Paolo

A Fiat 850 coupe silver colour, convertible car, photo taken from the right side and spoked wheels.

Fiat 850 spider

1986

This is the second-series Fiat 850 Coupé that I bought in 1986. I owned it only for a short time because even back then some spare parts, especially body panels, were already difficult to find.

It was a fun little car, especially in the summer but in my opinion it had a couple of main drawbacks:

  • the engine coolant temperature would get quite high, often going over 90°C;
  • because the car sat very low, at night the headlights of oncoming cars were often right in your eyes.

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The rider is on his SWM 320 bike in a trial race section in the forest.

Club race

A SWM TL 320 MW motorcycle, yellow colour, climbing a hill in the forest in a trial club race section.
Paolo is challenging a climb with the SWM, in a trial section in the forest on a beautiful sunny day.
The rider is climbing a square stone in the countryside with his motorcycle SWM 320 trial.
SWM TL 320 trial motorcycle, yellow colour, in the forest, climbing a hill.

1982

Back in 1982, these photos show me riding in a small club trial race on my SWM TL 320 trial. It was one of those local events where maybe ten of us showed up, all friends, all ready to challenge each other more with jokes than skills.

What I remember most is the atmosphere. We were a group riding different machines: Bultaco, Ossa, Fantic Motor, Aprilia, Montesa, and of course a couple of us on SWMs. The sections were not easy, but the real competition was the laughter and the friendly teasing every time someone struggled on a rock or a steep climb.

One memory always makes me smile. Our friend Pino was also riding a SWM. He had the spirit to try every obstacle, but sometimes things didn’t go as planned. A few times he would start the section with confidence… then stop halfway, shake his head, and basically “throw” the motorcycle forward in surrender. The poor bike would slide or tumble down while we all laughed – including Pino. That was just how those days were: no stress, bikes, and a lot of stories being created.

Looking back now, those small club races were never really about results. They were about the moments, the people, and the passion for riding that we all shared. And honestly, that feeling is still the same today.

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Fiat 500 R 1972 in good condition, bright blue colour, front three-quarter shot.

Fiat 500 R

This is a 1972 Fiat 500 R that I bought second-hand, in good condition. A typical Italian car of its era, perfect for city driving and short trips. Simple, affordable, and built with no frills – just the essentials that really matter. It was the car of Italian families and was produced in millions of units. Even today, it is admired at classic car club meetings and enthusiast gatherings, where it represents a true symbol of Italian automotive history.

2001

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Porsche 911 s white, 1969, with extra headlights on the bonnet and extra tail wing at the back. Front three-quarter shot.

Porsche 911 S 1969

2004

The 1969 Porsche 911 S, which I owned for about ten years.
It was my dream car, my absolute favourite of all time.
Beautiful, powerful, and demanding a very specific kind of sporty driving due to its rear-mounted, overhanging engine, a layout that gave it a unique balance and character.

That technical peculiarity made it challenging, rewarding, and truly unforgettable behind the wheel. You didn’t just drive it — you learned to respect it.

I took part in several club races and jamboree and wherever it went, it always attracted attention and admiration, both from curious onlookers and seasoned vintage car enthusiasts. A car with a soul, impossible to forget.

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Vintage enduro 1988 Husqvarna TE 510 and classic 1980 Kawasaki Z 1000 parked in the garden front three-quarter shot, sunny day.

Husqvarna Te 510 and Kawasaki Z 1000

1988

After the Yamaha TT 600, I bought this Husqvarna, what a difference compared to the Japanese one: lighter, more stable at speed, with an engine that seemed to have endless power. On the downside, it wasn’t very nimble on tight and technical trails. But when you came out of a wide dirt corner… the more throttle you gave it, the more it stuck to the ground! Amazing!

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