Real Italian Job

[halfnelson]

Anyone see this on the BBC? Some TV chef called James Martin competes in the Mille Miglia. Gets some expert advice as he doesn't know a lot about Italian cars - so he ends up paying out over £800,000 on a '48 Maserati that doesn't make it to the end of the first day.

The bit I liked was when the co-driver wanted to mark the rev counter so that Martin wouldn't over stress the newly rebuilt engine, but he wouldn't let him.

Incidentally was won again by an Alfa again. Not sure where he got his advice?

[Parisien]

Yes, a DVD of this comes out in May next year!

I don't think we were told the full story though.......a lot of editing etc......makes it "appear" more interesting!

But they made no reference to any road testing at all to test the new engine and get it bedded down, though after a failed engine in just 100 miles I would be P****D off!

It was an indulgent piece, not great TV nor very involving for the true enthusiast.

[alfatastic]

I noticed that Nick Mason (owner of some very exotic Ferrari's) said he had done it and finished it twice in 2 different Alfa's, James should have followed his lead instead of going Masser.

I bet more Alfa's have finished this event than any other make of car ( that have a virtual monopoly of wins pre war.

[ChrisS]

What was it, £3k per piston??? I think they must have bought them at Harry Enfields 'I Saw You Coming' store......

[jimmyjam]

It was certainly TV aimed at the masses. In fairness to James Martin, I think he is a petrol head but because they were trying to appeal to prime time audience that didn't come across.
Was worrying how little running in they did and how much the rebuild was costing.

[GJ]

There's a bit more here

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/way-o...le-miglia.html (James Martin at the Mille Miglia)

[BIDET FITZAKAZI]

I laughed my nad's off !
The programme didn't do him any favour's, as he came accross as a total to##er.
Oh i forgot he is !

[halfnelson]

Was certainly a lot of money to spend on a car he had no knowledge, experience or passion for. Saw in Octane mag in their auction report a stunning 1942 red Alfa 6c 2500 at nearly a quarter of the cost of his Maserati.

The other annoying thing was the way he kept referring to his car as 'a million pound car'. Anyone else think he was seeing pound signs rather than italian coachwork?

[VeloceMitch]

I enjoyed the program for what it was, just entertainment, I think people read too much into it.
You should read some of the posts on Pistonheads to see how people seem to be so worked up about it all, weird!.

There is always a lot of stuff which goes on behind the scenes which isn't obvious, like a rumour of sponsorship from Masarati for instance!. Apart from that possibility, i think the choice of car was down to what is likely to get an entry, there are always lots of Alfa's so perhaps the organisors were more likely to give a mazzer a start than another Alfa. it certainly expalins why he couldn't just buy a 'cheap' MG or something.

[halfnelson]

Haven't seen the Pistonheads forum. Plus agree that directors tend to have a lot on input on these things - like the choice of co-driver.

I did really like the two yorkshire guys in the Aston. Now a program following them would have certainly been worth watching...