News sheet issued by Tori e Motori today: On the 21st April, the family of Bob Wallace was welcomed by the Community of Sant'Agata Bolognese to a special ceremony. A tree in memory of the renowned test driver, technician and creator of the most famous Lamborghinis, was planted on a beautiful new roundabout in SantAgata Bolognese and a unique monument was presented by Marchesi and Bonora, the historic manufacturers of most of the Lamborghini chassis including the Miura and the Countach. It consists of the rear part of a Countach chassis to which a crankshaft is welded. The text on the bronze metal plate was dedicated to Bob by Paolo Stanzani, since they were and will always be brothers. It was unveiled on that particular day so that Charlie and Maureen Wallace, Bobs brother and sister, along with their family could see it before flying back to New Zeland and UK, with this symbolic memorial to Bob in their hearts. The memorial was temporarily moved elsewhere the same evening, as we are awaiting the official written permission and the official inauguration will take place in the coming months. About a hundred of Bobs ex colleagues, collaborators and friends from the sixties and seventies attended, showing all their love towards Bob and his family. It was a magical and unexpected moment since so many were there. A simple dinner followed during which memories were shared. Giampaolo Dallara was among them, remembering Bob Wallace as not only a competent and passionate technician and test driver, but also as a true and loyal friend. However, this is not the only surprise for the world of enthusiasts since a book has just been printed entitled The Man who Married Sportscars. It is the same size as Paolo Stanzanis book Genio e Regolatezza and pictures of young Bob are included. This book was made possible thanks to Charlies support in supplying pictures and information. Those who never had the chance to meet Bob will, by reading this book, be impressed by the touching and joyful nostalgia that they will feel. Harley E. Cluxton III wrote these amazing words- How very special this happy moment is! We have now become instant friends with Bob Wallace bringing us together after his passing. How wonderfully amazing! Thank you Bob! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Very touching. Thanks for sharing the story and the photos. I was only a few days away from meeting Bob. I was flying out to his area to visit family who were on assignment for a year a few miles from him. I consider myself fortunate. I have met 2 of the 5 Lamborghini hero's of mine. I hope I can meet the next 2.
I believe the book is in final stages of preparation for sale through a single nominated seller based in Europe. I imagine that an announcement will be made in due course and I will update you as soon as I know more...
Cristina Guizzardi has it produced in a imited serie, I personnaly bought 15 issues for some of my LCB Club members. A 2nd issue will be printed later in the year, I will make the annoucement in time !
It is my pleasure to announce that I will be selling the books for Cristina. They are ready to arrive any moment. If you are interested in purchasing one or more books please send me a mail on [email protected] The suggested contribution for the book will be 23 euro, or 25 euro if you also want the special plaque that comes in an even more limited quantity. Shipping at cost will add to that, and will be around 13-20 euro depending on where you live. There is no person that will make money on this book. It is a private and most of all passionate publishing. The book is truly unique with never seen before content
? My copy of the Stanzani book is in Italian only ... ? The Bob Wallace book is in English, with Italian translations in the back.
Google translate works okay if you can be bothered. Alternatively you could OCR scan it and covert to English language. Google is your friend either way. Or, learn to read Italian, it's far easier than having to learn to speak it! Or Oliviers suggestion, of course!
That is a really cool and appropriate memorial, but it just won't look authentic until it is black and rusted. Shouldn't take long... Bob rebuilt a 250 engine for a Replica GTO for us when I was at FoW. Incredible work even for a fake. He was gruff as expected but still put every ounce of skill and pride into the work. I asked him if he ever had any apprentices to carry on the work and his answer was something to the effect of there are no kids today who would give a isht for as long as it would take to learn even the basics.
My book is on its way! If you want one don't delay! According to Cristina it is about 200 pages, 300 copies only and will not be reprinted. It is in English and the second part of the book contains the story told by his brother Charlie Wallace
It is great book with unknown picture and stories from many of his old friends Cristina spent so much time to prepare it, she has had a great initiative !
Mine also received now. This book is really personal, it has a scrapbook feel to it with plenty of pics. Lots of anecdotes from friends and fellow employees. Oliviero Pedrazzi's story about Bob unable to avoid some roadworks, hitting a tar barrel in the middle of the road, returning to the factory with the 350GT covered in tar, is priceless! Some really tragic parts too. A wonderful book. Thank you Cristina!
