Bravo!
We get the chance to try the Fiat Bravo on UK tarmac for the first time. Adam Swift writes: “Independent MacPherson strut front suspension and a lightweight torsion beam axle at the back endow the Bravo with an assured, well damped and enjoyable driving experience. The car feels ultra rigid and composed, as well as being light and agile; quite an achievement when you factor in all the extra weight of the kit required to earn a five-star crash safety rating these days.”

Tubolare Zagato
Andy Heywood gives us the full story on the rare Alfa Romeo TZ2: “Most discussions on the Tubolare Zagato cars sensibly major on the earlier version with merely a nod in the direction of the younger sibling. It is maybe because there were so few, or maybe because Autodelta kept them close for much of their short racing life and paid little attention to records making the story a difficult one to tell, but however you look at it, this is one of the greatest Italian racing car tales never to have been told.”

Ferrari at Villa d’Este
Keith Bluemel casts his eyes over the Ferrari contingent at Lake Como this year: “Each year it is traditional for a mouthwatering selection of the world’s finest motorcars to gather together on the lawns at Villa d’Este beside the twinkling Lake Como, and this year was no exception.”

Mark of the Beast
Steve Berry gets the enviable job of deciding which Lamborghini supercar is best, a  Countach, Diablo, or Murciélago: “Parked together, broad snub noses pointing towards each other, they looked like exotic reptiles that had emerged from some dark place to bask in the sun and absorb its energy.”

Amore!
John Simister gives ‘Auto Italians’ the lowdown on Fiat’s new baby, the 500: “Clearly the new 500 can’t get quite so close to the original, because the engine is at the wrong end and you’re no longer expected to double-declutch. But the handiness and cheekiness must carry over in principle. And they do.”

’Ring Warrior
Roberto Giordanelli sends us a report from the Nürburgring on an old Alfa Romeo GTV6 racer owned by ’Ring specialist Ron Simons: “Ron Simons’ race driving credentials can be easily witnessed by anyone brave enough. He runs the ‘75 Experience’ at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Hitch a passenger ride with ‘schnell’ Simons. It will certainly open your eyes, and quite possibly other parts of your body.”

Ferrari 60th Silverstone
Our Editor at Large Peter Collins was good enough to visit the event, take photos and file a report taking into account his favourite Ferraris, from 1947 to the present day: “This is Ferrari’s 60th year and as befits the strength of the brand the partying is going on across the world and, not surprisingly, consists of a little more than breaking open bottles of champagne (prosecco?)”