Brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club of UK and Ireland.
Episode 96 - Alfa Romeo UK Managing Director Jules Tilstone
In Episode 96 of the Alfa Romeo Driver podcast - brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owner’s Club - Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with Jules Tilstone - managing director of Alfa Romeo UK - to talk about his background, his plans for the UK retail network and the new Alfa Romeo Junior. If you were expecting Jamie Porter, talking about becoming a racing driver, that episode will now be released in July.
So 02.06.2024
35 : 21 min
Episode 95 - Junior Revisited
In Episode 95 of the Alfa Romeo Driver podcast - brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owner’s Club - Editor Guy Swarbrick and Management Team Member David Faithful and I witter on for the best part of an hour about the state of the UK charging network, domestic electricity prices, the economics of operating a motorway service station, whether or not driving enjoyment declines with age and – when we remember – the new Alfa Romeo Junior. To be fair, it’s mostly about the Junior.
So 05.05.2024
52 : 22 min
Episode 93 - AROC's longest serving member - Ron Smith
In Episode 93 of the Alfa Romeo Driver podcast - brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owner’s Club - Editor Guy Swarbrick was joined by the Club’s longest serving member Ron Smith. No longer based in the UK – and, as we’ll see, he wasn’t when he joined, either - but still an active and enthusiastic member, as he has been for most of the Club's 60 year history.
So 07.04.2024
31 : 59 min
Episode 92 - Nathan Mahoney - GT Registrar
In Episode 92 of the Alfa Romeo Driver podcast - brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club - Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with arguably the Club’s most enthustiastic Model Registrar Nathan Mahoney, to talk about his cars and the work he's doing with the GT Register - and, in particular, the growing collaboration with other Model Registers.
So 03.03.2024
29 : 52 min
Episode 91 - STLA Large and Alfa Platform Sharing - Part 2
Episode 91 of the Alfa Romeo Driver podcast – brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club is a little different to our usual format Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with Club management team member and MiTo nerd David Faithful for a half hour chat about the new STLA Large platform that will underpin the replacements for the Giulia and Stelvio – and by the time we’d finished, we had over an hour of material.
If you’ve already listened to Episode 90 then you’ll know that we’ve split it into two roughly half hour long episodes, which we’ve made available at the same time. If you’ve started here, you can listen to Episode 90 first, but they should make sense as a pair or separately – or, at least, they should make as much sense individually as they do together..
The first part was about the benefits of platform sharing – and the history of platform sharing at Alfa Romeo up to the Tonale – and here we’ll cover the upcoming Milano and the STLA large announcement.
So 04.02.2024
33 : 12 min
Episode 90 - STLA Large and Alfa Platform Sharing - Part 1
Episode 90 of the Alfa Romeo Driver podcast – brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club - is a little different to our usual format. Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with Club management team member and MiTo nerd David Faithful for a half hour chat about the new STLA Large platform that will underpin the replacements for the Giulia and Stelvio – and by the time we’d finished, we had over an hour of material.
So we’ve split it into two roughly half hour long episodes, which we’ve made available at the same time – so if you listen on your drive to work or simply don’t want to listen to the two of us waffling on for an hour, you can listen to the two episodes separately – or, of you’re a glutton for punishment with nothing better to do, you can listen to them back-to-back.
This first part is really about the benefits of platform sharing – and the history of platform sharing at Alfa Romeo up to the Tonale – and Episode 91 will cover the upcoming Milano and the STLA large announcement. They s
So 04.02.2024
32 : 10 min
Episode 89 - 60th Anniversary Round Table
Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with Club Chairman John Griffiths, Club Manager Nick Wright and Management Team member David Faithful to discuss some of the exciting events in store for the Club's 60th Anniversary in 2024 - those already confirmed and some still in the planning stages.
So 07.01.2024
24 : 01 min
Episode 88 - Kid name reveal - LIVE!
For those who missed our first livestream, here's a recording of Editor Guy Swarbrick and Club Chairman John Griffiths as they shamelessly filled dead time with speculation waiting for Alfa Romeo to announce the name of the new, small Sport Urban Vehicle, codenamed Kid... The internet knew it was going to be called Brennero - we weren't so sure... We weren't expecting... well, you'll have to listen to find out!
Do 14.12.2023
32 : 26 min
Episode 87 - Website Development & AROC Guardian
In Episode 87 of the Alfa Romeo Driver podcast, brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club, Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with AROC management team member David Faithful to talk about some of the improvements to the Club's online experience behind the scenes - and some of the cool new member benefits that technology will enable.
Some early examples of the new functionality are shown below.
Member login screen
My AROC
A list of a member's cars
A sample AROC Guardian page
So 03.12.2023
34 : 17 min
Episode 86 - No Such Thing As Sivocci’s Triangular Quadrifoglio
2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the famous Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio emblem and we're celebrating with our 4th episode of No Such Thing as a Brera Quadrifoglio.
In this episode of the Alfa Romeo Driver podcast - brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club - Editor Guy Swarbrick is joined by Club Chairman John Griffiths, Club Manager Nick Wright and Alfa Female and Club Director Kirsty Hodson to share their favourite facts about the Quadrifgolio. Some you may have heard before, some you hopefully won't - and many you may find hard to believe!
