Meeting Carmelo and his 1966 Alfa Romeo Duetto...

   I guess you can tell from the heading that this is Joe writing... A friend in the States had been communicating with a man named Carmelo in Palermo, Sicily about parts for his vintage Alfa Romeo.  When I mentioned we would be near Palermo, he passed along Carmelo's email.  I contacted Carmelo, and he suggested that we meet at 3pm on Tuesday in the beach resort town of Mondello, a place that would be fairly easy for us to find.  Carmelo arrived right on time, driving his beautiful 1966 Alfa Romeo Duetto, with the top down, of course.  1966 was the first year of production for the Duetto, and Carmelo's car is a particularly early one, with serial number 660291, meaning the 291st car produced in 1966.

   Carmelo is a true alfista (Alfa Romeo enthusiast) and a true gentleman.  His enthusiasm and passion were obvious.  Carmelo's Alfa has been completely restored, and has won awards in local car shows.  After explaining all that he had done to the car, he asked if I wanted to drive it.  It didn't take long to say "si!" and off we went.  Chris waited patiently while I drove the Alfa through the jumble of streets that is Mondello.  We arrived back at the meeting place some ten minutes later, and I couldn't get the grin off my face.  What a thrill, both to meet such a kind and generous man, and to drive his prized car.  

   We have agreed to meet again when Chris and I return to Palermo on March 18.  The plan is to go to Carmelo's house for dinner, and meet his wife and two-year-old.  There is an Italian expression that fits.... non vedo l'ora, literally "I don't see the hour", but expressing "I can't wait".

   Note... touch any photo to enlarge.