Re: Buying New Alfas/Da Silva

[Simon Favre <simon@domain.elided>]

> Re: Walter Da Silva and the 156 at the '98 Concours Italiano

I was there too, and I remember it the way Chris and Josie Robyn did. I
think the ostensible reason for Alfa to bring over a 156 was simply to
support a celebration of Italian culture and style. Being the featured
marque at CI is somewhat of an honor. I also think they didn't want to
spend the money to bring over a boatload of priceless relics from the
Alfa museum. Alfa basically brought in one car, a standard production
model right off the line. Other than the presence of Da Silva himself,
I thought their support was rather minimal. The private owners brought
all the priceless relics anyway.

Of course, if you really WANT to read more into it, there could be other
reasons for bringing over a 156:

1) To rub our noses in it. (You stupid Americans, you chased us out of
   your lousy market, and this is what you're missing.) If you think this
   was their motive, I'd say they were successful at it. Looking at that
   gorgeous 156 I couldn't even consider buying really hurt.
2) To test the crowd reaction to the car as a relatively quick and
   painless market survey for a POSSIBLE future return. I'd say this was
   also a success, in spite of the "It's not enough" disclaimer.
3) To convince us that Alfa Romeo is not dead after the Fiat takeover.
   (It's an Italian ego thing.)
4) Since CI attracts people from all over the world, they could have seen
   it as an opportunity to drum up more business where they are selling.
   (Remote possibility.)

Simon (Stupid American who won't put up with lousy service and support to
       have a stylish mid-range family sedan.)

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