So 05.11.2023
18 : 38 min
Episode 85 - Round Table
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with Club Chairman John Griffiths, Manager Nick Wright and Section Development Supremo Jonathan Griffin to discuss National Alfa Day, a busy Summer of events, Midlands Italian Car Day, the Classic Motor Show and the forthcoming Section Secretaries and Registrars meeting.
So 01.10.2023
28 : 29 min
Episode 84 - Tribe Days 2
In Episode 84 of the Alfa Romeo Driver podcast, brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club, Guy Swarbrick talks to Club member, GTAm owner and friend of the podcast Alan Greenhalgh - and the Club’s Giulia registrar Andrew Celi – about their recent trip to Le Mans as part of Alfa Romeo's second European-wide Tribe Days event.
So 03.09.2023
49 : 31 min
Episode 83 - National Alfa Day Preview
In this Episode, Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with AROC Chairman John Griffiths, Club Manager Nick Wright and Alfa Female's Allie Taylor to talk about the upcoming National Alfa Day. There are lots of new things going on - as well as lots of the things you've all grown to love at Bicster Heritage.
So 06.08.2023
33 : 54 min
Episode 82 - MiTo 15th Anniversary
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with AROC Racing Leagues commentator and Sim Racing columnist Reeve Taylor, Club Manager Nick Wright and MiTo Registrar David Faithful to discuss 15 years of the MiTo, its importance to the Club, the recent 15th Anniversary track day, their current cars and their dream MiTos.
So 02.07.2023
40 : 16 min
Episode 81 - Tonale Q4 versus the world
In Episode 81 of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast – brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club, Editor Guy Swarbrick drives the Tonale Q4 – the 280 horsepower, four-wheel drive, plug-in hybrid version of Alfa’s C segment SUV – along with some of its potential rivals at the SMMT test day at Millbrook.
The video of a lap (or two) of Millbrook in the Tonale Q4 is now available on the Club's YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/w7pQQeEIBPQ
So 04.06.2023
43 : 57 min
Episode 80 - AROC Ragazzi takeover
The week's episode sees Chiara Shearn talking to AROC Ragazzi Chairman Sam Butler and Ragazzi and Hereford & Worcester Section Secretary Sophie King about their Alfa history, the formation of the AROC Ragazzi Section and their plans for the future of the group.
So 07.05.2023
38 : 38 min
Episode 79 - Spring Alfa Day Round Table
In this Episode of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast - brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club - Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with Club Chairman John Griffiths, board member Kirsty Hodson, Club Manager Nick Wright and cinqueportephobic David Faithful to talk about a record-breaking Spring Alfa Day, rapid unscheduled carton disassembly events and a busy few months of events to come.
So 23.04.2023
33 : 36 min
Episode 78 - ARCA Season Preview
In Episode 78 of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast, brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club, Editor Guy Swarbrick discusses the upcoming Alfa Romeo Championship season – and looks back at last year – with Championship Coordinator and friend of the Podcast Andy Robinson.
So 09.04.2023
28 : 37 min
Episode 77 - Rosie & Jack Hodson
For Episode 77 of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast - brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club - Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with Jack and Rosie Hodson for the first of our new series of profiles of AROC families.
So 26.03.2023
36 : 27 min
Episode 76 - International Women’s Day with Julie David - MD Alfa Romeo UK
In Episode 76 of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast, brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club, Kirsty Hodson sat down to celebrate International Women’s Day with the new Managing Director of Alfa Romeo UK – Julie David. They talked about her life, career and plans for the future of the marque.
So 12.03.2023
29 : 49 min
Episode 75 - No Such Thing as a Brera Quadrifoglio 3
From four undisclosed locations around the UK, Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with Kirsty Hodson, John Griffiths and Nick Wright to discuss their four favourite facts from the world of Alfa Romeo, in the third episode of No Such Thing as a Brera Quadrifoglio - celebrating the 75th episode of the Alfa Romeo Driver podcast, brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club.
So 26.02.2023
18 : 59 min
Episode 74 - Jim Rastall - 159 Registrar
In Episode 74 of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast - brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club - Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with the Club’s 159 Registrar Jim Rastall and talks about his car history and his plans for the Register.
To celebrate our 75th episode, we’re recording the third edition of No Such Thing as a Brera Quadrifoglio. If you have any humorous or obscure – or, better still, humorous and obscure – facts from the world of Alfa Romeo that you’d like us to talk about, email me at [email protected] before next Wednesday – the 15th.
So 12.02.2023
27 : 40 min
Episode 73- Jolly Club GTA
In this Episode Guy Swarbrick sat down with AROC virtual racer and ARCA 4C racer Mike Hilton and Andrew Bergbaum, his partner in a project to bring a very special racing Alfa back to the track. In its heyday, it was an Autodelta car running in Jolly Club livery, taking fourth in the 1966 Monza Four Hours in the hands of Alfa legend Rob Slotemaker. What's happened to it in the 57 years that followed?
