LotusFella 104 Report post Posted December 31, 2018 Just wondered if anyone has any experience of driving over the stelvio pass (driving holiday)? I’ve always wanted to do it and would appreciate any experiences from the forum. Would anyone be interested in a trip. Also where else in Italy would be good to go? Modena Fiat/alfa Museum. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markw996 26 1 Vehicles Report post Posted December 31, 2018 Not much help, but I'll be doing it in June on a motorcycle, multiple times! (Staying in Cortina d'ampezzo for a week, about 100 miles from it). Quote 1994 Lotus Esprit S4 & 2016 Tesla Model S P90D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LotusFella 104 Report post Posted December 31, 2018 24 minutes ago, markw996 said: Not much help, but I'll be doing it in June on a motorcycle, multiple times! (Staying in Cortina d'ampezzo for a week, about 100 miles from it). Bond was there in the gold/brown esprit! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markw996 26 1 Vehicles Report post Posted December 31, 2018 I didn't realise so I've just Youtubed it! It's a shame, but I think the other 20 or so bikers I'm meeting there would be a bit perplexed if I turned up in a car! Quote 1994 Lotus Esprit S4 & 2016 Tesla Model S P90D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LotusFella 104 Report post Posted December 31, 2018 12 minutes ago, markw996 said: I didn't realise so I've just Youtubed it! It's a shame, but I think the other 20 or so bikers I'm meeting there would be a bit perplexed if I turned up in a car! I think it was for your eyes only - Roger Moore Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steve V8 1,284 1 Vehicles Report post Posted December 31, 2018 We absolutely love driving holidays, never booked a hotel in advance (except Monaco during a race weekend), we just end up where we end up, within a certain timescale. Being a bit fanatical about Lamborghini since the age of 3, we incorporated a Museo Lamborghini visit for my 50th in 2017, it wasn't booked, we just happened to arrive there like a pilgrimage, there is a factory tour which is booked for months in advance but we begged and pleaded and they let us in. Second best day of my life, after collecting my Esprit. I'd recommend it to anyone with petrol in their veins. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markw996 26 1 Vehicles Report post Posted January 4, 2019 I'm hoping to pick up a late model Lamborghini Gallardo LP (or maybe an early Huracan) towards the middle of this year once my parents house gets sold, then a factory visit will definitely be on the cards (It's been a miserable couple of years with losing both my parents, so a supercar should make life a little bit more enjoyable from this point on). Still keeping the Esprit though Quote 1994 Lotus Esprit S4 & 2016 Tesla Model S P90D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark030358 575 Report post Posted January 4, 2019 Stelvio this year, see below. To be honest it was the worst road I drove on my Alps trip in September. Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, Drive 50 yards, 180 turn, ..... BORING. However the Italian Dolomite's once you get past it are phenomenal. Upper and lower Andermatt loops are the best though.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alexthewheelman 139 Report post Posted January 4, 2019 I found going down the other side of the Stelvio was better than heading up (we went east to west). Much more interesting and less busy with traffic, could carry a lot more speed in the straights and the corners as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LO311 42 Report post Posted January 4, 2019 Completely agree with Mark Kelly's opinion. Stelvio is a breathtaking scenery with regard to road construction, but from the driver's perspective is more or less annoying. Taking into account that were are not much other passes in the near, it isn't worth the way. If you are about to go to Italy, then focus on the Dolomites area, where a huge bunch of passes is offering incredible pleasure. And if you want to know my favorite way getting there, start in Reutte (Tirol, close to the German border) and ride via Namlos Tal, Hahntenjoch, Passo Rombo (Timmelsjoch), Passo Giovo (Jaufenpass), Passo die Pennes (Penser Joch), Ritten, Passo Nigra (Niger Pass) which all together takes a day. And then, you are in heaven! However, Stelvio is a sort of must-see. If you want to do it, then plan your ride early morning or late evening (before sunset).Otherwise, you will get lost in a crowd of bikes and bicycles.Andermatt, I didn't try so far. I dislike these silly Swiss speed trap maniacs. Met a Swiss Lotus driver at Stelvio, who told me that he is alway heading east to Italy to have fun with his Elise. Anyway Chris, when is your trip? 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LotusFella 104 Report post Posted January 7, 2019 On 04/01/2019 at 17:59, LO311 said: Completely agree with Mark Kelly's opinion. Stelvio is a breathtaking scenery with regard to road construction, but from the driver's perspective is more or less annoying. Taking into account that were are not much other passes in the near, it isn't worth the way. If you are about to go to Italy, then focus on the Dolomites area, where a huge bunch of passes is offering incredible pleasure. And if you want to know my favorite way getting there, start in Reutte (Tirol, close to the German border) and ride via Namlos Tal, Hahntenjoch, Passo Rombo (Timmelsjoch), Passo Giovo (Jaufenpass), Passo die Pennes (Penser Joch), Ritten, Passo Nigra (Niger Pass) which all together takes a day. And then, you are in heaven! However, Stelvio is a sort of must-see. If you want to do it, then plan your ride early morning or late evening (before sunset).Otherwise, you will get lost in a crowd of bikes and bicycles.Andermatt, I didn't try so far. I dislike these silly Swiss speed trap maniacs. Met a Swiss Lotus driver at Stelvio, who told me that he is alway heading east to Italy to have fun with his Elise. Anyway Chris, when is your trip? I haven’t set a date yet. Was wondering if the the forum organises one? cheers Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kimbers 1,605 Report post Posted January 8, 2019 I would be up for it in the Evora with the wife. Quote Possibly save your life. Check out this website.http://everyman-campaign.org/ Distributor for 'Every Male' grooming products. (Discounts for any TLF members hairier than I am!