Un Lavoro d'Amore: Pt Sei

Benvenuti amici!

We, finally, return to one of our more popular subject matters… the personal build of Bryan Thompson. This update will be short'n'sweet, as he is also a participant in the truTV car design reality show, Motor City Masters. In order to offer the uninitiated a chance to catch up to the fans of this labor of love, a short introduction may be helpful.

Bryan began his aged 15 years (and counting) auto design career with a gutsy move to France and gutsier visit to FIAT in Italy. The fortunate soul was greeted by, then, Chief Designer, Peter Davis. Mister Davis carved out an entire afternoon for Bryan… offering him a portfolio critique and seasoned advice. That afternoon would prove to be one of the most significant points in the 'green' designers professional development.

Fast-forward to present day…

Inspired by not-so-distant memories as well as his idea of what a modern day 500 ABARTH should be, Mister Thompson decided to purchase an A500, strip it to its core and dress it up according to his own conceptual specifications. I would be remiss, if I did not concede this is a very rich approach. Had Team Giolito taken this design approach, the Scorpione would not likely be the affordable tiny sports coupe it is today. 

Bryan's take on the "small but wicked" performance Cinquecento is what I would characterize as the 1958 Limited Edition ABARTH 500. It is an extreme retro take on the car design already based on a timeless lil' runabout. The original 500 ABARTH debuted shortly after don Abarth laid eyes on the 1958 500 Sport. He set the automotive world on fire with his hyper-Cento… much the same way Roberto Giolito's 2004 concept (and subsequent production designs) did.

So, friends & family, without further adieu, we hand it over to the man himself. Bryan, take it away...

"It's very exciting to watch a car's personality change through color and trim.  The interior space has opened up and feels very airy and happy now. That paired with the aggressive performance and growl from the engine make for a uniquely fun driving experience.  It's the "Happy RaceCar," as my friend Camilo Pardo called it.

Very clean… very tasteful finished custom paint

Bryan's detailed seat design notes

Plaid is a tricky pattern to work with, but I have an excellent trimmer who is patient with my obsessive attention to detail.  A good friend of mine, Brenda Parkin (who is also a professional car designer), said to me... after looking at the craftsmanship, "You can tell it's not a production seat because the plaid actually lines up with the stitching lines!"  That made me smile.

Getting the details right...

Look at the care taken on these...

… From every angle...

… The detailing the details is perfect

All in all, I'm thrilled with the concept and can't wait to take it on it's first race to picnic."

We're thrilled with the concept too, Bryan. I am already amped to see your next batch of photos. Your updates always bring a smile to my face. Thank you for sharing your journey with our readers, sir.

Come back for more of Bryan's build updates and much, much more FIAT-inspired madness. 

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Una Storia Breve del Motorsport

Benvenuti amici!

As we await the return of Bryan Thompson & his very special FIAT Abarth 500 personal build, CC5C continues to do our best to provide something different from what you may find elsewhere. FIAT corporate news is offered all over the internet. We know… we likely read it where you read it. But places to read about North American life experiences behind the wheel of a FIAT, as a daily driver as well as an integral source of family entertainment, are not readily available. This is a void we are pleased to fill for you. Another void we strive to help fill is the living history of FIAT as a major player in the automotive world. 

FIAT is known for endlessly churning out tiny runabouts for city dwellers. Deservedly so. Since 1936, the Italian automaker has been responsible for many of the city car innovations the world enjoys… no matter which brand badge appears on bonnet or grille. FIAT is also known for humorous television spots.

But that is not all FIAT does… and does well. FIAT also does performance well.

FIAT S.p.A. began life in motorsport when Italy hosted its first car tour. Nine Fiats crossed the finish line that year. By 1902, driver Vincenzo Lancia won the Sassi-Superga uphill race in the famous FIAT 24 hp Corsa model. This was the first coach to be designed & built for the purpose of racing (rather than the traditional race version of a production coach). In fact, the production model did not hit Italian roads until the following year… and was built until 1905. As per usual, FIAT chose to be a leader.