So 29.01.2023
34 : 23 min
Episode 72 - Review of the Year 2022 Round Table
Editor Guy Swarbrick is joined by Club Chairman John Griffiths, Club Manager Nick Wright, MiTo Registrar David Faithful and Thames Valley Section Secretary Kirsty Hodson to talk about our highlights from 2022 and the things we’re looking forward to in 2023.
So 15.01.2023
34 : 34 min
Episode 71 - Alen Thomas - Modified Register
In Episode 71 of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast - brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club - Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with AROC Modified Register coordinator Alen Thomas to answer all of life's important questions: What is a modified car? What's the Register for? When does a sticker become a wrap? Who's Jacky? What would Alen do to a Giulia Quadrifoglio, given the chance? And many, many more.
So 01.01.2023
33 : 55 min
Episode 70 - Roberto Giordanelli - AutoItalia Test Driver
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with AutoItalia road and track test driver Roberto Gordanelli to talk about his life and career, the Alfa Romeos he's owned and driven, the future of the automobile and motorsport - and his new book Confessions of a Test Driver.
So 18.12.2022
34 : 07 min
Episode 69 - New AROC website
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with AROC management team member David Faithful to talk about the Club's new website, which launched this week. Behind the clean, modern feel is a completely new website, built with an emphasis on making it easier for Club officials and members to share content. David talks through the features available from day one - and about some of the plans for future enhancements.
So 04.12.2022
34 : 03 min
Episode 68 - NEC Classic Motor Show
In this week's episode, Editor Guy Swarbrick looks back at the NEC Classic Motor Show where he sat down with Alfasud Registrar Ian Brookfield to talk about the cars on this year's AROC stand, Jonathan Trinder to learn more about his 47 year old Alfasud ti and Club Chairman John Griffiths to get an insight into what's involved in planning and preparing for one of the biggest classic motor shows in the world.
So 20.11.2022
40 : 11 min
Episode 67 - Christmas Gift Ideas
In Episode 67 of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast, brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club, Editor Guy Swarbrick and Kirsty Hodson – Club management team member, Thames Valley Section Secretary bring you their Top 30 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Alfisti in your life (or your car...).
Ranging for £6 to £1,200, there should be something for everyone!
1
Italian supercar experience
DRIVE AN ALFA GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO ON ARESE CIRCUIT - RSE Italia
2
Spider car hire
Alfa Romeo Spider - 24 hr Mid Week | Great Driving Days
3
Displate metal posters
'Alfa Romeo' Poster by shreyas rao | Displate
4
105 Series books - Patrick Dasse
Amazon.co.uk
5
Alfa Romeo after shave
Red Collection After Shave Lotion by Alfa Romeo | parfumdreams
6
Curves magazine
Curves: Northern Italy: Lombardy, South Tyrol, Veneto : Stefan Bogner: Amazon.co.uk: Books
7
Best driving roads books
Epic Drives of the World: Explore the Planet's Most Thrilling Road Trips : Planet, Lonely: Amazon.co.uk: Books
8
Puddle lights
MOPAR Store Courtesy ligh
So 06.11.2022
25 : 26 min
Episode 66 - Ian Willis - CKI
In Episode 66 of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast, brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club, Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with Ian Willis - the head of personal lines at the Club’s insurance scheme provider CKI – better know to most of us as Chris Knott Insurance - to talk about the company's relationship with the Club, the role of brokers, what determines your premiums, what to do if you're unhappy with your renewal, why you should declare modifications, how classic car policies work and much, much more.
So 23.10.2022
26 : 52 min
Episode 65 - Events and Jon Dooley Memorial Round Table
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick is joined at the round table by Club Chairman and East Midlands Section Secretary John Griffiths, Alfa Female supremo, GT Registrar and Thames Valley Section Secretary Kirsty Hodson, and management team member and MiTo Registrar David Faithful. They look back at some of the events over the Summer - particularly National Alfa Day - and the events still to come - MITCAR and The Classic Motor Show at the NEC. Kirsty reflects on the launch of Alfa Female and David talks about the relaunch of the AROC parts service, while John and Guy look back at some recent events to commemorate the loss, two years ago, of AROC founder, Chairman, Alfa Romeo Driver Editor - and British Saloon Car Champion - Jon Dooley.
And if you'd like to follow the travels of Alfa Female bear Aria, who we talk about in this episode, you can go to https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085231119957
So 02.10.2022
29 : 13 min
Episode 64 - Peter Smart
In this week's episode of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast - brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club - Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with Peter Smart - owner of the eponymous Peter Smart Classic Alfas to talk car histories, restorations and motorsport preparation.
So 18.09.2022
24 : 12 min
Episode 63 - Tom Brooks
Episode 63 of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast - brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club - is the one delayed by Covid, but we think it was worth the wait!
In this episode, Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick talks to Tom Brooks about his 147 GTA restoration project - featured in the upcoming October issue of Alfa Romeo Driver magazine and in an 8-part YouTube video series (link below) - and about his career as a motorsport commentator and voice over artist for, among other things, Gran Turismo on the PlayStation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9TzZHR1n6g
So 04.09.2022
35 : 20 min
Episode 62 - National Alfa Day preview
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with Club Manager Nick Wright, and board members Kirsty Hodson and David Faithful to talk about next weekend’s National Alfa Day and the events for the rest of the year – from Sussex through to Yorkshire.
