Dear Alfisti,
Here we are once again at the end of another year with Xmas just around the corner.
2018 was once again a very busy year and Alfa Romeo made the headlines several times.
The long-anticipated Alfa dealership in Ottawa finally opened its doors last April. We have since developed a great working relationship and several of our club members have had their classic Alfas serviced there. Pierre the head mechanic was even able to revive a few cars that had been off the road for several years.
I would also like to highlight that the very first new Giulia sold in Ottawa was purchased by a long-time ARCO member. Both he and his wife are absolutely thrilled with their new purchase and the Missus is now starting to make some noise for a Stelvio just for her.
If you have not yet had the opportunity to test drive the Giulia or Stelvio I strongly encourage you to drop by the dealership at 616 St-Laurent Blvd. in Ottawa. Irene and John will be more than happy to take you for a test drive.
Another news worthy event was the return of Alfa Romeo to F1 racing after an absence of more than 30 years. Alfa Romeo Sauber hired 2 young drivers, Charles Leclerc and Marcus Ericsson who gave us a very respectable 8th place overall. For 2019, veteran driver Kimi Räikkönen, AKA The Iceman will be replacing Charles Leclerc and Antonio Giovinazzi will be joining the team. Marcus Ericsson will remain as third driver.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t just good news. In early March, ARCO member Lynn Ostergaard passed away from an illness he had kept hidden from most. A regular attendee at club events, he will certainly be missed. Then, on July 25th we heard of the passing of FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne following complications from shoulder surgery. We can thank him for having brought back Alfa Romeo to North America. RIP Mr Marchionne.
Moving ahead, we are already starting to work on the 2019 event calendar. Of note, the 2019 AROC convention will be held in Pittsburgh this year from 16-21 July. Pittsburgh is close enough to make for a nice road trip and the location they have chosen is absolutely fantastic. The event will be held in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix which makes it even more entertaining.
We always welcome your input and if you have a great idea for an event please let us know.
As for us, Liz is already war gaming the gardens for next summer while I continue the restoration of our 1965 Giulia. Going to be a busy winter.
On behalf of the ARCO Executive, Eliza and I would like to wish you a very happy and safe holiday season!
Cheers,
Marc Faubert
President, Alfa Romeo Club of Ottawa
Alfa Romeo Club of Ottawa 
And, please be cautious with your praise for the Ottawa Alfa dealership, especially the comment about being “able to revive a few cars that had been off the road for several years”. Their actual performance has not been all that stellar but their work does cost the stars to pay for. They need to work for reputation and the community needs to keep them honest. Not all patrons are knowledgeable consumers – it takes an engineering background to know if the work is well done and you’re being treated properly.
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What is your experience with them? So far all of our members have been highly satisfied with their service and workmanship. Certainly not cheap but so far everyone I’ve talked to has been extremely satisfied
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