Member Profile: John Di Rocco

Name:

Gianni “John” Di Rocco.

What was your first motor vehicle?:

Fiat 850 sedan 1969

(Gianni Pictured with his 850TC)

When did you buy your first Italian motor vehicle and what was it?:

Funnily enough my first Italian car was my first car!

A Fiat 850 sedan, 1969 model white i bought it in 1982 to get around town and to get to uni.

Do you still own this car?:

Unfortunately not!

What type of Italian Car(s) do you own now?:

-1959 Fiat 600 based 850TC spec Abarth 100% Burgandy.

- 1969 Fiat 850 Spider Series 2. White

-1968 Fiat 850 spider series 2 replica Abarth 1000 OT. Red.

What in particular attracted you to this motor vehicle?: (one at a time)

850TC- My brother, after purchasing a Fiat 600E in 2002 wanted to create an 850TC replica, however after much talk between within the family it was decided to leave it as it is... it was a very original example of the car and was in excellent condition! Later on in 2004, I found myself a Fiat 600 and we began sourcing the necessary Abarth parts to create a 750MM Abarth. However while my brother and I were sourcing parts, the availability of 850TC genuine Abarth parts presented themselves and so we decided to recreate my Fiat 600 to 850TC specifications! After two years of researching, sourcing, buying, fitting and building my 850TC was ready for the road in April of 2006. I love this car!

Most memorable moment: I was on the m4 freeway, and from a standing start, waiting for other members on a club run, I needed to merge into traffic very quickly! Amazingly the little 850TC moved into the line of traffic at a rate of acceleration that was surprising and memorable!

Spider (white) - In 1982 my first car was a fiat 850 sedan and in many of the manuals and magazines which featured the 850 series of cars, a small glimpse of the 850 spider could be seen. Often just the rear brake lamps, a side profile of the front bumpers or perhaps the dash. I was always told by people that I would never find one in Australia, the explanation offered was that when the 850 spider was released by Fiat the Australian Federal government introduced a hefty tax on the import of this car! As a consequence the 850 Spider was significantly outpriced by the MG convertible available then. As a result the number of MG’s VS. 850 spiders even today is probably around 5000:1. It took a number of years of research, when I discovered that one lived in the central coast of NSW, and the owner was interested in genuine buyers! This was an opportunity too good to pass up. I saw the car and I loved it! Then payed the non negotiable price...no regrets love this car! After the first two years of motoring, the engine and gearbox became a little too tired and so we overhauled both. A sweet smooth engine has resulted. Standby for another 1000 OT spec engine is currently on the drawing board.

Most memorable moment:

discovering that a 903cc bloc with an Abarth crankshaft is capable of 160kmph (ssshhhssshhh) I read that in a book, I swear!

Spider (red) – Who said there is no god!? Within a short amount of time another 850 spider became available, about 10kms from my mums house! I inspected the car, although the engine and gearbox had seen much of our roads I decided to buy it... again at a non negotiable price! I then decided that the standard engine would just not do! Again I spent much of my spare time, reading, researching and sourcing parts that would enable me to build a 1000OT Abarth replica. Using an Abarth A112 block, a period PBS head, 2x40 DCOE carbies and side drafts manifolds to suit, oil cooler, mid-mount radiator and 9/39 crown and pinion, lowered the front end(with an Abarth Lowering kit), period badging, new floor, campagnolo wheels and suspension and a new softop roof... I think you know my story now! Yes, I love this car too!

Most memorable moment:

This car has a radio cassette tucked in under the dashboard. Whilst cruising on the Hume highway and having run out of water in the wiper reservoir, a car that was travelling in front of me was spitting tiny bits of oil out of its exhaust. When I turned the wipers on, expecting to have water to wipe it off, it simply smeared the oil all over the windscreen! Not good! It was a good thing however that the roof was off and my nephew was with me, as we roared up Catherine hill my nephew leaning over the front windscreen with a clean, lint-free cloth, managed to wipe clean the windscreen whilst dean martin played in the background on the cassette.

If you could have one Italian Made car, which would you choose and why:

I wouldn’t think twice, it would have to be Masserati SuperLeggera. Why? Because it’s the pinnacle of Italian car design and aesthetics.... sounds nice too!

As I am traditionally an 850 man - I have to say that the desire to own a Moretti or Lombardi is always a a serious desire - and - recently, having seen a 124 Vignale - I have to say that I must add that to my wish list too - Hey dreams are free - maybe in my next life!!

What appeals to you about your club, the IMSMC?

Our club provides the opportunity for our family and friends to share in days out together. What better way to enjoy a day out than in the car you’ve always wanted with good company!