This article explores the activities and significance of the Amici Veicoli Storici Valli di Lanzo (AVSVL), a club dedicated to preserving and celebrating vintage vehicles in the Lanzo Valleys. We will delve into their events, historical connections, and the broader context of vehicle preservation in the region.
A Club United by Passion
The Amici Veicoli Storici Valli di Lanzo, guided by its president Bruno Togliatto, exemplifies a passion for automotive history. Their rallies and events connect history and culture, showcasing the beauty and engineering of vintage vehicles while exploring the rich heritage of the Piedmont region.
Connecting History Through Vehicles: A Rally to Remember
On Sunday, October 5th, a group of ten vehicles embarked on a rally organized by the AVSVL, starting from Lanzo's Piazza Rolle. This rally wasn't just a display of vintage cars; it was a journey through the history of Piedmont, connecting the municipalities of Lanzo and Livorno Ferraris through the stories of notable figures.
The rally paid homage to Lucien Gaulard, whose work in electrical engineering is commemorated with a marble plaque at the Lanzo station, and Galileo Ferraris, the namesake of Livorno Ferraris, both pioneers in the field of electrical power transmission during the late 19th century.
Beyond honoring these figures, the rally offered participants a chance to experience the region's industrial and agricultural heritage. The group visited the Mulino San Giovanni rice mill in Fontanetto Po, where they were guided through the well-preserved machinery dating back to the early 20th century. In the afternoon, they explored the Museo delle Mondine at Cascina Colambara in Livorno Ferraris, gaining insights into the lives and struggles of women working in the rice fields.
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Emanuel, one of the club members, expressed his appreciation for the event, stating, "It was a true emotion - you see the testimonies of lived life and you perceive the effort and the work for the conquest of the rights of working women."
Togliatto, the president of the AVSVL, explained his motivation for organizing the rally: "I had seen a service on TV (Sereno Variabile ndr). I first called the museum contacts - says Togliatto - then I came in person to verify if it could be of interest to the members. I was very impressed and enthusiastically proposed the itinerary."
Torino Porta Milano: A Glimpse into Railway History
The article also touches upon the history of Torino Porta Milano, the former terminus of the Ferrovia Torino-Ceres railway. This station, located in the Borgo Dora district of Turin, ceased its public service operations some time ago. Its future has been uncertain, with proposals ranging from establishing a Railway Transport Museum of Turin to completely removing the railway structures for other activities.
The station's historical significance lies in its unique features, including a covered semi-rotunda with a turntable for small locomotives, a spacious yard with original tracks, and covered structures that could house railway vehicles and a restoration workshop. The potential loss of these features would be detrimental to the preservation of Turin's railway heritage.
The article mentions the replacement of old carriages with second-hand vehicles from the German Railways, painted in a tram-like orange livery, and recalls a period in 1987 when three MFP locomotives were displayed at Torino Porta Milano.
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The 2000 Flood and its Impact
The devastating flood of October 2000 severely impacted the railway infrastructure and equipment at Torino Porta Milano. Many MFP vehicles were submerged, and workshop equipment was damaged, highlighting the vulnerability of historical artifacts to natural disasters.
Preserving Automotive Heritage: A Broader Perspective
The activities of the Amici Veicoli Storici Valli di Lanzo are part of a broader effort to preserve automotive heritage. Vintage vehicles offer a tangible connection to the past, showcasing technological advancements, design aesthetics, and the cultural context of different eras.
Preserving these vehicles requires dedication, expertise, and resources. Restoration, maintenance, and historical research are essential to ensure that these artifacts can be enjoyed and studied by future generations.
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tags: #amici #veicoli #storici #valli #di #lanzo