So 31.07.2022
18 : 58 min
Episode 61 - AlfaTonale TI - Notes from a test drive
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick got the keys to a new Alfa Romeo Tonale - at very short notice. A plan was hatched to produce the magazine's most ambitious test report to date - some of which sort of worked. Eventually.
This is not that test report- but it is the story behind the test report.
So 17.07.2022
18 : 31 min
Episode 60 - Goodwood Festival of Speed
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick was at the Goodwood Festival of Speed where he managed to sit down with Alfa Romeo UK's Damien Dally and board members John Timms and Kirsty Hodson to talk about the highlights from this year's event.
So 03.07.2022
23 : 18 min
Episode 59 - The Four on Tour Charity Challenge
In Episode 59 of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast, Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with Leicester-based petrolheads Sat Flora and Haris Ahmad, who set out to buy a cheap car and drive it to and from Amsterdam to raise money for charity. Can you even buy a used car for £500 at the moment? And, if you can, will £250 be enough to prepare it for a 1,000 mile round-trip?
The pair will be raising money for Leicester Children's charity Menphys and Dementia UK and donations can be made at their JustGiving page. The QR code here and on the podcast label should take you straight to the donations page.
And the build-up to the trip - which will take place between the 20th and the 25th of July - as well as the trip itself will all be on the team's Instagram - @thefourontour2022.
So 12.06.2022
25 : 13 min
Episode 58 - AROC Events 2022
As the 2022 events season kicks off in earnest, Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with Club Chairman and Events Director to look back on a successful Spring Alfa Day and look forward to the events planned for the rest of the year - as well as a couple of exciting initiatives being run in conjunction with Alfa Romeo. Are you part of a three (or more!) generation family of Alfisti? If so, please get in touch with as at [email protected]
So 22.05.2022
32 : 22 min
Episode 57 - There’s Still No Such Thing As A Brera Quadrifoglio
To celebrate our second anniversary, we thought we'd revisit our fact-based QI-elf-tribute, No Such Thing as a Brera Quadrifoglio - so Editor and Model Registrar Guy Swarbrick, Section Secretary and Model Registrar Kirsty Hodson, Model Registrar and Board Member David Faithful and Section Secretary Jade Pidgley have hit the books and the interwebs to find some - hopefully - quite interesting facts about Alfa Romeo. So whether you're an Alfa nerd or have just been co-opted to produce your Section's quiz this year, hopefully we have some interesting, obscure and amusing facts to keep you entertained.
So 08.05.2022
22 : 19 min
Episode 56 - SZ Registrar Adrian Jardine
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with the boss of Maidenhead Alfa specialist Alfa Aid and SZ Registrar Adrian Jardine to talk about his Alfa history, his business and his passion for Il Mostro.
So 24.04.2022
47 : 42 min
Episode 55 - Alfa Romeo Championship Preview
In this week's episode, Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick talks to two friends of the podcast - Alfa Romeo Championship Series Coordinator Andy Robinson and Bianco Motosports Supremo Paul Plant - about the forthcoming 2022 season, the new V6 class and gets an update on the development of the forthcoming 1.4 MultiAir MiTo and Giulietta spec.
So 10.04.2022
32 : 36 min
Episode 54 - Alan Greenhalgh - Giulia GTAm
This week Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with one of the Club’s newest members – but a man with a long Alfa pedigree - Alan Greenhalgh. Alan was fortunate enough to be one of the 500 owners of an Alfa Romeo GTA/GTAm.
So 27.03.2022
34 : 26 min
Episode 53 - Alfa Females
On International Women's Day, AROC Board member, GT Registrar and Thames Valley Section Secretary Kirsty Hodson sat down to talk with 156 GTA and 916 Spider and GTV owner Susan Fuller and MiTo owners Jade Pidgely and Sophie King to talk about Alfa Romeos, AROC and the experience of being an Alfa Female.
So 13.03.2022
26 : 34 min
Episode 52 - Tonale Uncovered with Rob Lake
In Episode 52 of the Alfa Romeo Driver podcast, brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club. Guy Swarbrick sat down with the Senior Product Manager for Alfa Romeo at Stellantis, Rob Lake to talk about the forthcoming Alfa Romeo Tonale, the marque's first foray into the ultra-competitive C-SUV market. They talk about why Alfa Romeo is building SUVs, what makes an Alfa an Alfa - and how those characteristics can be applied to help Alfa stand out from the crowd. They also talk about Rob's lifelong passion for Italian cars, which includes 30 years of AROC membership and an award-winning Alfasud. You can read more about the Alfasud at AROC Archive (aroc-uk.com)
So 27.02.2022
47 : 04 min
Episode 51 - Tipo 184 with Ant Anstead and Darren Collins
Episode 51 of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast, brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club is a little different in two respects – first, we’re talking about a car which, strictly speaking, isn’t an Alfa – but was inspired by one of the greatest Alfas of all time and has some Alfa DNA in its history.
