A WARM WINTER AFFAIR

As South Africans move further away from the remnants of normal and closer towards the 150th day of confinement due to the Covid-19 outbreak, we have been forced to scour through hard drives and archives in search of old automotive events for content. With local laws prohibiting large gatherings and social contact, most classics and exuberant weekend cars have been confined to the occasional short trip to the grocery store or condemned to gathering a thick layer of dust over their garaged bodywork. Rather than creating new memories while engaging with other passion filled car enthusiasts, we have been looking back and reminiscing over past retrospective events. This was our experience at the 2019 Concorso dell’Africa and the lingering affair that resulted.  This article is best viewed along with the YouTube video (link included at end of article).

There is something special about getting ready on the morning of a Concorso d’eleganza, with a true sense of excitement for the day that lies ahead. Whether it be applying the finishing touches on the bodywork of a daily-driver, or unveiling a pristine classic beneath a tailored car blanket, both provide equal elation when turning the key to the ignition position to allow for mandatory systems scans and fuel pump pressurisation. And then to finally start the cranking cycle by flooding the cylinders with a rich mixture of air and fuel, bringing the driveway or garage to life with the sounds and sensations of a car that is ready to strut its stuff. These are not just any cars, they are loved, they are meticulously maintained, and they are admired by inquisitive onlookers, intrigued by the mirror-like paintwork and chrome accents. This is how our day unfolded while preparing for the Alfa Romeo in the Park, Concorso dell’Africa, and documenting the finest examples of automobiles adorned by the iconic scudetto on the front facade.   

The day did not start out normally. The usually-vexing alarm bell sounded out at 5AM, however, the snooze button did not receive it’s usual tap, despite only a few short hours of sleep. Within minutes all camera equipment, bags and bundles were neatly loaded-up into a silver 156. Running through a final checklist in the darkness, as vapour clouds condensed at our mouths with each word, we were ready to attend the largest Alfa Romeo gathering in Southern Africa. The first stop of the day was a nearby petrol station, to join a small group of Alfisti from the surrounding areas. Before daybreak, we had already begun our short journey onto our next stop; the Arnold Chatz dealership in Hillfox. A spirited 25 minute drive from one end of the city to the other allowed us to energize ourselves and our cars on the vacant highway with the sun rising over the concrete horizon behind us. Our arrival at the second destination was accompanied by a small traffic jam of glimmering Alfa’s funnelling into a single lane entrance to the dealership, with the parking lot filling up faster than freshly brewed cups of espresso. It very quickly transformed the previously vacant parking bays into a congestion of stationary cars with idling Busso’s and Nord’s creating an ambient backdrop to the sound of conversation between owners. Strolling through the organized chaos to snap some photos and share some brisk greetings we noticed the prevalent theme of true generational diversity offered by Alfa Romeo, with classic GTV’s flanked by contemporary Giulias and Stelvios. All the while carrying the same vivacious DNA that sets these cars apart from the rest. It was a sight to behold, one that echoed the lasting lineage of the brand and gave a glimpse into a hopeful future. The sun's rays eventually stretched themselves over the surrounding structures of the dealership, warming the cold brick surface beneath our shoes, during a briefing by the organizers. The route to the final destination was now confirmed. With an impressive convoy of over 50 strong, and the idling cars having reached optimal operating temperatures, we were set for the day ahead.

Slightly busier roads and the large number in convoy required more reserved driving on the slower lanes of the highway, for the most part. Occupants of other vehicles sharing the road looked on in awe at the assortment of cars, shimmering past proudly. After a relaxed 20 minute commute, our collective arrival to the Mall of Africa vicinity was swiftly handled by marshals directing the abundance of cars through the newly established roads and into the amphitheatre-shaped terrace. Other road users, pedestrians and runners going about their usual Saturday morning routine had the memorable sights and sounds of some of Italy’s finest automotive creations pulling into display. With towering modern architecture as a backdrop to the event, each car was neatly grouped by its age and displayed alongside others of a similar era. To first time attendees, the sheer scale of the history and lineage became clear, and of course the passion that the brand evoques. Ranging from post war Giuliettas, to the legendary local 3 litre GTV6 and modern day GTA’s-  there was something for everyone to savour. This included special appearances in the form of the Prancing Horses’ most iconic examples, the Dino and F40. With more than 150 cars populating six crowded tiers of the amphitheater terrace, the judges had a long day ahead of adjudicating the concourse winners. The owners of the cars browsed, socialized and enjoyed some tastes of Italy, while basking under the soft warmth of the winter sun and rich blue African sky.

It is hard to judge between such vastly different cars which have led such disparate lives. Some examples being heavily modified for endurance racing, while others restored to showroom condition. However, the majority of attendees, including ourselves, presented meticulously maintained daily-drivers with some tasteful upgrades. Whatever the purpose, it is worth acknowledging the significant amount of time and capital spent on preparing each of these cars for participation. Some examples would have likely required months or years of labour over nut and bolt restorations on value-appreciating classics. For others, an interior and exterior cleanse of a daily-driver was required to conceal some minor blemishes and bring it close to showroom condition. The end goal is the same for all attendees: to gratifyingly manifest the best version of their car and spend the day romanticizing and reminiscing with those who love the brand just as much. The general public passing by, usually unaware of the rich history and tradition of Alfa Romeo, were afforded an opportunity to witness the unparalleled automotive brand at its finest. Many chose to explore the aisles of showcars to experience the lineage and brand identity, while new dealership cars and banners strategically placed on display, enticed them towards the current models on offer.

It is easy to see why the Alfa Romeo in the Park, Concorso dell’Africa is the largest event for the brand on the annual calendar. Many owners traveled great distances to attend, sometimes from neighbouring provinces and countries, to share the warmth and passion that these cars evoke within the soul, while sharing conversation with other Alfisti. It is an event that we will always hold in high esteem for the sheer size and effort required on the part of organizers. With no news on an edition to be hosted in 2020, due to the ongoing global health crisis, we can only look back at the past events and appreciate them for all they were. For now though, we eagerly look on towards the day when this memorable event will once again roar back to life.

Photo Gallery and Video by Ivano Mattiello and Alex Shahini of Slipstream Visuals