Italia Auto Ulu Yam Dawn Run

Finally managed to have a shakedown run to get a feel of the new car. I guess theres no further need to hide the identity of the vehicle as its pretty obvious. Its a 1997 R33 Skyline GTR (BCNR33).

I invited Temujin, a member of the Skyline Club of Malaysia, to come along in his R32 GTR (BNR32) which had recently come out from GT Auto with a dyno figure of 380 bhp. He too wanted to have a shakedown session to get a 'feel' of the Angry Kermit (his car is green you see).

The meeting point for this weekend's run was at Petronas Batu Caves and as the title of this post clearly indicates, we were running with the Italia Auto boys (IA). I arrived at 7 am and it was a massive turnout. Nearly 40 cars, mostly Italians (Alfas and Fiats) but also some Frenchies, a Lotus and our JDMs (Temujin's R32 GTR, my R33 GTR and ToE's R35 GTR).

The weather was beautiful and the sun had just risen as we roared our way past the lake on the outskirts of Kampung Batang Batu (the settlement before Ulu Yam town). The car handled really well and is a testament to my foreman who serviced it after I had purchased the GTR. He made sure that the car was refreshed, not only in terms of consumables but also with parts that needed to be replaced due to wear and tear (long story). Although I do have to say that the twin turbo setup which makes quite a large amount of power, takes some getting used to especially when taking sharp corners (nearly did a drift at one stretch of the road). Gotta get used to braking early and ease off in the turn then power out.

From Ulu Yam, we then made our way to Gohtong Jaya to have breakfast at the mamak next to Hotel Seri Malaysia. Had a great time catching up with some of the IA guys and looking at each others' cars. Some Golf GTI buddies of mine from the Volkswagen Golf Club of Malaysia, who were in the area, dropped by to have a look at the GTR. Got to catch up with them as well before they headed down to GT Auto for a dyno day.

Here is footage taken by ognam of IA, which he edited into a video for our viewing pleasure. Especially liked that early bit of the silver car rolling into the Petronas station ;).

Till the next run which will take place in 2 weeks time - hehe - drive safe everyone.

Alfa Romeo Centenary Drive featured in the New Straits Times

Featured in the 11/07/2010 edition of NST's motoring pull-out, CBT (Car.Bikes.Trucks). Its good see Italia Auto getting due recognition.

Well done guys.

Alfa Romeo Centennial Celebration Drive (Ulu Yam - Genting)

Today I took the Alfa out of the workshop to take part in the Centennial Celebration Drive organised by Italia Auto Club (IA) along with other Alfisti organisations. The route was from KL to Genting, via Ulu Yam and our support cars were Fiat Coupé 20V Turbos owned by IA forum members.

The weather wasn't perfect. It was raining the night before and there was a brief morning shower. The meet up point was Sime Darby's Autoconnexion Jalan Ipoh showroom. Needless to say, there was a big turn out of Alfas - nearly 70 cars altogether. There were some lovely examples of Italian engineering - like a really rare right hand drive 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider 1600 - supposedly the only one in Southeast Asia.

We were flagged off and promptly got stuck in traffic near the roundabout after Batu Caves. It wasn't that bad after exiting that particular area and the old girl performed flawlessly on the way up. Here is a video of the cars being flagged off:

Granted, she wasn't the fastest car in the pack but I was pleasantly surprised that the GTV managed to keep up with the convoy and reach up to speeds of a hundred plus km/h on the sweeping straights of Ulu Yam. The Genting hill climb was a bit more challenging but she made it to the top. Not bad for a 1973 classic car!

Just after Awana and before Genting proper, there is a large parking lot where the Alfas gathered for a photoshoot. Since she was one of the few classics there, the GTV got front row seats :).


I didn't stay for the buffet lunch and headed back down to KL after a tiring but eventful day. Great job by the organisers of the event (special thanks goes out to IA Fiat Coupé members who made sure no one got lost).

I had an awesome time.

[Pictures courtesy of the IA gang of photographers]