A generous last minute invitation received via aSmallWorld has resulted in Team Polizei’s first vacation in nearly four years…in other words, I - as in Master Piloten Michael Ross and I - will be joining the Londino. The Londino is neither a rally nor a race - it is, according to its site, an "invitation-only, transnational treasure hunt with automobiles, between London and Portofino-"
Although I’d heard of the Londino before receiving our invitation only last week, I’ve yet to meet anyone who’s participated since its inception in 2005. A Google search yielded only this one account from 2006, and this is the official blog and press release regarding our entry.
I’m sure none of the 2007 entrants, including my old friend Michael Ross, are remotely interested in the twin de Grisogono watches to be awarded the winning team. As Ross and I are on vacation, we will be participating "undercover" in an all-new, heretofore undriven-as-a-Team Polizei-interceptor Interceptor…unstickered, in outfits more comfortable than our usual fare.
Rumors suggest the Londino will depart London Thursday morning at 0900hr, with stops in northern France, Paris, Geneva, Stresa and, ultimately, the Hotel Splendido in Portofino this coming Sunday. Each stage requires the deciphering of various clues, with some as-yet unclear method of awarding points and/or prizes, none of which matters to us…of course. We’re on vacation.
We, with help from Polizei Operations Chief J.F. Musial, will be blogging both here and posting updates (and video, as possible) via FastLaneDaily. and GTSpirit.com. More to follow…
Looks like it should be fun, alhough the countdown clock says there are less than 12 hours until the start. Unfortunatly, the chances of me making it up there to say hi are very slim.
Looks fun. Happy holidays Team Polizei !
A new interceptor? I’d have expected a newer beemer, but The Cartorialist link you’ve provided suggests you’re going to be in a Bentley GTC.
The GT from 2006 looked great, but if I were being pulled over by a Bentley with blue lights, I’m not sure I’d believe it. Make it a cabriolet and I’m quite sure I’d think you were taking the mickey.
Have you decided whether you’re bringing the wheels to book signings in the UK yet?
With nearly perfect navigation skills the Masterpiloten Ross and Roy will dominate this event, especially with the nice new Bentley GTC. Seems like a lot of fun, cant wait to see pictures/updates. I wish them “viel glück” on the undercover mission.
O_O
OooH!
happy hunting Team Polizei!
What a prestigious honor
hei alex!!
maybe i’ll came to see you in stresa!!! i live near stresa so i can be there in 15 minutes.. i hope to see you!!
enjoy this rally
I found a clip on youtube explaining what the event is about.It’s quite glamorous i must say looks like a nice way to spend a vacation.
Have fun guys!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGTs_zepRRs
Damn, this Thursday…. Working! Grrrrrr!
Have fun and relax plenty lol.
Best Wishes,
Blanco 144
sweet the z8.. remember seeing that in hmm what was it the 01 or 02 GB3k?
Sweet! Have fun!
Indeed, my favourite…the silver Z8, one of the most beautiful cars ever built! Featured in 01 to Russia, 02 East-West US and 03 West-East US.
Oh that looks like so much fun…I have always wanted to take part in one of these.
I wish you guys best of luck and have fun…
Please post pics soon…cant wait to see the fun your having.
Mr. Higgins
Get in! A speedy treasure hunt - me likey lots!
Hey congrats on a well deserved vacation
Hia alex, Have a good holiday… Cant make it down for the start but let me know if you are around after so we can meet up for some drinks and a bit of a catch up??
Arr Mr Rossi
As you are on here too, it would be rude of me not to wish you all the best for your little holiday drive!
Have fun (yerr you will)
Best,
Whitey
(Polizei Security Offizer)
Bugger! Just got in to work to find a voicemail inviting me to last nights party and to breakfast this morning. Unfortunatly it’s all gone a bit pear-shaped at work meaning I can’t make it. Still, have fun guys and here’s hoping the weather is better on the mainland.
I know the splendo hotel in Portofino, is one of the first 20 hotels in europe. Very nice the main one and also the second unit just in fron of the famous Piazzetta.