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By Tom Ducibella Part I: Peter Walker and Meg Anderson host the AONE western MAssachusetts foliage tour At the South Deerfield rest stop, a robust turnout of Alfas arrived, along with some German and British engineering (perhaps to get some handling tips or test their heaters). Peter and Meg led us on some small but well-paved scenic back roads through the Berkshires. This year we were entertained by strong yellow colors and a sense of freedom on the roads, and the Metro Boston traffic disappeared as if we were driving on another planet. Mount Greylock is the highest point in the state, and we arrived at the base just in time for an Alfa Spider from Troy, NY, to caravan with us to the top (Don Henderson had contacted Peter in advance). The ascent was definitely a no-cell-phone drive, as the twisty road was just wide enough for two cars and reminiscent of Italy’s Amalfi Coast road, where tour buses are passed (in the other direction) only by Topolinos and Cinquecentos. Although Greylock is not high by Mount Washington standards, the road snakes around so much that the ascent takes ten minutes or more. Once at the top, we hustled into the old, historic stone Bascom Lodge for home-made sandwiches (it may get the biggest burger award) and a wonderful view of valleys below as the weather began to clear. We were joined by bikers, hikers, and a brave cyclist. Greylock is a sort of Massachusetts mecca for those who love to get off the beaten path (meaning, shopping destinations) and tune into a more global view of New England’s countryside and foliage. After lunch, there were different options, and some caravanned to Ashfield, where Peter’s family house has a view almost as scenic as Greylock (see photos). Meg had arranged an AONE dinner of Italian food from Paolina’s (of Marblehead) and local fresh bread, while Phil Bostwick brought bottles of his favorite Italian red and white wines, making for a real festive evening to top off the day. The ride back Sunday was blessed with sunny skies, apple orchards, and pumpkin patches. Thanks, Peter and Meg, for a festa favolosa! Part II: Fall Foliage and a ‘74 GTV This is about re-connecting with a 37-year-old GTV, but first some background before returning to the foliage tour. Upon buying my GTV in 1977, my most memorable drive was over the tortuous Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, where I was warned by a Park Ranger in a pursuit vehicle that my driving could result in a Federal offense (i.e., mega-fine) in a National Park (Shenandoah). After a few years in Tennessee, I returned to Boston. When several other Italian car projects came my way, I was seduced and the GTV lingered in storage until over a year ago (it still had its 1993 inspection sticker). After those other vehicles were on the road, my attention turned back to the GTV. It just needed a tune-up, or so I thought. Although well stored, age had taken its toll — leaky fuel hose, separated suspension bushings (trunion bushing pieces on my driveway), old rubber brake hoses, ancient rubber injection (timing) pump belt, dead SPICA thermostatic actuator, dry distributor weights, burnt points, frayed air box straps, 37-year-old heater hose, Jurassic period Kleber tires, leaky exhaust, etc. My garage became a weekend home and I was lucky to have some SPICA assistance from Glynn Motorsports (e.g., for non-spec long and short rod SPICA adjustments for the special 7L cams).
Now, the car is on the road, but Metro Boston is jammed with
traffic, resulting in a cracked windshield (since repaired) from
Route 128 airborne resurfacing debris on my way to Tutto II.
Afterwards, I’m looking West for relief. Perfect timing — along
comes Peter and Meg’s foliage tour where we are doing the “twisties”
on back roads, free of traffic, climbing Mt. Greylock, and heading
home past apple and pumpkin stands on a wonderfully bright Sunday
afternoon after staying over. The GTV feels like it did the first
year I owned it. The lowered suspension, competition springs, new HR
tires, cams, electric fan, and tune-up bring back a grin. Old tech,
but memories are priceless. Those of you tired with Metro Boston
congestion should look to Peter & Meg’s event next year and
rediscover your Alfa’s potential and your “inner” Alfa. We had 15 cars and 26 people on the Indian Summer Sortie this year — a new Sortie record for both cars and people! Here’s the list of the warriors who took part:
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(Click on the thumbnails below for a larger view, and then
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