Second, the podcast is split into two parts. In Part 1 we talk to Darren Collins of Dowsetts Classic Cars who is responsible for engineering and developing the Tipo 184 – inspired by the legendary Alfa Romeo Tipo 158 Grand Prix Car.
Then, in Part 2, we sit down with TV’s Ant Anstead who built the first two iterations of the car – one of which featured on Discovery’s Ant Anstead, Master mechanic.
So 13.02.2022
46 : 56 min
Episode 50 - Top 50 Post-War Alfas Round Table
Episode 50 of the Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast – brought to you by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club - is a little different. Editor Guy Swarbrick talks to the usual round table team of Club Chairman John Griffiths, Club Manager Nick Wright and board members Kirsty Hodson and David Faithful about almost every post-war road-going Alfa, sort of ranked into a sort of Top 50!
Numbers 11 to 50 are based on the weighted votes of the round table team and a selection of Model Registrars and Section Secretaries - and their top 10 was then put to the membership for a final ranking. So it's not the definitive top 50 - it's just 50 Alfas. In some sort of order. Where did your favorite come? What was number one? How could they have got it so wrong?!
At the end of the Episode we mention an upcoming livestream and promise some details, so here they are.
Chris Rees from Auto Italia will be on a livestream from the Thames Valley Section monthly meeting on Tuesday, the 2nd of February from 7.45pm.
You can find the livestream (or the
So 30.01.2022
44 : 32 min
Episode 49 - Ken Carrington
This week Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick talks to Ken Carrington about his 40 years with the Club which have included a spell as Club Chairman, a long career as a photographer, organising the legendary Andiamo a Milano trips to Italy and acting as the Club's liaison with the Alfa Romeo Archive and the DVLA.
So 16.01.2022
29 : 07 min
Episode 48 - Ashley Croft - New Alfa Owner
In the first Episode of 2022, Editor Guy Swarbrick talks to Ashley Croft - one of the sales team at Chris Knott Insurance - about the why, what, where and how of buying his first Alfa, the benefits of Club membership, and some of the many options for modifying his new Giulietta.
So 02.01.2022
22 : 31 min
Episode 47 - Hillclimber Mike Stark
This week Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick talks to Mike Stark. Mike's 3.8 litre Busso-engined 156 GTA was a big hit among AROC members at National Alfa Day and on the Club's stand at the NEC Classic Motor Show. Mike talks about his history in motorsport, the history of the car, his record-breaking runs up Shelsley Walsh - and provides some useful hints and tips for anyone interested in getting involved in this uniquely British form of grass-roots motorsport.
So 19.12.2021
39 : 19 min
Episode 46 - StuartTaylor - 105 Registrar
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with 105 registrar Stuart Taylor to talk about the register, the cars, the owners, modifications, celebrations and drag coefficients. Among other things!
So 05.12.2021
36 : 26 min
Episode 45 - GTA & GTAm Brand Ambassador James Browning
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick caught up with Alfa Romeo's GTA and GTAm Brand Ambassador James Browning about his role, the car and the process of building and buying the best sports saloon ever made.
So 21.11.2021
36 : 37 min
Episode 44 - Round Table
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with Club Chairman and East Midlands Section Secretary John Griffiths, Club Manager Nick Wright, Board Member, MiTo Registrar David Faithful and newly elected Board Member, Thames Valley Section Secretary and GT Registrar Kirsty Hodson to talk about the recent Section Secretaries and Model Registrars meeting, the Club's General Meeting, the upcoming NEC Classic Motor Show and another chance for a virtual - and physical - visit to Pirelli in Burton.
So 07.11.2021
36 : 00 min
Episode 43 - Jim Stokes
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick talks to legendary pre-war Alfa restorer Jim Stokes about his business, how he got involved with Alfas in the first place, some of his most interesting and challenging projects, the Tipo 158 he ran at the Goodwood Revival this year, restomodding and the future of both Alfa and the automobile itself. It's a little bit longer than usual - but it's worth it.
In this week's Episode, Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick talks to Somerset Section Secretary and Alfa Romeo Driver Section News Editor Clive Baker about his ownership history, his time in the Club, South West Alfa Day and the upcoming Registrars and Section Secretaries' meeting.
So 10.10.2021
29 : 46 min
Episode 41 - Berlina and Arna Restorer Ian Jephcott
In this week's Episode Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick talks to Ian Jephcott about the process of restoring some of the less popular Alfa Romeo models - the challenges involved and the workarounds - as well as trying to figure out just how he does it to such a high standard so quickly!
So 26.09.2021
40 : 58 min
Episode 40 - Yorkshire Section Chairman John Scott
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with Yorkshire Section Chairman John Scott ahead of Autumn Alfa Day at Yorkshire Wildfire Park in Doncaster to talk about the Alfas he's owned and the future of the Section.
So 12.09.2021
28 : 25 min
Episode 39 - Summer Events Roundtable
We're halfway through a fantastic Summer of events and to celebrate, Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with Club Chairman John Griffiths, Club Manager Nick Wright and Board Member David Faithful to talk about the events that have gone (Silverstone Classic, Cotswold Alfa Day, Festival Italia and MITCAR), events that are coming up (Autumn Alfa Day and Auto Italia at Brooklands) and one that was actually happening as the podcast went live (South West Alfa Day).
