Why you shouldn't have missed Auto Italia

Showcasing all things automotive and Italy, Auto Italia is a car enthusiast's paradise.

Displayed on the magnificent lawns of Old Parliament House in Canberra, the annual Auto Italia show traditionally features the best of Italy's rich automotive history, from Ferraris to Vespas.

This year my Auto Italia experience kicked off with a small gathering of some local Ferrari owners that were attending the event. I was privileged enough to start the day riding in an immaculate 1971 Ferrari Daytona.

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Once we got to the show, the atmosphere was incredible. Hundreds of Italian supercars and classics were rolling in from every direction. Classical Italian music playing in the background was drowned out by the sound of V12 engines and the fresh morning air was absorbed by the smell of fuel and food.

No shortage of Lamborghinis, naturally. Image credit: Corey Mitchell.

Classic Pininfarina. Image credit: Corey Mitchell.

The timeless Lancia Delta. Image credit: Corey Mitchell.

The event is full of immaculate restorations. Image credit: Corey Mitchell.

Classic Italian bikes are not forgotten. Image credit: Corey Mitchell.

Fiat's iconic original 500 and the 595 Abarth. Image credit: Corey Mitchell.

Truly an experience for any car enthusiast, whether you love Italian cars or not.

To wrap up the day, I was lucky enough to jump into a Ferrari Testarossa and go for a passenger blast through some twisty mountain roads with a few other Ferraris. Needless to say, it was unforgettable.