Submitted by Val Hiscock on
On Saturday 30th November the annual meeting of the GASAP (Gruppo Automoto Storiche dell'Arma “Pastrengo” - Historic Automoto Group of the Arma “Pastrengo”) was held in Verona.
A delegation of Knights of the Grand Priory of Italy, led by the Grand Prior H.E. Gen Basilio GCLJ, General of the Carabinieri, took part in the event.
The GASAP Group was founded in 2013 with the intention of highlighting the important role that motor vehicles have played for the Carabinieri Corps since the 1930s, to keep alive the image of the vehicles used by the Carabinieri Corps and to support the institution in preserving its motor heritage, with seniority from 1935 to 1997. Each car represents its own field of activity, related to the period of usage, whether operational or institutional.
The Group's “veterans” are: a 1951 Fiat 1100 E and a 1972 Alfa Romeo Giulia Pronto Intervento (ready for emergency activities).
In 2014 at the Bicentenary of the founding of the recurring Carabinieri Corps in Pastrengo (VR), a 1935 Fiat 508 Balilla, a Fiat A.R.59, and a 1969 fern-colored Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 Super Biscione year 1969 Pronto Intervento version were also deployed.
The presence of members of the Grand Priory of Italy underlined the deep bond that unites these two important entities, committed to keeping alive their ideals, traditions and history.