So 29.08.2021
41 : 14 min
Episode 38 - Geoff Gordon at Silverstone
Geoff Gordon made quite an impact with attendees at National Alfa Day in June with the roar of his Giulietta - a car already familiar to fans of the Goodwood Revival, where it has raced with Geoff, Emmanuele Pirro and Steve Soper behind the wheel. Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with Geoff at the Silverstone Classic where he'd brought along his immaculate Group 2 Alfasud Sprint to talk about both cars, their histories and Geoff's plans for the future.
So 15.08.2021
22 : 37 min
Episode 37 - Future Alfa Racer No More - with Colin Cunniffe and Paul Plant
Just over a year ago, the Alfa Romeo Owners Club - with the generous backing of Bianco Motorsports - began looking for a Future Alfa Racer from the ranks of our Virtual Racing Series. After an epic battle over six months, involving 30 races at 20 circuits and 5 cars - Colin Cunniffe emerged victorious. After a couple of delays - for the usual reasons - he passed his ARDS test and, last weekend, got behind the wheel of a Bianco 156 at Snetterton. We were there to see how he got on and, afterwards, sat down with him and Paul Plant of Bianco.
So 01.08.2021
30 : 51 min
Episode 36 - Laurence Preston of Autolusso Bournemouth
In this Episode, Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with Autolusso Bournemouth proprietor Laurence Preston to talk about his introduction to the motor trade, how he started and grew his business, his plans for the future, the cars he's owned and the cars he'd like to own. Caution: Contains bad language (in particular, the names of German car brands).
So 18.07.2021
37 : 58 min
Episode 35 - National Alfa Day Roundtable
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with Club Manager Nick Wright, Chairman John Griffiths and Board member David Faithful to look back on the biggest event in the Club's history at Bicester Heritage - and forward to some of the other events the Club is involved in this Summer.
So 04.07.2021
37 : 37 min
Episode 34 - Vicki Butler-Henderson
This week Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick chats to Fifth Gear presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson about her career, National Alfa Day, MiTos, 4Cs, 8Cs, women in motorsport and in the motor industry and her new YouTube channel.
So 20.06.2021
32 : 59 min
Episode 33 -National Alfa Day PreviewRound Table
Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with Club chairman and East Midlands Section Secretary John Griffiths, Club manager Nick Wright and board member and MiTo Registrar David Faithful to talk about their memories of National Alfa Day at Bicester Heritage in 2019, the plans for this year's event, the packed programme of regional events over the summer, the latest rumours from Stellantis and the huge range of benefits available to Club members.
So 06.06.2021
38 : 43 min
Episode 32 - Best selling author James Oswald
This week, Editor Guy Swarbrick sits down with best-selling crime fiction author James Oswald who makes his return to Alfa Romeo Driver in the June issue with the story of the restoration of his 156 GTA Sportwagon.
James is no stranger to the magazine, having been a regular contributor as GT Registrar in the noughties and he talks about the Alfas he's owned, the Alfas his characters have driven and the writing process.
So 23.05.2021
38 : 51 min
Episode 31 - No Such Thing As A Brera Quadrifoglio
To celebrate our first anniversary, we thought we'd do something a little different, so Editor and Model Registrar Guy Swarbrick, Chairman and Section Secretary John Griffiths, Section Secretary and Model Registrar Kirsty Hodson and Model Registrar and Board Member David Faithful have hit the books and the interwebs to find some - hopefully - quite interesting facts about Alfa Romeo. We've also included some of the facts from our Built For Athletes Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen backpack competition - and we reveal the winner.
So 09.05.2021
27 : 49 min
Episode 30 - Andrew Banks of Alfaholics
This week Guy Swarbrick chats to Andrew Banks who, along with his brother Max, runs the legendary 105 performance parts and restomod specialist Alfaholics. They talk about the firm's GTA-R 290 - as featured in a recent episode of Top Gear - the history of the business, racing, waiting lists, carbon fibre, titanium and the future of Classic Cars.
So 25.04.2021
38 : 17 min
Episode 29 - Section & Register Round Table with Carol Corliss, Kirsty Hodson and Mel Westwell
Section Secretaries and Model Registrars are the Club's unsung heroes in the best of times. Over the last year, they've played a crucial role in keeping us all informed and involved in difficult circumstances. This week Guy Swarbrick talks to Pre-War and Vintage Registrar Carol Corliss, Goodwood Section Secretary Mel Westwell and Kirsty Hodson who is both the Thames Valley Section Secretary and the GT Registrar about running Sections and Registers during the pandemic, about their plans for this year and about their dream driving holidays.
So 11.04.2021
31 : 02 min
Episode 28 -2021 Formula One Season Preview
This week Guy Swarbrick previews the 2021 Formula One season. He looks back at 2020, looks forward to the new look, twenty-three race calendar and reflects on what we learned from Alfa Romeo Racing's car launch, testing programme and the Friday and Saturday sessions from the opening round at Bahrain. Featuring Fed Vasseur, Jan Monchaux, Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi.