1902 FIAT 24hp Corsa

The, then, President of FIAT (whom would become the famous owner of the largest coach builder in Italy), Giovanni Agnelli, also represented the company on the racetrack, driving a FIAT 8 hp in the second Italian car tour... and set a record in that race. Eighty of these fine automobiles were built in 1901.

1901 FIAT 8hp

FIAT continued to flourish and, in 1908, even made their first move to the North American market. Their product was sold as a luxury and the sticker price reflected the fact. Still, the FIAT Automobile Company of America experienced success/popularity. Unfortunately, war would soon ravage the European landscape and FIAT was forced to change its manufacturing focus… the company would pull out of the US market in 1917.

But in the years between the two big wars, FIAT (along with other coach design houses) was hard at work. Agnelli's deep passion for design, engineering and winning would lead to a growing marketshare as well as motorsport versions (FIAT 501 S & FIAT 501 SS, FIAT 514MM & FIAT 514 S) of popular coaches, like the FIAT 501 and the FIAT 514.

1923 FIAT 501 S

1929 FIAT 514 S

1930 FIAT 514MM

Of course, FIAT could not deny giving Dante Giacosa a crack at creating a track version of the original FIAT 500 'Topolino'. The revered engineer & designer lamented the change in focus of his employer. Although his success (and genius) would ultimately be attributed to his clever small car solutions, he burned for the chance to design & build race cars. In fact, in 1946, he was commissioned to create a one-seater track demon for Cisitalia. Using FIAT mechanicals, his solution would be the Cisitalia D46 Monoposto.

1937 FIAT 500 Topolino SIATA Gran Sport

'37 Topolino-based SIATA 750 Gran Sport Zagato

1946 Cisitalia D46 Monoposto Giacosa

Fast-forward to 1952. World War II ended and FIAT returned to the work of small car innovation & performance. That year, FIAT introduced the FIAT Otto Vu (or 8V). This sports car was in production until 1954, as FIAT Corporate reasserted its focus to creating affordable city cars for the masses. But that did not stop the Otto Vu from finishing first in the Italian 2 liter GT class until 1959.

1952 FIAT 8V

In 1949, a highly decorated… and retired… motorcycle racer began designing/manufacturing performance parts (including exhausts) for FIAT.  But 1952 was the year Karl 'Carlo' Abarth chose to build the ABARTH 1500 Bioposto, using FIAT (apparently 8V) mechanicals. 

The coupe was designed by Franco Scaglione of Bertone and was quickly purchased by Packard… yes, that Packard… to be used for design inspiration. It is not difficult to understand why any automaker worth its salt would not feel inspired by this, then, futuristic looking road rocket.

1952 ABARTH 1500 Biposto

Of course, the relationship between don ABARTH & FIAT S.p.A. would become famous and mutually beneficial. ABARTH-badged coaches would continue the FIAT tradition of Road'n'Track innovation and winning races. ABARTH & Co. would go on to build some 30 fast FIATs and earn a reputation for motorized madness… a reputation still celebrated today.

1958 The original FIAT 500 ABARTH

1958 FIAT ABARTH 750 Zagato

1967 FIAT ABARTH 1000TC

1971 Autobianchi A112 ABARTH

FIAT 124 ABARTH

By 1971, the ABARTH & Co. alliance brought FIAT S.p.A. so much success on the track, the automaker bought the Austro-Italian company. don Carlo would serve as CEO for some time following the buyout, but he eventually returned to Austria. There, he passed away… leaving a brilliant legacy and inspiring engineers, designers, coach builders and drivers to this day.

Bertone designed FIAT X1/9

FIAT kept a flame burning with the 131 ABARTH

FIAT S.p.A. certainly experienced its ups-and-downs. The '80s would prove to be a challenging time for the Agnellis. Yes, they had holdovers from the '70s (the 126, 127 & 128 are celebrated examples) and 1980 did spawn the beloved FIAT Panda. But there seemed to be no more mad scientists in Italy. The world it was a-changing and the company was a-changing with it. In the '90s, FIAT revived the Cinquecento (500) & the Seicento (600). Betwixt those revivals, the automaker introduced the Punto. These were relatively safe city cars… but not for long.

