Geneva 2007 Report
Johann Lemercier gives us his take on what was hot and what was not at the Geneva Motor Show. It was certainly an important event for Italian car makers, as Johann points out: “Secluded from the green buzz, however, was the biggest Italian car company news. Both Fiat and Maserati were launching new cars which, in their respective markets, endorse a make or break status.”

Sweet Sedici
Adam Swift takes some time out from working on the new Italian Car Buyer’s Guide to test drive the Fiat Sedici 1.9 Multijet, both on and off the road. He writes: “If you are, like me, prone to guilty fits of hand-wringing over your heavy right foot and number of flights taken per year, Fiat has come up with a solution in the Sedici, a compact 4x4 which is happy to take on the urban sprawl, but if asked will take you further off road than you may expect.”

Taxi!
Alessandro Sannia uncovers a beautiful Fiat Balilla in Turin, with a still fully-functional taxi meter. Sannia says, “As an everyday working tool, taxis accumulated very high mileages so it is difficult to find survivors used as classic cars.” But find one he certainly did.

Last of the Testa Rossas
An in-depth report by Peter Collins on the Ferrari 330 TR, which goes under the hammer at a special RM Auction at Maranello on May 20th. He writes: “It won Le Mans in 1962 and was the very last front-engined Ferrari to do so. In that alone it is a staggeringly important car – but that fact is really only the tip of the iceberg as its story also mirrors life at Ferrari during the period.”

Supercar Showdown
Chief Test Driver Roberto Giordanelli writes up a group test of some of the latest toys for the rich boys: “Welcome to Dunsford Park, made famous as the Top Gear test track. Jezza, Hamster and Captain Slow are peering out of the studio window watching us play with a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder and a Porsche 911/977 Turbo.”

Long Haul Fight
Matt Zollo reports from the Dubai Autodrome where an Alfa Romeo 147 is campaigning in a 24-hour endurance race: “The Altenburger Destillerie Alfa Romeo 147 JTD whispers past with just a hint of gruff diesel bark. Brake dust and desert grime are ingrained onto wheel spokes and paintwork, the front end is peppered with flies and stone chips, and numerous dents, scratches and war-wounds scatter the dulled-scarlet bodywork.”

Monte Carlo Retro Rally
Peter Collins reports from an historic rally which has been running for almost a century: “The statistics alone grab your attention. There are five start points. Those who travel the furthest – from Oslo – have 3500km to drive, the rest; from Barcelona, Reims, Turin and Monte Carlo, have a mere 2100km. Five days, plus a sixth night, are allowed to cover the total distance during which 31 Cols, many of which are well over 1000 metres in height and on single-track minor roads, are ascended and descended.”