Text: Christer Lundem
Photos: Mr Lundem too, sorry for the blurry iPhone snaps
Photos: Mr Lundem too, sorry for the blurry iPhone snaps
I am not very fond of skiing or snow. So, when I was tired of dressing like an Eskimo and scraping ice from windscreens, I decided to flee Norway. Even if for just for five days. The plan was to meet old friends in England and maybe get some new ones.
First stop was Brighton
I have a friend who lives close to Chipping Sodbury in Bristol. Jay Martin is an Italian car nut just like myself, our car fantasies surounds old Lancia Fulvia´s attacking rally stages in Col de Turin or Alfa GTAm´s lifting their front wheel at the race tracks the likes of Spa Francorchamps. Getting in just in time to grab some beers and talk about life and cars was great. Next day we went to see his Fulvia 1,3 HF and fantasizing of going to Monte Carlo with it. I hope one day we really will do it.
Alfaholics is better than alcoholics
Later the same day, I got together with some old friends. You may have heard of them. The boys from Alfaholics, the brothers Max and Andrew. It´s been 12 years now since last time, but somehow time has stood still. Their business has grown immense, but the passion is still alive. From humble beginnings, the brothers now operate the biggest classic Alfa dealer in the World (Yep Clarkson - I said it). They seem to have anything for an old Alfa. How about a complete shelf of Alfa gta parts? Max says with a twinkle in his eyes he is a complete hoarder. And seeing all this stuff, I do believe him. Two big industrial buildings are brimming with cars, car builds and endless shelfs of Alfa parts. How about four freshly build Alfa gta engines in a row? The finish has to be seen to be believed. Before seeing their cars up close, I would think of them as expensive overpriced toys. But when you know they have 2500 man hours in to them before they are finished you do understand. Everything has an immaculate finish. Carbon fibre and titanium parts everywhere. The restomod 50-year-old Alfa keep up with a modern Porsches on the Nürburgring - they are definitely worth every penny. I hope to drive with the guys this spring at their trackday at Castle Combe.
Tired from all the experiences and quite a long drive, I end up in Brighton looking at the sea. No cars here but it is a beautiful town, with vibrant nightlife and stunning views.
MrSpeedlux when luxury is made simple
The last car connected stop is in East Sussex. At a picturesque place called Little Parkin Ninfield. This is smack in the middle of the beautiful countryside of England. Fare south with narrow lanes and lovely houses. In this English fairy tale father, Clive, and son, Theo, runs the classic car business MrSpeedlux. And the Winstone guys do it well. They have become a trusted strength on old classic Italian motors. Their garage sits beside their house, and you instantly feel welcome and passionate. Clive comes from the design / marketing business just like myself, and during lunch we share car stories and ups and downs in the business. The hours just flies away, and new friendships are made.
Next stop is London, Soho. But that has nothing to do with cars so we live that one alone.
Five days in England well spent I say, Cheers!
I have a friend who lives close to Chipping Sodbury in Bristol. Jay Martin is an Italian car nut just like myself, our car fantasies surounds old Lancia Fulvia´s attacking rally stages in Col de Turin or Alfa GTAm´s lifting their front wheel at the race tracks the likes of Spa Francorchamps. Getting in just in time to grab some beers and talk about life and cars was great. Next day we went to see his Fulvia 1,3 HF and fantasizing of going to Monte Carlo with it. I hope one day we really will do it.
Alfaholics is better than alcoholics
Later the same day, I got together with some old friends. You may have heard of them. The boys from Alfaholics, the brothers Max and Andrew. It´s been 12 years now since last time, but somehow time has stood still. Their business has grown immense, but the passion is still alive. From humble beginnings, the brothers now operate the biggest classic Alfa dealer in the World (Yep Clarkson - I said it). They seem to have anything for an old Alfa. How about a complete shelf of Alfa gta parts? Max says with a twinkle in his eyes he is a complete hoarder. And seeing all this stuff, I do believe him. Two big industrial buildings are brimming with cars, car builds and endless shelfs of Alfa parts. How about four freshly build Alfa gta engines in a row? The finish has to be seen to be believed. Before seeing their cars up close, I would think of them as expensive overpriced toys. But when you know they have 2500 man hours in to them before they are finished you do understand. Everything has an immaculate finish. Carbon fibre and titanium parts everywhere. The restomod 50-year-old Alfa keep up with a modern Porsches on the Nürburgring - they are definitely worth every penny. I hope to drive with the guys this spring at their trackday at Castle Combe.
Tired from all the experiences and quite a long drive, I end up in Brighton looking at the sea. No cars here but it is a beautiful town, with vibrant nightlife and stunning views.
MrSpeedlux when luxury is made simple
The last car connected stop is in East Sussex. At a picturesque place called Little Parkin Ninfield. This is smack in the middle of the beautiful countryside of England. Fare south with narrow lanes and lovely houses. In this English fairy tale father, Clive, and son, Theo, runs the classic car business MrSpeedlux. And the Winstone guys do it well. They have become a trusted strength on old classic Italian motors. Their garage sits beside their house, and you instantly feel welcome and passionate. Clive comes from the design / marketing business just like myself, and during lunch we share car stories and ups and downs in the business. The hours just flies away, and new friendships are made.
Next stop is London, Soho. But that has nothing to do with cars so we live that one alone.
Five days in England well spent I say, Cheers!
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