Forza Italia 2024 – The Sunday’s Show
A DREAM FOR ITALIAN AFICIONADOS
After the amazing prelude, premises of the Rozalin Palace were slowly waking up from their Italian dream. Morning sun accompanied by a gentle breeze swept away any remaining signs of yesterday’s drizzle. It was still quiet, with only a few red-shirted silhouettes of organisers strolling the gardens here and there. Calmness. Nothing, absolutely nothing indicated the very same place will experience a turnaround into what best resembles a lively Italian village welcoming more than four hundred vehicles and thousands of spectators.
Yet it was just around the corner. Over more than a decade Forza Italia has firmly put itself on the Polish automotive map and for many is that long-awaited event of the year. Being an automotive show (or rather Italian culture festival with automobiles, if you will) it repeatedly excels at celebrating la dolce vita. Oh, and just to set the record straight – once again - this has nothing to do with the centre-right political party but for the witty name!
A TALE OF TWO SEASONS
The gates opened around eight in the morning and ever since, nothing has been the same. Cars and motorcycles entered one by one without a pause and their engines roared, as if they were competing with the Italian tunes played from the speakers. Historic vehicles and those considered as modern classics traditionally occupied the more honourable lawn in front of the palace, whereas daily drivers and more popular cars parked on a large meadow close by. But fear not! Forza Italia remained as welcoming as ever and didn’t judge nobody by their means of transport.
It might well be the reason why the atmosphere at this festival is always incredibly friendly. Kind-hearted people sending positive vibes were omnipresent, likely charging everyone’s social batteries for weeks to come. Such an energy came in handy especially when the weather decided to resemble the one from Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Whilst it welcomed everyone with bright sun, it then intertwined light drizzle, rain and downpour countless of times. The only constant through it all? Countless smiles!
OH, THOSE WONDERFUL CLASSICS
But after all, we are all into cars too, aren’t we? Those attracting the most attention were the elders of the bunch. Understandingly, classics cars have the most interesting stories to tell and everyone who enjoys them wasn’t disappointed. Parked right at the entrance alleyway was a special trio formed by a 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale, a 1969 Iso Rivolta S4 and a 1971 Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato. How is that for a welcome?
After the appetiser came the main course, a very well prepared one. In front of the Palace stood nearly a complete selection of the Alfa Romeo 105 line, including a Spider, some 1300 and 1600 GT Juniors, a 1750 GT Veloce and a few Saloons and Berlinas. Yes, there was even a red Montreal! Alfa Romeo confirmed its dominance amongst not only the classics, but all the participants. Present were more than 200 cars with the scudetto!
What really made an impression on me was a very contrasting duet formed by a Ferrari Testarossa in Giallo Fly parked next to three decades older Lancia Appia in black. Diametrically different cars, but each sporting some iconic features – the Prancing Horse flexed its rear wheel arches and air intakes, whilst the sedan welcomed spectators with rear suicide doors and a missing B-pillar. Diversity is key in the collectors’ world and these two proved it very well.
It is Maserati’s 110th anniversary this year and it couldn’t go unnoticed at Forza Italia, either. One of the centrepieces on the display was a stunning Mistral 3700. Its timeless GT-lines drafted by Pietro Frua look fresh even today and painted silver result in an elegant and rare drive. How rare? It was one of 828 coupes only! On the lawn it was accompanied by a Fiat Dino 2400 and a Lancia Fulvia Coupe. Not a bad line-up!
A SPECIAL PREMIERE… ONCE AGAIN!
There is one more thing Forza Italia is excelling at, and it is bringing novelty to the Polish automotive market. In 2021 at the very same spot guests could witness a premiere of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm and 2024 brought nothing else than… the long-awaited Alfa Romeo Junior. Aside its modern and widely discussed design, some months ago Junior was on the mouth of the entire automotive industry when it was re-badged from its former name – Milano.
