Benvenuti amici!
Many childhood dreams have been born of the automobile industry. This blog entry focuses on one such local dream and how it came to be.
Our tale begins in Kragujevac... the first capital of the modern Republic of Serbia... 1954. The vast majority of Europe, East to West, was still struggling to put itself back together after the Second World War... ten years later a child would be born in the Serbian city and his parents would emigrate to the United States of America. He would grow into a proud USAmerican man with an unquenchable passion for his birthplace. Today you're invited to ride shotgun with me and this man.
CC5C: Introduce yourself to our readers.
You mentioned 2016 being the year you realized the dream of owning/driving a Zastava on our shores. Tell us more about that.
Pep: I formed JugoAutomobili, Inc. as a vehicle to engage in several [varied] automotive ventures, including; investment for sale of domestic classic cars, leasing service equipment to classic car shops, and starting a joint classic car storage venture with the purchase of eight 2-car lifts. However, the main focus -- hence the name -- was to make an effort in bringing various Zastava models to the USA. [My hope is] one day achieving a critical mass of, say, 10-20 cars (if not more) to establish a Zastava Fan Club in the US... specifically the Midwest.
*Editor's note: This reads like the possibility for an expansion team style arm of FIAT Club America... "Zastava Club America". But that's a story for another day.
Pep: So, I bought the 1977 Zastava 1300, built under license from Fiat 1300, to keep for myself... and to advertise what is potentially available... and two other cars -- a '79 and an '83 Zastava 750 (based on the FIAT 600 w/ larger power output and some minor cosmetic changes).
Given the interest I've uncovered, here, we are actively searching for top end 1300s now. The 750s have been rising in price for a long time and everyone has been neglecting the other cars in Zastavas history... especially the 1300 a/k/a the Yugoslav Mercedes Benz.
In the works for introduction in the coming year or two, assuming my shipping costs can stay at or less or worst case only mildly more expensive than this first batch, include;
1959 Zastava 600 (highly restored model -- close to original specs). It's a show car that will be a piece of jewelry... representing a very rare decade. The cars, that eventually grew into the 750s, were introduced in 1955 and are scarcely found these days. I would imagine, with a top speed of about 35 miles per hour, that it will enjoy life as a show car or a collection jewel. It represents the FIAT licensing expansion strategy very well in that it is a mix of FIAT and Zastava. (They were probably 60-70 % FIAT in these early years.)
1972 Zastava 101 (total restoration to original factory condition). New original Zastava stamped panels will be used, as will original seats recently discovered in immaculate condition.
Our tale begins in Kragujevac... the first capital of the modern Republic of Serbia... 1954. The vast majority of Europe, East to West, was still struggling to put itself back together after the Second World War... ten years later a child would be born in the Serbian city and his parents would emigrate to the United States of America. He would grow into a proud USAmerican man with an unquenchable passion for his birthplace. Today you're invited to ride shotgun with me and this man.
CC5C: Introduce yourself to our readers.
Pep: Hi, my name is Pep Stojanovic and I was born in the former Yugoslavia way back in '64. brought over by my parents in 1967. had visitors from Yugoslavia (YU) or went to YU every year from 1972 onward.
CC5C: This entry is (obviously) about the Yugoslav connection to FIAT S.p.A.. How do you find yourself connected to this relationship?
Pep: I went [home] every summer from '76-'83... which is when I really became very fond of these cars, especially the Zastava 1300.
[During those summers] Being in the Detroit of YU, the city of Kragujevac was where I was born & visited and where Zastava existed since the late 1800s (cannon and munitions plant). It began life as a car manufacturer during the early '50s -- just after WWII.
I was fascinated how small the 750 was/is (everything in America in the '70s was larger than they could comprehend, even what we called compacts)! I liked how the cars translated into societal positions from the 750 to the 101 to the 1300 then onto the Ladas and FIAT 132s... at the very top of the communist party hierarchy.
'Always dreamed of having one of my own here, or there, but mostly here. In 2016, I realized this dream (the automotive path out of Serbia to Milwaukee WI).
'Always dreamed of having one of my own here, or there, but mostly here. In 2016, I realized this dream (the automotive path out of Serbia to Milwaukee WI).
