The Fifth Annual Car Guy Tour has been enjoying some power-packed visits, beginning with the Alfa Museum where the group presented a Conti Model of the Sprint Speciale to the Museum Director. The 1/10th scale model was donated by last year's Car Guy Tour attendee, Mr. James Moore of Pierce City, Missouri.
Then it was off to Zagato for a personalized tour by Andrea Zagato which included Zagato's 3D presentation room and restoration department, where a Frua-bodied A6G Spyder was being restored.
In Turin, the group was treated to a very special presentation at the private collection of Pininfarina by Lorenza Pininfarina, and at ItalDesign, Fabrizio Giugiaro personally pulled off the covers of their new Alfa Romeo Geneva car and the Epowood model. This car, called the Brera, was the hit of the show. Based on the 4.2 Maserati running gear and "cup holders," the car was an overwhelming and complete hit with the group.
Next was Bertone, where they were kind enough to make the new Novanta available for us to sit in and photograph. Drinks in the bar with Tom Tjaarda was a great way to end the day.
On the Maserati tour, the group was buzzing over the difference between the European and USA exhaust headers. The USA headers are substantially smaller in tube diameter as compared to the European headers. What's up with that? How can the engine produce the same HP with such a smaller diameter tube? Every hot rodder knows that the simplest horsepower to attain is from bigger exhaust and less mufflers; this is basic HP 101. Does anyone have an answer to this interesting discovery?
I will report on our visit to Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini in a couple of days. The group is having a terrific time and enjoying the comforts of the 4-star Canalgrande Hotel owned by the DeTomasos. In fact, I am typing this in their new business center upstairs above the bar.
From Modena, ciao,
Frank Mandarano
Maserati Club International
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