Spotted - Lancia Abarth 037

The Lancia 037 at the Auto Collection showroom in Las Vegas is an eye catcher. It is such a cool-looking car. These Lancias are also the last rear-wheel drive cars to win the World Rally Championship. After that it was all about four-wheel drive.

1963 Maserati 5000 GT by Frua

The headlamps are definitively my favorite detail on these big Frua-bodied Maseratis.

Photographed by the author at the Blackhawk Museun in Danville, California.

Spotted - Lamborghini Espada

"Not for sale" says the sign on the windshield of the Espada sitting front and center at the Italian car service shop near my office. I wonder when was the last time it saw the open road.  :-(

Spotted - 1932 Alfa Romeo Tipo B (P3)

This Alfa, the first P3 built, was campaigned by Tazio Nuvolari in the 1934 Monaco Grand Prix. One year later it won the Millie Miglia for Scuderia Ferrari. A locally-owned car, it is a true joy to see it every time it makes an appearance in local events. Last year we got a chance to see a later model racing in a local vintage car racing event.

Spotted - Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Spider

Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B, nothing less than a super car of it's day. This one, a short wheelbase version (I read one of about 20 examples built) showed up in Redmond last Saturday to everyone surprise. A spectacular machine and a truly rare sight!

Engines - Alfa Romeo 2600

1960's Alfa Romeo 2,584 cc straight "six" (145 bhp / 108 kW). A thing of beauty.

Spotted - 1968 Lamborghini Islero

Another classic Lamborghini in the bag. As one of a handful of cars (125), this is a pretty rare sight. Chassis number 6282 made an appearance last Sunday at the 2012 Kirkland Concours d'Élegance. Based on the mechanicals and tubular chassis of the 400GT it is a more subdued design than it's predecessor.

Spotted - 1990 Ferrari F40

THE ultimate Ferrari of the late 1980's. Some say it is one of the greatest Ferraris ever made. It's styling obviously a case of forms follows function. Not as sexy as the 288 GTO but much better-looking than the F50 that will follow it. Indeed a truly iconic car. Very cool to have had an opportunity to see one first hand!

Ultimate evolution of the iconic 308 styling driven by aerodynamics

2012 All Italian Car Show at the Triple X Rootbeer Drive-in

Spring is here and that means it is time for the All Italian Car Show! Unlike last year, this year we enjoyed a beautiful day and the turnout was great. There were tons of Alfas, Fiats, Ferrari and even a Maserati or two. My favorites are shown below. If you enjoy these, you may want to take a look at the photos of the 2011 or the 2010 events.

Alfa Romeo Spider Veloces of pretty much every generation was present at the show.

Spotted - 1976 Lamborghini Countach LP400

A 1976 Lamborghini LP400. The Countach in it's purest form. No wings, spoilers or wheel arch extensions. Just that amazing shape.

Spotted - Maserati Bora

Just when I least expected, there it was. Another 70's super car. This time the svelte Maserati Bora making an appearance in Redmond on a beautiful Saturday morning a few weeks ago. This sleek Giugiaro design shares it's platform with a smaller V6-powered brother called the Merak. Easily recognized by its brushed stainless roof, this V8-powered rocket was designed to compete with the DeTomaso Mangusta, Ferrari BB512, and other supercars of the era. A product of the influence of the then owners Citroen, its shares a lot of the hydraulic wizardry with the big Citroens of the era.

Spotted - Lamborghini LM002

What is more bizarre than coming across a Lamborghini LM002? Well, two of the 328 produced siting side by side in a parking lot. This unusual pair of exotic off-roaders showed up yesterday at Redmond Town Center. Originally conceived as a military vehicle in the late 70's, it never made it to that role but found a market with the rich folks in Saudi Arabia. Think about what it would cost to fill the 76 gallon fuel tank to take this hulk for a ride. Just what the doctor ordered for those sensible executives on the East Side.

Spotted - Ferrari SA Aperta

One of the 80 examples of the Ferrari SA Aperta has made its way to our humble region. I am sure it will get a lot of use with our lovely weather. Not to worry as the owner also has a GTO and an Enzo for those days when a hardtop is more appropriate.

Spotted - Ghia 450 SS

American power train by Chrysler and beautiful Italian coachwork by Ghia. Another classic design by Giorgetto Giugiaro. One of the 26 surviving examples of a run of 52 cars. Amazing what surfaces around here sometimes. Learn more...

Spotted - Qvale Mangusta

Came across this Qvale Mangusta earlier today. I am not sure why some people consider the styling controversial. I think it quite stylish and with that easy to maintain Ford V8 should be a piece of cake to maintain. :-)

Engines - Alfa Romeo Alfetta 2.0 Iniezione

A nicely detailed old-school fuel injected twin cam with around 130 HP. Looks right at home in this 1979 Alfa Romeo Sport Sedan.

Click on the image to emlarge

Source: Photographed by the author in Issaquah, Washington

Spotted - Alfa Romeo Junior Z

Spotted - 1964 Lancia Flavia 1.8

Here is another interesting classic. This time a 1964 Lancia Flavia 1.8 present at the All Italian Car Show this past Spring.

Click on the images to enlarge

Spotted - Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider

Caught this 2600 Spyder, last of the classic 6-cylinder Alfas a few months ago...

Click on the images to enlarge

Spotted - Maserati Ghibli

Beautiful Maserati Ghibli was my personal favorite at the Exotics at Redmond Town Center event earlier today. Another great design by Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. What a stunning car!