Bob,

I'll talk this through in perhaps more detail on Tuesday when we have the Cambridge minimeet, but be aware I'm starting to think about considering letting the idea of planning an Italian trip cross my mind. I've spoken briefly with SimonJ about it...

Specifically, fifteen year reunion at the Pininfarina factory, see the collection, roof of the Lingotto if possible...

Key points:
- one week/ten days max
- gentle drive in the country, rather than all out blast (if only because 30mpg at 80 is a quarter the price of 7.5mpg flat out!)
- channel tunnel
- decent hotels, rather than Formel 1
- stop at/close to (probably) Riems, Dijon on the way down
- avoid motorways/tolls if possible
- interesting looking passes around Val d'Isere
- *possible* then across to the west - Brescia, Lake Garda, North (more passes!) to Austria and thence home via the German motorway system up the Rhine, turn left at Aachen - though that's really a two day trip of itself.

To be on a race track in and of itself does not hugely interest me; I see this as a holiday rather than a cruise and I'd like to get some architecture in (and some retail therapy for she who must be obeyed!). Equally, it's not an all-out blast; it's a grand tour to see the places rather than how fast the cars will go - we already know that. And finally, I'd very much like to do this within the aegis of the FCCUK.

Neil

As I mentioned in the brief PM chat with Neil, I'm willing to help out with arrangements for this trip - I think it's a great idea and something I've wanted to do in a Coupe for years.

My wife is fully supportive in wanting to come too, though she might give some of the factory tour stuff a miss. Also, I'm not sure whether either she or I would be interested in an 'intensive' driving trip, this is a holiday for both of us after all

Neil and Bob, I know you are talking about this later this week, if you decide its a go-er and want some extra help, feel free to let me know

Cheers,

Simon

Bob
Your route will pass aproxymately where we live.
Where are here :
http://www9.mappy.com/sidVCYthVIA1iXMn21...m3=EU&x=41&y=10

When you travel near Dijon, you can make a stop at the Dijon-Prenois track. It's on your road :
http://www.circuit-dijon-prenois.com/

http://www29.mappy.com/sidf0bTVHi3yDXMn2...com2=EU&x=0&y=0

It's a famous F1 70's track (not so beautiful as Spa but very nice). The F1 doesn't come but the track works every day and you can see lovely cars in action !

It will be very nice to join you but I don't know my holidays 2009 date for the moment. I'll advise you as soon as possible !

Julio

I don't have a worry what you come in, but if we get the photo-op on the roof of the factory that I'm hoping for, we'd probably want to push you off the end...

<idea> *you* could take the pics! </idea>

Hi Bob,

Yesterday during a pizza, we (Club Del Coupe Fiat Piemonte organizers) meet 2 moto clubs 'Lady Ducati DOC Torino' (i've also a Duc 916) and 'Gatti Neri', to organize a meeting next year with Club Coupe Fiat Piemonte.

I saw you thought to came in italy in may; if you arrive in turin on friday, we can organize something in your honour in the weekend with the 2 moto's. If you arrive here in turin not in the week end, for us is a big problem because all we're on work.

I have received some conact from Luca in Italy