Click for a hi-res gallery of Alfa Romeo Kyalami Day
The Alfisti in South Africa turned out in droves for Alfa Romeo Kyalami Day, setting a new world record for the most Alfas on the track at once. The record – which mirrors the one set by Ferrari at Silverstone last year – required 200 vehicles, but the organizers got no fewer than 240 Alfas to hit the Kyalami circuit (former host of the South African Grand Prix) at once. Nearly 7000 visitors (excluding staff) were in attendance, while the parking lots filled up with over 2300 cars.
The day also marked the first occasion, believe it or not, when the new 8C Spider was shown in public since its unveiling back in March at the Geneva show. Unfortunately, that's likely to also be the last time the 8C Spider is in the country, as the 500 examples being produced won't be offered there. However, Fiat Auto South Africa – the country's Alfa Romeo importer – also brought out the full array of current models, along with a display of 18 classic Alfas, including one driven by JFK. Check out the images in the gallery below and the press release after the jump for more.
[Source: Alfa Romeo]
PRESS RELEASE
SA's world record Alfa Romeo day
South Africa's Alfa Romeo Kyalami Day welcomed a record attendance of 6 966 visitors, excluding staff, Trofeo racing personnel and exhibitors, while 2322 cars passed through the gates.
The Alfa Romeo 8C Spider received a positively rapturous reception when it was shown to a very privileged South African audience at the Alfa Romeo Day held at Kyalami this past Sunday. This first post-Geneva public outing for the 8C Spider was most appropriate as it marked the 98th birthday of the legendary Alfa Romeo marque and to celebrate this historic happening, the Italian automaker pulled out all the stops.
Visitors were treated to a veritable visual feast of Milanese machinery. On display in the 'brand tunnel' was a star-studded cast of 18 classic Alfa Romeos dating from the 1950s to the 1990s, including a priceless specimen driven by the J.F. Kennedy. There were also more than 40 classic Alfas that participated in two Trofeo races around Kyalami. The current range of cars, were resplendent in 'Rosso' Red but the show stopper went to the 8C Spider, robed in the subtlest, shimmery pearl white hue. Sadly the 8C won't be available locally but it nevertheless provides a tantalising foregleam of the technology arsenal immediately available to Alfa Romeo. (Incidentally, a competition was run that entitled all members of the public who test drove an Alfa during the Alfa Romeo 8-Day experience to be entered into a draw to drive the 8C in Italy – the winner will be announced in 15 days' time.)
The big event of the day, however, was when 240 Alfa Romeos of all shapes, sizes and ages took to the track in a parade lap in an attempt to set a Guinness record for the largest gathering of Alfa Romeos – the spectacle was recorded for prosperity and aired on the news on all SABC channels. 200 cars were needed and we got way in excess of that so, it looks like we've succeeded in establishing a new world record. Once the figures are ratified by Guinness, a release will be issued.
Managing Director of Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa, Giorgio Gorelli, said: "I'm humbled by the unbridled passion that South Africans have for this brand. The parade of more than 200 proud Alfa Romeo owners on the track was a sight to behold. I'm confident that with our new levels of service and forthcoming product introductions, we will meet and, in fact, exceed all expectations of Alfisti."
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