Simply Italian - Simply Red

BEAULIEU, UNITED KINGDOM – May 26, 2011: The Beaulieu Arena was turned into a sea of red for the first Simply Italian event, held in the grounds of the National Motor Museum on May 22nd with over 200 Italian cars and bikes on display in the Arena and surrounding parkland. All the major Italian marques were to be seen, both classic and new, including Ferrari, Maserati, Alpha Romeo, Lancia and Fiat, with motorcycles and scooters also well represented.

Members of the Ferrari Owners’ Club and Lancia Motor Club were there in force as well as a selection of Lambrettas from the Hampshire Scooter Club. Meridian Motor Group brought along a range of makes and models from a compact Fiat 500 to a stunning Ferrari 458 and in the Display Marque, the South Hants Model Auto Club put on a display of Italian marque model cars.

Judith Maddox, Beaulieu’s Events Manager said: “This was our first Simply Italian day and we were delighted with the response to the event from Italian car and bike owners. This gives us a strong base on which to develop the event for next year.”

In the afternoon, there was a cavalcade and display in the main Arena of 15 cars and bikes, chosen from all participants. The car receiving the Pride of Ownership award was a 1949 166 Ferrari, owned by Clive Bate from Bournemouth. Clive has owned the car for just one year and earlier this month took part in the prestigious Italian Millie Miglia rally for classic cars –and finished! Clive was presented with a Beaulieu trophy and £100 cash prize by Lord Montagu.