So 28.03.2021
34 : 15 min
Episode 27 - Bianco Motorsport's Paul Plant
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick talks to Paul Plant about the Alfas he's owned, the ones he still owns and the ones he'd like to own, about motorsport - real and virtual - and about Bianco Auto Developments,
So 14.03.2021
33 : 54 min
Episode 26 - Meet the Board - with Duncan Langford
In the latest of our Meet the Board series, Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with social media supremo and serial model registrar Duncan Langford to talk about Facebook, forums, MiTos, Giuliettas, Giulias, string and pre-war 8Cs. Yes, string...
So 28.02.2021
26 : 02 min
Episode25 - Stellantis : Where does Alfa Fit?
For our 25th Episode, Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick sat down with Club Chairman and East Midlands Section Secretary John Griffiths and board member and MiTo Registrar David Faithful to discuss the recent FCA-PSA merger and to speculate on where Alfa Romeo will fit in Stellantis' new 14 brand portfolio. These issues are also explored in the February 2021 issue of Alfa Romeo Driver, out this week.
So 14.02.2021
59 : 12 min
Episode 24 - Jamie Porter - From the Workshop
In this week's Episode, Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick talks to Jamie Porter - Alfa Romeo Driver and owner of the Alfa Workshop about cars he's owned, cars he's worked on, his business, his racing MiTo and the future of Alfa Romeo - and the future of the car itself.
So 31.01.2021
54 : 40 min
Episode 23 - Meet the Board with John Timms
In this Episode - the latest in our 'Meet the Board' series - Guy Swarbrick talks to John Timms about his Alfa history, his role as Finance Director, the challenges of Covid-19 and his thoughts on the coming year and beyond.
So 17.01.2021
44 : 37 min
Episode 22 - Mystery Guest
The Alfa Romeo Driver podcast team have something a little different for you this week. Who will be in the spotlight in this Episode? Model Registrar? Section committee member? Magazine contributor? Or all of the above?
So 03.01.2021
31 : 29 min
Episode 21 - Club of the Year Round Table
Alfa Romeo Driver Editor Guy Swarbrick discusses the Club's recent Club of the Year win in the Classic and Sportscar magazine awards - as well as National Alfa Day 2021, some of the new benefits available to members and the forthcoming Virtual Racing Championships with Club Chairman John Griffiths, Club Manager Nick Wright and Board Member David Faithful.
Guy Swarbrick has scoured the podiverse and uncovered 28 Formula One, motorsport and automotive websites to keep you entertained through to the New Year. From professional, 'official' podcasts to enthusiastic amateurs, there's something here for everybody to listen to over the festive period.
So 06.12.2020
18 : 04 min
Episode 19 - Alfa Super Salesman Saber Ali
It's fair to say that one of the criticisms often levelled at Alfa Romeo dealers is the lack of passion and knowledge of some of the dealer sales people – but that’s certainly not true of the subject of this week's interview. We'd heard so many good things about Saber Ali of Research Garage in Nuneaton that we just had to get him on the podcast. A 4C owner and an active member of the East Midlands Section, he breathes, sleeps and – as he tells Editor Guy Swarbrick – dreams Alfa Romeo.
So 22.11.2020
34 : 19 min
Episode 18 - The November Roundtable
Guy Swarbrick sits down with Club Chairman John Griffiths, Scuderia MiTo team principal David Faithful and Club Manager Nick Wright to talk about mergers, finances, auctions, motorsport, Club activities - virtual and otherwise - and a host of other topics.
So 08.11.2020
47 : 53 min
Episode 17 - Ian Brookfield - Alfasud Registrar
In this Episode, Guy Swarbrick meets Ian Brookfield - Alfasud Registrar, proprietor of SudShop and owner of no fewer than 57 Alfasuds (although not all at the same time!).
So 25.10.2020
27 : 58 min
Episode 16 - Meet the Board with Jonathan Griffin - Part 2
In the second part of his conversation with Editor Guy Swarbrick, Johnathan Griffin talks about his racing career and the work he's doing with the Board to develop the Club's Geographic Sections.
So 11.10.2020
29 : 41 min
Episode 15 - Meet the Board with Jonathan Griffin
In the first part of a two part Episode, Guy Swarbrick talks to AROC Board member Jonathan Griffin about 105s, Alfasuds he's owned - and about this year's Southern Alfa Day. Part 2 will explore Jonathan's role on the board and his racing career.
So 27.09.2020
38 : 55 min
Episode 14 - Alfa's UK Country Manager joins the AROC Round Table
Damien Dally joins Chairman John Griffiths, Club Manager Nick Wright, Board Member David Faithful and Editor Guy Swarbrick around the virtual round table to talk about his Alfa Romeo life and the future of the marque.
So 13.09.2020
52 : 14 min
Episode 13 - MiTo vs Giulietta with David Faithful and Alexander Black
Which is the best modern small Alfa - the pint-sized 3-door MiTo or the family-sized Giulietta? We pit MiTo Registrar and Alfa Romeo Driver Podcast regular David Faithful against Giulietta Registrar Alexander Black and ask them to make the case for their cars.
