Hello to everyone reading this. My name is Andrea and I have a ‘little’ dream… to find and restore the last car my grandfather ever owned. It was a car I’d found for him on the internet when I was just a lad (it was 2005, I was 16) and I remember it as if it were yesterday: we took the train from Rome to Santa Maria Capua Vetere to have a look at it. It was an uncomfortable journey, standing up. There were a few minor issues, but it had low mileage and the price was negotiable. That model, that colour – it was his dream. We didn’t return home by train but comfortably by car, on the very same day! In a 1993 Lancia Thema Turbo 16v LX. Help me to feel like a child again, just as he felt like a child in that car when he drove it straight home! I never had a father, and from a very young age my grandfather tried to fill that role... introducing me to the world of engines, mechanics and the idea that ‘if you want something done right, do it yourself’. In his own small way, he tried to make me independent, and for that I will always be grateful to him. My plan is to find it, restore it and sell it to another enthusiast, then donate the proceeds to the Italian Alzheimer’s Research Association (Onlus).

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helps us – me and Grandad Angelo!

A big hug to all your grandfathers!