Rotiform at Alpine Volks Fair 2022

Alpine state of mind. ( Video below )

Alpine Folks Fair is unlike any other car show. Hosted by the renowned Euro Tripper, it’s inclusive, passion-driven, and enthusiast founded. Unlike conventional events, there isn’t an endless array of vehicles baking on the paved show grounds. There are no raucous, burn-out infused cruises, or intoxicated debauchery. Instead, it’s almost like an invite-only, enthusiast retreat. There is a serenity to the Georgia mountains, a solace to the Germanic charm of the city of Helen. It’s the landscape and mentality that defines AVF: quality over quantity, relaxed, social, and mutual respect for the cars and the people. AVF infuses its locale to cultivate a definitive vibe. But, boy, do we got a story for you.

Well, way down yonder on the Chattahoochee… Just kidding. But there are some real unusual things that happen in the backwoods of Georgia. Like, the subtle serenade of banjo emanating from the dense woodlands kind of strange… However, there is nothing stranger than what occurred late last month. No, not the congregation of vintage-to-modern VW, Audi, and Porsche enthusiasts that converged on the Bavarian styled town in the hills of Helen. But something so unnatural, so disturbing, that its presence was palpable even before being seen.

This “thing” is hard to explain, it’s a feeling, an intuition that tells you something is just a little amiss. Quite literally, we don’t know how to explain it, so we will just go for it: it’s the 1993 Biagini Passo. If you’re like most, you have no idea what the F*&$% that is. So, let us educate you on the cultural mutt…er… melting pot that is this uniquely utilitarian vehicle.

The Biagini Passo was the ultimate European “Freedom Machine,” during a time in Europe where Jeeps and SUVs weren’t as prevalent. Literally, it’s marketing message touted the Global Freedom moniker, with the expression: Built to Go Places. It’s an Alpine excursion car, a vehicle that was aimed at the adventurer – the person who hits the slopes on the weekend yet still wanted the exhilaration of a top-down exploring machine. It’s got some off-road grit, some subtle Italian artistry, and a whole lot of personality. Some say it’s a vehicle only a mother can love. But we say otherwise.

All jokes aside, we do love this thing. It’s a vehicle of such odd genetic lineage. Not only was this Passo imported from Switzerland (with only days to spare before the event), but it holds the title as the only known Passo in the USA. As if its stateside debut wasn’t a feat in itself – this Passo is a rare survivor, only 1 of 30 out of 300 known to still exist.

Let’s get down to the DNA test results: It’s got the body of a Mk1 VW Golf Cabriolet, Fiat Panda headlights, Opel taillights, and lots of “custom” body work from the factory. It shares the same 1.8L 8V motor and Synchro 4WD system as the MK2 VW Golf Country and comes STOCK with Recaro seats in Sky Blue Alcantara and a Nardi wheel. Still not confused at this oddly amphibious looking, off-road, potpourri of a vehicle? This one will get ya; it’s got 98hp, fifth tire carrier, and a brush guard more capable than most mall-crawlers.

The owner, Mike, who is a Rotiform team member, long-time euro aficionado, and purveyor of some strange vehicles, showed some steadfast resolve awaiting the delivery of this Passo. Like we mentioned, this car BARELY made it to AVF.

In true show-season fashion it went down to the 11^th hour. The Passo arrived stateside and was immediately escorted to Black Forest Industries for standard off-road accoutrement: 16×7” forged Rotiform DKR monoblocks wrapped in some knobby Falken AT tires, Hella fog lights, and a slew of custom interior pieces.

“My first time seeing a Passo online was a year or so ago and it was love at first site. How had I never known about these before…a Golf Country Convertible?? Sign me up! I was l able to find this super clean example in Switzerland and got extremely lucky with the timeline for it’s arrival here in the States. Given its Alpine exploring heritage I thought AVF was the perfect event for the car’s domestic reveal, and what better booth to represent the car than Rotiform?”

Year after year, Alpine Volks Fair cultivates a culture of wholesome VAG enthusiasm. It’s a platform for enthusiasts to kick back, mingle, and display their rides that have been tirelessly wrenched on during the off season – and this year was no different. Call it a mix of amazement and flattery, but it never gets old seeing the myriad of immaculately constructed builds reppin’ Rotiform wheels along with the incredible turnout we had at our pop-up shindig. Were you one of the lucky ones that grabbed our limited run garb and stein? Because, just like our Passo, it was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion to witness.

Disclaimer

This film is a dramatization based on true events. The filmmaker does not intend to inflict any insecurities about your own ride or further any feelings of FOMO regarding large gatherings of masterfully crafted builds. Any side effects of automotive envy or displays of vehicle lusting should be promptly discussed with your local Rotiform dealer.