Soon, FIAT would update the Panda and create a 4x4 version. The Punto would become Grande/EVO and, in 2007 FIAT reintroduced the 500 in a familiar style (designed by Roberto Giolito). A year later, the automaker would revive the ABARTH & Co. brand (with the Punto ABARTH). The mad times of FIAT returned with these changes. With the good ol' days back, small Italian city cars buzzed their way back to the track. Stilos & Lineas race off road and on it. The Panda 4x4 put Italian rallying back on the map. Soon, the FIAT 500X will join the Panda in dirt'n'mud the world over. Yee-Haw!

FIAT Stilo

FIAT Linea

FIAT Panda 4x4

Now, the Italian car enthusiast in you may be wondering where the Lancias, Alfas, Maseratis & Ferraris are. After all, those brands are held by FIAT S.p.A. and have carried on the aged-old tradition of track ready coaches. But they aren't FIATs… simple, affordable, small runabouts. 

"It is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow."

With FIAT competing in the North American-based Pirelli World Challenge and the Mongol Rally as well as hosting Trofeo ABARTH and partnering with FIA for F4, the racing heritage of our daily drivers proudly lives on. These (and other) activities promise better product and innovative technology at an 'everyman and everygal' price.

FIATs are tiny & humble, because they compensate for nothing. 

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

FIAT on the Dragon

Benvenuti amici!

As is evident to anyone even remotely familiar with this blog, CC5C thrives on a Famiglia First set of principles. In the nine months since launching, our local club has grown exponentially and non-local support and/or membership in said club has grown at an even faster rate. 

The largest group we've seen at a gathering included 20 cars… which is a small fraction of our blog & Facebook presence. But we are not the only new independent FIAT enthusiast group enjoying success. In fact, there are many. One particular group is led by someone we are happy to count among CC5C friends. We've featured his event/s in a few different ways on this blog, thanks to James Wilson & Edwin Barron. Brett Melancon is an aficionado in the truest sense of the word, the editor/publisher of RICAMBI magazine & founder/organizer of FIAT on the Dragon.

Today, we are very pleased to feature the man, himself, for a short e-conversation. Brett is a difficult guy to catch… whether or not he's behind the wheel of a FIAT.

CC5C: Hello, Brett. How're you? If your schedule is anything like mine, you're probably exhausted. HaHa! All joking aside, though, how're you, man. I know you just wrapped the second annual 'Spring Thaw' event, FIAT on the Dragon.

Brett: I am good, thanks for asking.  I must say that after the event concluded, I had a serious case of withdrawals from the fun.  I am a road trip junkie and love to drive.  I get my enjoyment from the journey almost as much as the destination.  This is probably what led me to start the FIAT on the Dragon as a DRIVING event.  As you pointed out, the Spring 2014 Event was our second Spring event.  We also did a Fall Run but it was more informal.  I started tagging the Fall runs as FIAT on the Dragon-Unplugged.

There is nothing quite as rewarding as putting on an event and having people travel from all over, thousands of miles even, to attend.  It makes it all worthwhile and keeps me excited for the next event.  I have set my goal at an ambitious 100 FIAT cars for 2015!

CC5C: Man, that reads like a blast. One hundred FIATs for 2015?! That is ambitious. But it seems you're on target and the goal isn't outlandish… by any definition (not for someone with your ambition). Right, then. Please explain, for those unaware, what RICAMBI & FIAT On The Dragon are... a bit of history... and what part you play in these activities.

Brett: Well, RICAMBI is a full color, 32 page club magazine published by FIAT Club America (formerly FLU).  I have been doing this magazine since the late 90s and am currently working on the 60th issue!  That is quite a milestone for me, as you might imagine.  I work hard to maintain a balance of new and vintage FIAT material.  Since the magazine is 100% reader written, that can be a challenge at times.  Thankfully, FCA has lots of excited folks who love to share stories about how they enjoy their FIATs.  As long as the stories keep coming, I will keep doing the magazine.

I have been involved in and attending FIAT events since 1994 when I joined FCA (then FLU).  My first event was the FIAT FreakOut In Poughkeepsie, New York and I was hooked.  I have not missed a FIAT FreakOut since then.  In 1998, I co-chaired the show as we hosted it at the then little known Fontana Village Resort near the Tail of the Dragon.  At that time, Fontana had never done a car event as large as ours.  Our first year at Fontana brought in a record number or over 150 cars and we repeated it in 1999.  It became clear even then that people would travel to visit and drive this part of the country in their FIAT.  At this time, the Dragon was relatively unknown by anyone who didn’t ride a motorcycle.  We helped to change that.

As the years rolled by, I assisted with many other FFO events and kept thinking that someone should organize a driving event near the Tail of the Dragon.  When FIAT returned to the USA, I knew then that this was my chance to do something cool with FIAT and the Dragon.  FIAT on the Dragon was born as a Spring 2012 event and we proudly modeled our basic structure after the MINI on the Dragon event that has become so popular with MINI drivers.

Now that we've held our second successful Spring event with about 50 FIAT cars, we know we are onto something special.  The real surprise for participants is the Devil’s Triangle.  Most return home with memories of that road as being even more fun and challenging than the Dragon.  Maybe we should have called FIAT on the Triangle?

Or next big Spring event is going to be April 10-12 2015 and plan to be there with your FIAT.  As I said earlier, my goal is an ambitious 100 FIAT cars.  'FIAT USA, are you listening?'  We love the cars and we love to drive, watch us do it.

CC5C: Thanks for the rundown… and energy. 'Excellent work you're doing... and it definitely reads as exhausting as it is fun. The missus & I intend to attend your 'Unplugged' run this year. We're also talking about making your Spring event a regular stop for us. So thanks for the invite!

If you don't mind, I'd like to really focus my questions on FOTD. I think RICAMBI, the only dedicated US-published FIAT magazine of which I'm aware, sells itself.

The big question which keeps springing to mind, for me, is how you were able to organize people around the event. It seems as though it has become some sort of Mecca for North American drivers of new FIATs. So, how'd you do it?

Brett: Thanks Amado!  I look forward to meeting you both and sharing some great roads together on the Fall run.  The Fall run has the potential to be the most scenic thing you will do all year.  I try to time this so that it coincides with the peak Fall colors.

FotD… Well, this has always been an event waiting on the right time [for me].  For years, this is something I have wanted to do.  The re-introduction of FIAT to North America was the fuel that I needed to get this fire started.  Our first Spring event had more attendees than I had planned and I knew then that I was onto something big.  The 20-30 cars we had over the weekend on that first event was all the proof I needed to keep moving on this idea.  I will never forget how great it was to hear the laughter and comments from everyone about how much fun they were having when we made our stop on the Devil’s Triangle.  People could not say enough good things about the experience.  

My background is in marketing and graphic design, so, I have a natural desire to look at situations in a creative manner.  This event is a result of years of thinking about it and considering ways to share experiences in a FIAT with other people.  FIAT USA spends lots of money trying to do what I have done on a shoestring.  To date, I have not made a dime on this event and that is okay.  My goal is to provide an experience that does not break the bank.  

One thing to remember is that this is a Driving Event.  We may add a show element to it someday but, for now, don’t come if you don’t like to drive because that is what we do.  It is not unusual for is to do over 500 miles over the weekend in addition to the distance driven getting there.  I guarantee that those 500 miles are some of the most fun ever in a FIAT.

Looking forward, my goal is to build this event so it is bigger than me.  I want to build some kind of structure that will carry things on, even if I am not able to do it all.  Bringing Tom and Donna Broberg onboard to help out this year was key to this plan.  They are my home base heroes and manage the hotel side of things with the onsite meals.  They have done other events for upwards of 500 people and bring lots of talent to the table.

CC5C: "Bigger than me." I dig that. This is the ultimate goal for CC5C. If it only works when the founder is involved, nothing was really founded. The idea of these kinds of things ought to be future-forward & self-propulsion. I applaud you on that… I know it isn't easy.

I'm sure there is lots of work waiting for your attention. Thanks so much for taking time out of a busy schedule to share your vision… your passion... with us. The CC5C wishes you and all FIATisti involved with FIAT On The Dragon the very best, Brett. We'll see you sooner than later, my friend.

