in June. It doesn't appear to clash with Abingdon, so maybe there is a chance that one of the staff might make a visit to sunny Oxford.

I'd also like to point out that Michael Ward is a particular fan of the Stratos - and of replicas - so it won't be because he doesn't want to mention the cars in any way. It's bound to be down to editorial pressures of meeting commercial considerations, plus maybe some minor oversight in not listing the event.

If I can provide any influence in getting the event listed, I will certainly try to do so. But don't hold out too much hope!

[rutthenut]

Originally posted by Matt No VAT
This was supposed to be in a new book, but I've not seen that either although I've just asked Paul Baker who is the chairman of the LMC what happened with that as it was co-written by him.

I remember chatting to Peter Collins some time ago, when he mentioned writing a book on the Lancia Delta. I guess that's the same book?

Peter does work for Auto Italia magazine, but I would expect the book to be a different venture entirely, which may well be held up with editors/publishers and the like. He has always seemed very approachable to me, so I hope the book comes to fruition.

Roberto Giordanelli and myself didn't exactly see eye to eye on that one!

Hmmm, yes. Roberto is not quite so approachable on all matters, which I put down to his 'lofty achievements' in circuit racing and the occasional lapse of memory about the fact that all racers start somewhere, as he himself is/was a club level racer too.

[Matt No VAT]

I found Peter very enthusiastic, and yes the book was delayed as the publishers decided to add in the Integrales rally history. Since then I've heard nothing other than it was supposed to be published last December.

At least you have confirmed my thoughts that Roberto can be a little aloof, (I thought it may have been me being oversensative) but he does seem to throw his toys out of his pram quite early on after someone expresses a different opinion than his.

I know I shouldn't have done this, but after out little "clash" and him telling me what an accomplished driver and writer he was, plus how much more reliable an Alfa Romeo is over an Integrale blah blah blah blah, I saw him at the Brooklands event laying under his car trying to stem the flow of liquid (unsuccessfully) that was leaking out. We briefly established eye contact, I smiled and walked off - while he cursed the car in Italian!!!

[BETANUT]

Have to agree with the general concensus on this one, I've bought Auto Italia since day 1 and have noticed - what I consider - to be a change in direction away from 'joe public' and enthusiasts to little more than an advertising tool for contemporary Fiat group motors (yes, I do know its an Italian car magazine!) and cars most of us mere mortals will never be able to afford without a lottery win.
This is a great pity as the magazine was a good read. Recently I looked forward to the article on the Beta rally car, a surprisingly quick motor that was underdeveloped yet competitive even against it's Stratos stablemate. To be honest I really believe I (and most likely all 'betanuts') could have written a better piece, there was no real technical info, driving impressions or history of the car or it's competitive history. I've never seen 'the real thing' - and there perhaps lies the answer:confused:
I don't recall an in depth article on a replica (no matter how faithful) or a 'tweaked' motor for some considerable time. Perhaps it might be an idea to produce a piece to appear in Viva Lancia! at the rate Auto Italia is going down in estimation in the Lancisti fraternity it will probably be read by more people:D
Ah well - daily gripe over and done with:rolleyes:

[CorseChris]

Originally posted by Matt No VAT
One of the guys from Auto Italia did a piece on one of my cars early last year, (it was one of the first 5 Lancia HF4WD's imported and used as the special press cars)

Hey Matt, I might have had a ride in that one - Peter Gerrish managed to blag a press car very soon after it arrived in this country. Impressive car.....

[Matt No VAT]

Ahh now I could tell you about how I found the car in a farmers barn just outside Luton, with all the nice bits nicked, but in surprizingly good shape as far as the tinworm goes.

I was going to break it, but found out about the history of these cars so I saved it from my disc-cutter!! I know 2 were crashed, one is rotting away in High Wycombe, the one I had and the final one..... who knows where that is!

I could have made more money chopping it up for bits, but felt sometimes its better to save something rather than just look at the ££££ side.

Very quick for its day! But a bit of a come down for the WRC drivers who went from 450bhp S4's to 220 - 240bhp in the HF4WD's.

The one I had still "got up and went" when you asked her to!
(after I fixed the burnt valve problem)

I'll dig out a pic a bit later on...

[rutthenut]

Originally posted by Chris Jarvis
I think there will be a Stratos v Dino 246 article in the next issue of AutoItalia.

Yep, both cars in bright yellow, featured on the front cover and on the freeby mouse-mat included with the magazine (May 2003 issue). The cars are both owned by Christian Hrabelek and look immaculate.

FYI: the article byline indicates Test:Roberto Giordanelli, Photography:Phil Ward

[Stratos]

John,

Did you speak to someone at Castle Combe?

They contacted me, and are putting a mention about Abingdon in the news section of the next issue.

[rutthenut]

Originally posted by Stratos
Did you speak to someone at Castle Combe?

I did get a brief moment with Michael Ward and passed on your request, but it may just be that the video and other info has just got through from the TRMG offices through to the editorial office (the Ward household).
Actually, I think that Charis Whitcombe is the contact for 'press releases', and may be the best person for this information.

Anyway, if it's in the news section, that's good.
Just want it to appear in a review after that event as well!

[Stratos]

John,

Yes, it was Charis who contacted me.

I asked about a review. She doesn't think anyone from the mag is going along to the event, but said that if I provided a few words and a picture after the event, she might be able to get it into the news section again.