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James F · Guest

Hi

This comment comes from recent mail in another area but which I thought I'd open to a 'wider' audience!

I don't know (obviously!) how many of us are members of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club in the UK, but if you are I would guess that you may be a little disappointed / hacked off with the 33 register. Well, I am anyway! As a recent 33 owner (1992 16v SportWagon - it was that or an Escort estate after my 75 LE bit the dust) I have been a real convert to the 33's charms.

Given that this year = 20th since its introduction the Club did seem to try and get people to the meets with their 33's - not too diffcult you'd think given that it was Alfas most produced car up the 156!?

But, even at the National Alfa Day there were only a few (less than 20?), and it was meant to be a featured model!

SO, is the 33 reviled in the Club? The register is hopeless - not even an acknowledgement when I wrote to the guy. All needs shaking up / updating. Maybe one of the regular contributers to this site could take over the reins - someone who knows more about the 33 than I do!

The ONLY source of help and info seems to be this fantastic website! So BIG thanks to Keith and Scott for that! Very Happy

Without this site it would definately be a more lonely experience owning a 33!

What's it like in other countries - are there Alfa Clubs and are they populated with 33's?

Also - it is up to us to turn up at meets with the cars and show them we exist and are proud of our 'beasts' and show them off - and meet up ourselves of course to exchange goods / ideas / etc. Smile

Too wordy - so I'll stop. Welcome comments though. James

johnboy · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2003 12:26 pm Post subject: Re: 33 meets

The ONLY source of help and info seems to be this fantastic website! So BIG thanks to Keith and Scott for that! Very Happy

Also - it is up to us to turn up at meets with the cars and show them we exist and are proud of our 'beasts' and show them off - and meet up ourselves of course to exchange goods / ideas / etc. Smile

hi james

your right, i was thinking about joining it but not sure now,as my alfa is about 90% done. so next year i wanted to start going to alfa meet's and track day's.and to meet people who are into alfa's.there are alot of great guy's on this site and it would be cool to meet up with them at these meet's.so we can show them what 33's are all about Wink

all the best

john
_________________
WODA WE NEED? MORE POWER!!

Alfa gt jtdm blackline
1990 S2 16v veloce sleeping!
2002 ts gtv the wifes now
1997 seadoo gsx 800
1999 freestyle superjet

James F · Guest

Hi John

If you're into Alfas generally then it may be worth joining (£35 odd), and the club is certainly better now than it used to be, even 12 months ago!

And a club is only ever as good as the people who join and actually get involved with its running - helping out at events and so on.

I think there are about 400 33's registered in the club, but I may be well out with that figure - plucked from an unreliable memory!! Confused

However, some of the track days are a bit expensive (for me anyway! - circa £150? + wear/tear) and not something I have experienced. I can imagine its a great day out, but without actually trying it I can't say.

AROC events are listed (website; AutoItalia magazine) so you can always just turn up and see what you think! This years Spring Alfa Day was at Chatham Docks which I guess isn't too far for you to get to? Otherwise they seem to be at Gaydon and other 'central' locations. Local / county sections can be great fun - I've been involved with Derbys and Yorks sections and they are really good sections / guys. It all depends what you put in and what you actually want to do I suppose.

Anyway - I am rambling again!! Shocked

James

sudman · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2003 3:03 pm Post subject:

[quote="James F" ]What's it like in other countries - are there Alfa Clubs and are they populated with 33's?[/quote]

The Alfa Romeo Club of New Zealand is one of the strongest car clubs in the country down here. Very strong emphasis on racing, there's even a series in the North Island called the Alfa Romeo Trofeo series which attracts a good number of entrants, ranging from standard class cars, to heavily modified ones and cars in between. Its divided into 4 classes depending on the scope of modifications. The series originally started for Suds, then it was known as the Alfasud Trofeo series.

Lots of 33s within the club, although (and correct me if I'm wrong) a lot of guys tend to use them as road cars rather than racers... but now due to the rarity of Suds a lot of 33s have been freshly built or are in the build at the moment!!! But there are defintiely some quick, well driven 33s out there!

dave · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2003 3:08 pm Post subject: re 20 year of 33

hi i to feel as it was the 33 2oth year not much has been put on mine was one of the 33s on display at chatham 4 of us went in convoy had a buzz driving in convoy on m23 and m25
3 ser2s
1 ser 3 16v
lets get something going a 33 meet place venue any ideas ???????????

dave
ser 3 16v boxer p4 alloys and adj konis
ser 2 sportwagon veloce

Dreamracers · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2003 4:45 pm Post subject:

With my owning a Sud, and the wife her 33, we thought about joining the AROC, and went along to the South West Alfa Day at Sherborne Castle September 2002.

Whilst we enjoyed the machinery and the location, really did not feel welcome. When trying to find out more about joining up, we were ignored at first, then told that there was only one chap who could help and we should speak to him, and then he ignored us further. Seemed VERY "cliquey", even for an owners club.

Needless to say, we didnt bother joining, but if ever there was a meet up of the British Alfa contigent who post here, we would definately come along, and I may even be able to help out with the venue (Haynes Motor Museum)

James F · Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2003 9:49 am Post subject:

Hi all

Seems there may be an undercurrent of support for a meet or two. I'm stuck up in the north midlands (Peak District & North Lincs) and I guess maybe others are spread out all over the country (UK).

Maybe what we could do with is a list of peoples locations and from there work out suitable area/s for meet/s? Not sure how that could be set up - one for the sites Administrator?!

Just needs name & location I guess?

As for the AROC they were very cliquey when I first joined and I nearly didn't rejoin, but glad I stayed with them and I am aware that the Committee are aware of this perception people have of the club. Again I think it is only as good as you make it, bit like a union I suppose?

There has been some recent comments within the Club about how to make themselves more open - and I have suggested that they could do with accessing this website and learning some lessons - this sort of set up for each Model Register would be fantastic!

Still, at least we have this site, so we can take things forward ourselves with meeting up.

Incidentally, there are lots of 33's racing in the UK, they are probably the most popluar Alfa to race in fact. They take part in the Powermods Alfa Romeo Racers series (which is a breakaway party from the AROC after some shenanigans last year).

Anyway, regards to all, James
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cheers

James F

Series 3 16v SportWagon

Alfist · Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2003 2:40 pm Post subject: Re: 33 meets

johnboy · Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2003 8:27 pm Post subject:

Incidentally, there are lots of 33's racing in the UK, they are probably the most popluar Alfa to race in fact. They take part in the Powermods Alfa Romeo Racers series (which is a breakaway party from the AROC after some shenanigans last year).

Hi james

i live near lidden hill race track, which is near canterbury and they held a round of the alfa romeo championship on september 20/21,when i pull my finger out i will see what lydden mite be able to do for us! it would be cool if it fell on an alfa race day or were just takeover the place if we can get the numbers? plus you should be able to camp there.i'll see what sort of money they would want.

all the best

john
_________________
WODA WE NEED? MORE POWER!!

Alfa gt jtdm blackline
1990 S2 16v veloce sleeping!
2002 ts gtv the wifes now
1997 seadoo gsx 800
1999 freestyle superjet

Dreamracers · Posted: Thu Oct 23, 2003 9:42 pm Post subject:

What about if there is a round at Donnington? Would be far easier all round to meet there as it more central in the UK?

James F · Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2003 10:29 am Post subject:

Hi

Donington would suit me too - but I guess the championship may be over pretty soon.
_________________
cheers

James F

Series 3 16v SportWagon

Admin · Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2003 1:38 pm Post subject: