LA LEGENDA DI BASSANO 2017
Trofeo Giannino Marzotto 22-25 Giugno 2017
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Mike Archer & Peter Collins invited by the organizers to drive in the
3-day event starting in Bassano del Grappa. The1st day from Bassano to Merano 200km... 2nd day Merano to Cavalese 300km…3rd Day Cavalese to Bassano 140km. The route was set in the area of the Dolomites in Italy, stunning scenery, and climbing some of the most spectacular passes such as Passo Erbe & Passo Pordoi famous in rallying in the 50’s as being one of the most challenging passes of any event and still is today. 
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Stephano Chiminelli President of the oganisation Circolo Veneto Automoto d’Epoca kindly lent us a car from his collection, in this case a 1959 Tornado Typhoon a car developed by Bill Woodhouse & Tony Bullen in the late 50’s, and based on Ford 8/10 Chassis.
Stephano newly acquired the Tornado from a company in Holland, and we had the challenge of the 1st test of the car. We were handed the keys by the chief mechanic, who advised us of what to expect…. very heavy none servo brakes, Vague steering, Severe axle tramp in 1st and a overheating issue, so keep the electric fan on constantly he advised. The car only has an1100cc engine and a 3-speed gearbox.
Fully understanding the challenge we set off, from the Bassano start, after 2km I thought we would not make 3!! Still we pressed on, with at least the excellent navigational skills of peter Collins, providing some comfort using the tulip-mapping route supplied.
Stephano newly acquired the Tornado from a company in Holland, and we had the challenge of the 1st test of the car. We were handed the keys by the chief mechanic, who advised us of what to expect…. very heavy none servo brakes, Vague steering, Severe axle tramp in 1st and a overheating issue, so keep the electric fan on constantly he advised. The car only has an1100cc engine and a 3-speed gearbox.
Fully understanding the challenge we set off, from the Bassano start, after 2km I thought we would not make 3!! Still we pressed on, with at least the excellent navigational skills of peter Collins, providing some comfort using the tulip-mapping route supplied.
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The 1st part of the route was relatively flat and enabled me to get used to the cars quirkiness, and yes after 25km I was happy we could complete the course, the axle tramp being an irritation especially in towns, coupled with heavy brakes, and awkward gear change from the 3 speed reverse gate box, the open none town routes becoming a delight. The outside temperature was reaching 40 degrees; thank goodness it’s a Barchetta!
We trundled on passing through the spectacular wine growing regions of the Appiano & Lana area; the car behaving itself, the temperature keeping below the stop the car now levels.
Having completed 150km we stopped for our 1st fuel stop, pulling in behind was the chief mechanics Audi, he popped out to chat with us, and commented the he had been shadowing us from a distance, and was amazed that we had reached so far without issues, owing to the car being untested and congratulated us on our determination and skills to keep on going!
After leaving Bolzano we started to climb towards Merano for the evening overnight stop, the car struggling in 1st gear on the hillside, we then noticed the temperature rise to off gauge, we stopped the car, the support crew arrived shortly afterwards, we let the car cool before attempting to set off again, we then discovered the battery had gone flat on restart, managing to use jump leads we restarted and managed to reach the summit, only now to find the car was firing on only 2 cylinders, we nursed the car to Merano, alas it was decided that with the pending even more demanding route on the 2nd day, the car would be unable to fulfill the challenge.
We trundled on passing through the spectacular wine growing regions of the Appiano & Lana area; the car behaving itself, the temperature keeping below the stop the car now levels.
Having completed 150km we stopped for our 1st fuel stop, pulling in behind was the chief mechanics Audi, he popped out to chat with us, and commented the he had been shadowing us from a distance, and was amazed that we had reached so far without issues, owing to the car being untested and congratulated us on our determination and skills to keep on going!
After leaving Bolzano we started to climb towards Merano for the evening overnight stop, the car struggling in 1st gear on the hillside, we then noticed the temperature rise to off gauge, we stopped the car, the support crew arrived shortly afterwards, we let the car cool before attempting to set off again, we then discovered the battery had gone flat on restart, managing to use jump leads we restarted and managed to reach the summit, only now to find the car was firing on only 2 cylinders, we nursed the car to Merano, alas it was decided that with the pending even more demanding route on the 2nd day, the car would be unable to fulfill the challenge.
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Stephano arranged for us to follow the route in a Fiat Ritmo Cabrio…our participation was over but not the challenge and enjoyment of the route that lay before us.
Overnight in Moreno and a stay at the City Hotel and dinner with the teams at a Forst open-air restaurant, enabled us to catch up with experiences of the day, all agreed that with temperatures a tad over 40 degrees increased the inevitable of overheating issues that many had encountered.
The day started at 8.30 leaving Merano and on to the demanding route of the day and 300km in front of us, experiencing yet again wonderful countryside, towns and villages, and a lunch break at the Hotel Rosalpina at Bressanone in the midst of the Dolomites with views over the mountains.
Afternoon took us to the Passo Erbe and Pordoi, just as we were at the summit of Pordoi the heavens opened and took everyone by surprise, cars stopped everywhere and chaos as protective clothing and hoods for protection took place.
Overnight stop at the Hotel La Roccia Cavalese in the Val Di Fiemme region.
Next day leaving Cavalese for the final run to Bassano, only 140km’s today, via the town of Assiago to then arrive at the Plazza Liberta in Bassano before visiting the Distilleria Poli (Grappa) for lunch and prize giving.
In summary this event is truly wonderful, both in the professional organization provided by the Circolo Veneto Automoto D’Epoca “Giannino Marzotto” the friendliness of the participants, the spectacular route the scenery towns and villages. Make this a must do on any motorsport calendar.
Overnight in Moreno and a stay at the City Hotel and dinner with the teams at a Forst open-air restaurant, enabled us to catch up with experiences of the day, all agreed that with temperatures a tad over 40 degrees increased the inevitable of overheating issues that many had encountered.
The day started at 8.30 leaving Merano and on to the demanding route of the day and 300km in front of us, experiencing yet again wonderful countryside, towns and villages, and a lunch break at the Hotel Rosalpina at Bressanone in the midst of the Dolomites with views over the mountains.
Afternoon took us to the Passo Erbe and Pordoi, just as we were at the summit of Pordoi the heavens opened and took everyone by surprise, cars stopped everywhere and chaos as protective clothing and hoods for protection took place.
Overnight stop at the Hotel La Roccia Cavalese in the Val Di Fiemme region.
Next day leaving Cavalese for the final run to Bassano, only 140km’s today, via the town of Assiago to then arrive at the Plazza Liberta in Bassano before visiting the Distilleria Poli (Grappa) for lunch and prize giving.
In summary this event is truly wonderful, both in the professional organization provided by the Circolo Veneto Automoto D’Epoca “Giannino Marzotto” the friendliness of the participants, the spectacular route the scenery towns and villages. Make this a must do on any motorsport calendar.
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Photos have been included on the web site; please contact me if you would like more information on the event.