Brett: Thanks Amado!

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

CC5C: Grille Badge 101

Benvenuti amici!

I am a big fan of grille badges. Whether the badge is a factory-installed model and/or brand ID badge, an aficionado-installed brand ID or an enthusiast group/club ID, I think grille badges look boss. I credit the two oldest mass production automakers with my deep appreciation for the ornament. For my money, their grilles/bonnets sport the top two four-letter 'F' words in existence.

Giovanni Angelli chose homeland as a brand ID:

FIAT has remained fairly true to the 1901 badge

Henry Ford chose family name as a brand ID:

Ford has remained fairly true to the 1912 badge

Some automakers and/or dealers, like Austin, created a different grille badge for each model offered. In some cases, ones model of choice sported the respective model badge in the center of the grille surrounded by the badges of its stablemates, companies doing business with the automaker and/or dealer or distinguished service of that make/model. This inexpensive marketing technique is no longer practiced, but examples can still be seen on vintage coaches.

Austin 8 w/various badges on grille bar

Personal grille badges, like their bonnet & body installed cousins, have a history nearly as old as the automobile itself. Come to think of it, bonnet ornaments, body & grille badges are perhaps the oldest dealer and/or driver coach modification in the history of motorized coaches. Dig deep enough and you will find, like marketing and recreational badging, car clubs sprang up almost immediately following the automobiles invention.

The earliest car clubs, and their respective badges, were created to unify drivers of various makes during automobile infancy. Many towns, cities, states and countries restricted automobile speed in the countryside & cities to protect pedestrians. Speed traps were created to enforce these speed limits. A club grille badge identified one's vehicle to other members, whom warned one another of a speed trap ahead. This may not be the driving force behind car clubs & IDs today, but drivers & clubs remain keen on distinguishing themselves among their fellow motorists.

Example of vintage touring club badge

Like most things, the grille badge has evolved. In fact, sometimes, club badges don't appear on the grille at all. Come to think of it, many modern cars no longer sport proper grilles. But touring groups, like FIAT On The Dragon, find other creative ways to fly their colors. Vinyl window badges are often the weapon of choice. They are relatively inexpensive and can look great.

Boss touring badge designed by Brett Melancon

Count Cream City 500 Club among modern clubs valuing this tried & true traditions. A few immediate questions came to mind when I made my final decision on the CC5C ID (a vinyl window cling):

"Where do I place the vinyl window cling? The front windshield - so, other drivers see it as we approach one another? Either side rear window - so, other drivers see it as they pull alongside my 'cento? The rear window - so, other drivers see it as they pull behind me?" I tried the rear window first and continued asking around and researching the subject online.

I could find no definitive opinion on the subject. But, the most common comment I read online is "Well, name tags are worn on the right side. This makes it more easily read when meeting other people". That simply did not work for me. A car badge is not a name tag, it's a flag… a unit ID. I am an U.S. Army veteran. Flag lapel pins, awards and military unit patches are commonly worn on the left side (nearest to one's heart). I reasoned a car badge should be displayed in the same manner. My vinyl cling quickly moved from the rear window to left side rear window. 

The first CC5C vinyl window badge

The day I posted a photo of the CC5C logo online, someone suggested I create a grille badge option. This resonated with me and I quickly set something up with GoBadges. This would afford likeminded, local and non-local FIAT aficionados a more refined choice of club representation. I immediately ordered one of my own and placed it on the left side grille of our first FIAT.

2012 FIAT 500 Pop w/CC5C grille badge

Of course, the badge was removed from the beautiful P500 when we moved into an equally good-looking A500 and affixed to Sombrita in short order. It, along with the leather hatch pull strap upgrade, was the first personalization for our new Italian buggie. We dig the contrast of chrome against the black grille, but offer supporters a black-ringed option... "Different strokes for different folks."

2013 FIAT 500 Abarth w/CC5C grille badge

So, there you have it. That is the CC5C short history on grille badges and proper placement on modern 4-wheeled transport… the left side (closest to the driver's heart). Of course, badges of any sort are an ornament ~ a decoration. Place it as you see fit and roll out. We appreciate your support.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@