Owning a Classic Italian Car in Piedmont
28 March 2019
Classic Cars in Piedmont
One unexpected advantage of living in Piedmont is how well classic cars survive here.
We don’t get huge amounts of rain and, importantly, we’re far enough from the sea that there’s very little salty air to cause corrosion. As a result, old cars tend to preserve exceptionally well.
Spend a little time driving around the region and you’ll quickly notice beautiful old Alfa Romeos, Fiats and Lancias everywhere. Before long, you’ll probably find yourself wanting one too.
And honestly, there are worse ways to enjoy the Italian countryside.
How Do You Find Classic Cars?
A very good place to start is through local classic car clubs.
Italians are genuinely passionate about their historic cars and many owners maintain them to an incredibly high standard. You’ll often find beautifully preserved originals and fully restored examples that have been cared for properly over many years.
The internet is also a great resource. Here are a few useful Italian websites for searching classic cars:
Be warned though: browsing these sites can become dangerously addictive.
What Are the Rules for Owning a Classic?
Italy is actually quite friendly toward classic car ownership.
If a vehicle is officially registered with the historic club ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano), there are several advantages:
- no annual road tax (bollo)
- exemption from the regular two-year roadworthiness inspection (revisione)
- very inexpensive insurance
For example, insuring a classic Fiat 500 can cost as little as €100 per year.
To qualify for ASI registration, the car must remain close to its original specification. That means things like colours, interiors and major components generally need to match the period-correct version of the model.
You can repaint the car, for example, but usually only in colours that were originally offered for that particular model.
Cars with ASI registration are also generally worth slightly more on the market.
Always Get the Car Checked
This may sound obvious, but never assume everything is perfect simply because the car looks beautiful.
Some classics may not have had a recent revisione, and cosmetic restoration does not always mean mechanical quality.
Always have the car inspected by someone knowledgeable before buying.
Fortunately, in Italy many Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia specialists know these cars extremely well and can quickly identify potential issues.
And if a seller refuses to let the car be checked professionally?
Walk away.
Expect Both Pleasure and Pain
Owning a classic car is a little like owning an old Italian farmhouse.
Wonderful.
Romantic.
Full of character.
And occasionally determined to test your patience.
Older cars require care, attention and regular maintenance. Once you own one, you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for how advanced and reliable modern cars really are.
But you’ll also realise how unbelievably dull most modern cars have become.
Driving an old Alfa Romeo or Fiat through the hills of Piedmont, windows down, vineyards all around you and an espresso waiting in the next village… that experience is difficult to beat.
And somehow, it makes the occasional breakdown feel almost worth it.
