Special cake surprises 92-year-old mechanic at birthday party
For Wally Rossi there was a special gift in store when he attended the surprise birthday party for his 92nd birthday party.
A beloved and well-known Montana Alfa Romeo mechanic recently celebrated his 92nd birthday with five generations of family around him.
Walter “Wally” Rossi had a wealth of relations from five generations at his surprise birthday party: his cousin Renato Baleta (82), son Mario Rossi (52), daughter Linda del Piccolo (62) and nephew Italo Galetti (72).
And to crown it all, he was surprised with a cake representing his passion for the range of Alfa Romeo cars he did numerous restorations of.
Mario said that his father helped various owners rebuild and fix all models of the iconic car for more than 60 years.
He was also known for making a plan to design and make a part when the original was not available or could not be sourced.
Even international clients would use Rossi’s specialised expertise. A few of the cars he remodelled and restored were exported as well.
Wally is the proud owner of a grey Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider Veloce (1965), which is 100% original and in concourse condition.
He participated in many exhibitions of iconic car clubs, especially in Johannesburg.
Wally started out with his own garage and car dealership, Rossi and Signorelli Motors. In the late 1960s, he owned Rossi and Benito Motors and Rossi Motors in the 1970s, which he sold in 1984.
Mario is proud of his father’s other big achievement in motoring and he is still continuing and upholding the Rossi Motors name today.
Wally designed, developed and manufactured a specialised tool for trucks called “the wheel mate”.
“The tool is used by truck drivers who were on their own on a long road. It enables them to loosen the wheel nuts to change a tyre all on their own. Normally this would be a daunting task, but this tool made it possible.”
He said this patent was a true symbol of his father’s personality and ingenuity.
“When he puts his mind to something, he would tackle a task and finish it with dedication.”
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