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris Onelevenr 125 1 Vehicles Report post Posted January 8, 2019 I agree the Stelvio is a tick box item but there a lot of better roads in the Alps region. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mayevora 984 Report post Posted January 8, 2019 Also up for it given enough notice. 1 Quote Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk - that will teach us to keep mouth shut! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LotusFella 104 Report post Posted January 8, 2019 I was thinking maybe earlier September? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark030358 575 Report post Posted January 8, 2019 I’m going again in late June, early July, just because Andermatt was misty However, this time ferry to Rotterdam, through Germany, both Andermatt loops, onto the Dolomites then up to the Grossglockner and home via Brenner, Jaufenen Pass, Timmelsjoch, Hantenjock, Black Forest to Rotterdam. Can’t wait. Ferry cos UK roads are $hite. Thereby completely avoiding Stelio (I hope)... cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
delands 43 1 Vehicles Report post Posted January 8, 2019 4 hours ago, LotusFella said: I was thinking maybe earlier September? There is talk of Sept 12-14 meet this year at Stelvio for the 20th anniversary of when in 1999, 50 Elises left Hethel to travel through Europe. The primary reason was Stelvio as that is where Lotus done brake testing. There's a fair bit of interest from the original owners and new ones too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bazza 907 963 Report post Posted January 9, 2019 I'd be up for a trip Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kimbers 1,605 Report post Posted January 9, 2019 Not allowed time off in September. New registration month and my second biggest of the year. Quote Possibly save your life. Check out this website.http://everyman-campaign.org/ Distributor for 'Every Male' grooming products. (Discounts for any TLF members hairier than I am!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LotusFella 104 Report post Posted January 9, 2019 17 hours ago, delands said: There is talk of Sept 12-14 meet this year at Stelvio for the 20th anniversary of when in 1999, 50 Elises left Hethel to travel through Europe. The primary reason was Stelvio as that is where Lotus done brake testing. There's a fair bit of interest from the original owners and new ones too. Is there a group or post about this as sounds great? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
delands 43 1 Vehicles Report post Posted January 10, 2019 7 hours ago, LotusFella said: Is there a group or post about this as sounds great? Luciano posted it on 6th January - have enquired about getting a group page created. https://www.facebook.com/luciano.curti.5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillC 89 Report post Posted January 24, 2019 Could be up for it subject to dates... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slewthy 235 Report post Posted January 24, 2019 Or, you could consider joining the Fireball Rally 007 trip that takes in Stelvio.........and Grimsel & Furka....and the Goldeneye Dam...and restaurant at the top from OHMSS. 8 countries, 4 days, 1800miles Just trying to drum up help in terms of numbers/tools/support etc. I've paid a deposit but feeling a little out in the cold right now. Think the Esprit would manage it with a little coaxing over the next 8 months. Think I could fit a tent and clothes enough. Food and beers are on the hoof anyway https://www.fireballrally.co.uk/james-bond-challenge-2019/ Quote "Intellectuals solve problems; geniuses prevent them." Albert Einstein Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillC 89 Report post Posted January 25, 2019 23 hours ago, slewthy said: Or, you could consider joining the Fireball Rally 007 trip that takes in Stelvio.........and Grimsel & Furka....and the Goldeneye Dam...and restaurant at the top from OHMSS. 8 countries, 4 days, 1800miles Just trying to drum up help in terms of numbers/tools/support etc. I've paid a deposit but feeling a little out in the cold right now. Think the Esprit would manage it with a little coaxing over the next 8 months. Think I could fit a tent and clothes enough. Food and beers are on the hoof anyway https://www.fireballrally.co.uk/james-bond-challenge-2019/ A tad intense!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RS blu 40 1 Vehicles Report post Posted January 29, 2019 I went to the Stelvio only twice, and only with the motorcycle. I really do not have much desire to go back with the Esprit, the road is very narrow and there are always many people, however once you have to go there. If you come to Italy after the stelvio go to the east in Dolomiti area, go through the Marmolada, you must see at least San Martino Castrozza , Cortina and the Cadore area and you will find many mountain pass but also some straights with very fast corners. a typical route to do in a day near Cortina 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