So 30.08.2020
30 : 50 min
Episode 12 - John Griffiths - Club Chairman
This week Guy Swarbrick sits down with AROC Chairman to talk about a subject close to both their hearts - detailing and car cleaning. John talks about how car cleaning has evolved and shares some tips and tricks for creating a shine that lasts.
So 16.08.2020
34 : 02 min
Episode 11 - Meet the Board with Richard Murtha
In this week's episode Guy Swarbrick talks to AROC Motorsport coordinator and Lancashire Section Secretary Richard Murtha about his Alfa-owning history, his role on the board and the abbreviated 2020 motor racing season.
So 02.08.2020
31 : 01 min
Episode 10 - Running the 159 Register with Chris Macdonald
In this Episode, Editor Guy Swarbrick talks to 159 model registrar Chris Macdonald about the purpose of the register, roof boxes, front subframes, paint, halo lights, modding, not-modding - and much, much more.
So 19.07.2020
23 : 11 min
Episode 9 - Wheeler Dealers' Mike Brewer
In this week’s Episode of the Alfa Romeo Driver we talk to TV’s Wheeler Dealer Mike Brewer about the history of the show, the move to the US, a possible return to the UK, his passion for Alfa Romeo - and the Alfasud in particular – the Alfa’s he’s owned, the Montreal that got away, delivering medicine for the NHS - and much, much more.
So 05.07.2020
32 : 40 min
Preview : Episode 9 - Mike Brewer
This is not so much a podcast as an adcast… In this week’s Episode of the Alfa Romeo Driver we talk to TV’s Wheeler Dealer Mike Brewer about the history of the show, the move to the US, a possible return to the UK, his passion for Alfa Romeo - and the Alfasud in particular – the Alfa’s he’s owned, the Montreal that got away, delivering medicine for the NHS - and much, much more. Here’s a sample of what Mike had to say.
Full episode published at 1.30 on July the 5th.
Mi 01.07.2020
1 : 30 min
Episode 8 - Alfa's 110th Anniversary with John Griffiths, David Faithful and AutoItalia's Michael Ward
Episode 8 of the Alfa Romeo Podcast is an extra-long bonus edition as our regular panel of Guy swarbrick, John Griffiths, David Faithful are joined by AutoItalia's Michael Ward to discuss Alfa's 110th Anniversary celebrations, our highlights from the last 110 years and what we hope to see from the marque in the future.
So 28.06.2020
50 : 03 min
Episode 7 - Judging the Lockdown Photo Competition with John Griffiths and Peter Collins
In this week's episode, Guy Swarbrick talks to his fellow judges about how they cast their votes in the recent lockdown photo competition. With Guy are Club Chairman John Griffiths and AROC's answer to Craig Revel Horwood - author, photographer and regular contributor to Alfa Romeo Driver, Peter Collins.
You can see all of the photos being discussed at https://alfaromeodriver.podbean.com/p/episode-7-photo-competition/
So 21.06.2020
22 : 11 min
Episode 6 - The AROC Archive with Grant Richardson, Jon Dooley and Bill Smith
Guy Swarbrick talks to the team behind the new AROC Archive - 55 volumes of the Club magazine online for members. With Baord member and Surrey Section Secretary Grant Richardson, former magazine Editor, Club Chairman and BTCC driver Jon Dooley and Club webmaster Bill Smith.
So 14.06.2020
21 : 00 min
Episode 5 - The 750 MC Alfa Romeo Championship with Championship Coordinator Andy Robinson
Guy Swarbrick talks to the 750 MC Alfa Romeo Championship's Championship Coordinator Andy Robinson about his role, the switch from the BRSCC to the 750 Motor Club, prospects for racing this season and the future of the series.
So 07.06.2020
28 : 40 min
Episode 4 - The Golden Age of Vintage Motoring with Carol Corliss
Guy Swarbrick talks to Pre-War Registrar Carol Corliss about her blown 1750 Zagato, the pre-war scene in the 1960s and 70s and the effects of spiralling prices on the owners of vintage cars.
So 31.05.2020
37 : 36 min
Episode 3 - Meet the Manager with guest Nick Wright
Guy Swarbrick talks to the Alfa Romeo Owners Club's full-time Manager Nick Wright about his job, his van and his new Spider.
So 24.05.2020
20 : 48 min
Episode 2 - The Alfa Romeo Owners Club Virtual Racing Championship
Guy Swarbrick describes how the Club's new esports series cam about, talks to four of the competitors - Elio D'Alessandro, Timothy Perry, Alex Smith and Rob Whitney - about their backgrounds, gaming setups and reasons for competing - and to Nick Day from Championship sponsor and long-time AROC partners Chriss Knott Insurance.
So 17.05.2020
30 : 04 min
Episode 1 - Meet the Board with David Faithful
Guy Swarbrick talks to the Alfa Romeo Owners Club's newest board member David Faithful about running the MiTo Register, starting a racing team, joining the AROC board and his thoughts on the future of the Club.
So 10.05.2020
45 : 08 min
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