Burghley House in Stamford was the stunning location for the Alfa Romeo Owners Club (AROC) UK's Spring Day Rally, sponsored by Donalds Alfa Romeo of Peterborough. More than 500 club members and 360 Alfa Romeo cars turned out for the event, which launched the summer activity for the club in 2010, the centenary year of the iconic sporting Italian marque.

Burghley House, with its picturesque grounds and magnificent gardens, was the perfect backdrop for the car displays. Row upon row of cars old and new, from the classic Bertone Coupes and Giulia Spiders through to the newest models in the range including Alfa Mitos and Breras lined up in the grounds.

The display also featured incredibly rare and valuable pre Second World War cars such as the 1929 Alfa Romeo 1750 6C Sport Zagato, belonging to the club’s Vintage Registrar, Carol Corliss from Bourne, and the glorious 1963 Giulia TZ1.

The winner of the Donalds Alfa Romeo Car of the day was Clive Richardson with his 1975 Alfa Romeo Montreal. The Autoglym Best Presented Car went to Mike Burtt with his 1929 1750 SuperSport, Members’ Choice was scooped by Gary Orchard with his Alfasud Sprint while the Chairman’s Choice was awarded to Nigel Bathurst with his Giulia Sprint 1750 GTAm reproduction.

James Morris, Group Marketing Manager for Donalds Alfa Romeo said: “We were very pleased with the attendance at the event and it was fantastic to see so many historic models together in such a spectacular setting. There was a lot of interest in all of the cars on display and it was great to see the reactions of the Alfisti to the new models such as the MiTo MultiAir.”

Ruth Hudson, Burghley House Office Assistant said: “We were delighted to host the first Alfa Romeo Owners Club day of the summer.  The turn out was great and the sunshine ensured that many admirers attended and a good day was had by all, whether sitting in the sunshine admiring the cars, or wandering around the house and gardens. We hope to welcome the club back to Burghley again soon."

The National Alfa Weekend organised by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club UK, takes place at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb track in Worcestershire on 21 and 22 August. A tremendous attendance of club members’ cars is expected in a special large parking area, and alongside a full programme of hill climb racing there will also be a specific class for very special racing Alfa Romeos and demonstration runs from a host of superb classic and modern Alfa Romeos. Further information can be found at www.aroc-uk.com and the Club welcomes all Alfa Romeo fans.