On the Alfa Romeo podium, visitors had the chance to experience Junior Elettrica, produced in Tychy, Poland. This top-of-the-range model sports a 156-horsepower electric engine with a very usable 410-kilometre range. The premiere was a huge success, with Junior’s stand being constantly occupied with curious visitors forging their own opinion on the newest city-SUV. I hope to write a bit more about it separately but if you ask me now – the fresh design and interior with Sabelt seats had me at hello!
LA DOLCE VITA AT ITS FINEST
There was however much more to Forza Italia’s attractions for the day than ‘just’ the premiere. Traditionally, around thirty cars set-off on a navigational rally leading through some picturesque roads nearby. From what I overheard, riddles were hard to crack, and competition was fierce! Those who preferred to enjoy some dolce far niente could leave their kids at a dedicated playground and enjoy a drink, a slice of pizza or some tasty gelato.
Mid-event, the day-programme picked up in the tent with engaging lectures and quizzes on the menu. Those who decided to partake could submerge themselves in curious stories from Maciej Ziemek and Mariusz Barwiński – authors of a revised album with best car routes through the Alps. For Maciej is not only a writer, but also a member of the jury at the prestigious Car of the Year awards, he shared some insight from this role, too!
Completing the show was Gośka Andrzejewska-Składanek returning to Forza Italia to sing some timeless Italian hits live. Her passionate interpretation of Dalida’s “Love in Portofino” or Dean Martin’s energetic “Mambo Italiano” will stay with the delighted audience for a long time especially… as due to the weather the concert was played twice – out- and indoors. Oh, and could you tell Gośka is an automotive enthusiast, too?!
CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE… WITH A TWIST
One of the most awaited parts of the day is the parade with a concours of elegance. However, even here there is a special twist and a good car story had won over pristine Ferraris many times in the past. Proud owners presented their gems and some even doubled their chances by entering two cars – the said Giulia SS and Montreal! But it’s okay, especially when they relate to a purchase story of how one led to another.
However, the ’Best of Show’, or ‘Miglior Equipaggio’ if you will, went to the 1969 Iso Rivolta S4 driven by Adam and Marta and preserved in its original state. This rather special limousine from Italy was 1 of only 192 ever produced and back in the days advertised as "the four fastest seats in the world". Rewarded with an honorary mention was a replica of an Abarth OT 1000, built by its current owner Artur over fifteen years!
As every year there was also a special prize for a crew that stood out with either a special car or effort. The verdict couldn’t have been different and Cento Percento Approvato landed in the hands of no others than… Mario and Luigi. Hundred percent approved not only by the jury, but also by all the kids at the event!
THE TRUE REASON WE’RE HERE
I have already said it once, but it is so important it should be repeated over and over again – Forza Italia is all about the people! Everyone here is a friend, up for a chat and throughout the years, countless of connections were formed through this medium. The vehicle owners, visitors and organisers make this event so special you would be hard-pressed to find somebody having a bad time. On the contrary, most return, and some veterans cannot even recall the number of events attended.
Oh well, I can. My first Forza Italia was at the Alexandrinum Palace in 2018 and although I was not driving an Italian vehicle back then, I was immediately enamoured with this concept. I found Forza Italia so good I kept on coming back as a visitor until 2022, when I was eventually able to drive my Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce to Rozalin… from Copenhagen. The most emotional moment, however, was when I could present my grandad’s Fiat Uno in 2023 – I truly believe I wouldn’t be into cars if it wasn’t for him. And whilst I don’t know if and what will I drive next year – without any shed of doubt will I head to wherever Forza Italia takes place!
TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
Saying goodbye to everyone and wrapping up the weekend for good is as emotional as the quoted Andrea Bocelli’s song. But all good things do eventually come to an end so when complete results were announced, prizes handed out and a loud applause given back to the Forza Italia team, a moment came to start the engines for the very last time.
One by one, just as they arrived (okay, maybe slightly wetter…) all the cars left the amazing display of the Rozalin’s garden. The biggest Forza Italia ever came to an end and all of a sudden, everything became quiet, just as it had all started. Silence… but only until the next edition. Complimenti ragazzi, you’ve succeeded yet again!
Text & Photos: Adam Pekala ©