My family's first car over there (uncle's side that remains in Serbia to this day) -- oddly enough -- was a YU 125pz from Poland. [Accomplished only with] financial help from my grandfather, then living in the US, for sure. That would have otherwise been a very tall order for your average Serbians. We were an agricultural and a Man-with-a-Truck biz level family.
Their next car was a FIAT 125p (Polish-built 125) which I later got to use with my American friend, Scott Jornlin, when we went over there in 1983... after graduating high school. My family had just purchased a FIAT 128, not sure if Zastava made that or not, though.
*Editor's note: Zastava officially launched their YU-only range of vehicles with the 101 family of cars... it was based on the FIAT 128.
Pep: Since falling in love with these cars, more the fact they were built in my YU hometown, and a general appreciation for FIAT/Italian design, I was/am hooked on them BIG TIME.
*Editor's note: Zastava officially launched their YU-only range of vehicles with the 101 family of cars... it was based on the FIAT 128.
Pep: Since falling in love with these cars, more the fact they were built in my YU hometown, and a general appreciation for FIAT/Italian design, I was/am hooked on them BIG TIME.
CC5C: That is a really cool and heartwarming story. We've visited some of these models in our Going Global, Machine Migliore, Piccola FIAT pieces. But this... your... personal anecdote adds an all too important amount of soul to the mix.
You mentioned 2016 being the year you realized the dream of owning/driving a Zastava on our shores. Tell us more about that.
Pep: I formed JugoAutomobili, Inc. as a vehicle to engage in several [varied] automotive ventures, including; investment for sale of domestic classic cars, leasing service equipment to classic car shops, and starting a joint classic car storage venture with the purchase of eight 2-car lifts. However, the main focus -- hence the name -- was to make an effort in bringing various Zastava models to the USA. [My hope is] one day achieving a critical mass of, say, 10-20 cars (if not more) to establish a Zastava Fan Club in the US... specifically the Midwest.
*Editor's note: This reads like the possibility for an expansion team style arm of FIAT Club America... "Zastava Club America". But that's a story for another day.
Pep: So, I bought the 1977 Zastava 1300, built under license from Fiat 1300, to keep for myself... and to advertise what is potentially available... and two other cars -- a '79 and an '83 Zastava 750 (based on the FIAT 600 w/ larger power output and some minor cosmetic changes).
CC5C: That is great! Will you introduce any other models to the available range from Cream City's JugoAutomobili Inc.?
Pep: I would like to add a few more to the mix over the coming year or two. We'll tighten our focus on the 750s (to try and find more examples up to '68 -- those cars were made with suicide doors). They are getting pricier all the time over there as they become rarer and rarer. At the same time, I would like to focus on 750s from '69-'76 (more metal on them). But I would also consider high end examples from '77-'85 (final year of production was '85). Suffice to say, for now, those late models may be modified to give them more punch to their classic looks.
A secondary focus will be to get a few examples in my own collection of the Zastava 101. 'Not sure what appeal these would have to ex-Yugoslavs (as well as others) with incurable car loving nostalgia, but I wouldnt mind a couple specimens for myself at very least.
Pep: I would like to add a few more to the mix over the coming year or two. We'll tighten our focus on the 750s (to try and find more examples up to '68 -- those cars were made with suicide doors). They are getting pricier all the time over there as they become rarer and rarer. At the same time, I would like to focus on 750s from '69-'76 (more metal on them). But I would also consider high end examples from '77-'85 (final year of production was '85). Suffice to say, for now, those late models may be modified to give them more punch to their classic looks.
A secondary focus will be to get a few examples in my own collection of the Zastava 101. 'Not sure what appeal these would have to ex-Yugoslavs (as well as others) with incurable car loving nostalgia, but I wouldnt mind a couple specimens for myself at very least.
1971 Zastava AR-55 (hardtop version based on the FIAT Campagnola. Lightly restored, mechanically refreshed, and new shoes (wheels and tires)... in order to preserve the military patina it has achieved over the years. Originally a Yugoslav Army Jeep that eventually became a hunting vehicle for a private citizen.
1964 Milletrecento; made by FIAT, ordered by a dentist in YU, sold and rebadged a Zastava. (The doc couldn't wait for a YU-built version.) Seeing as how it is a 1300, my favorite car and my birth year, this one I am living with 'til I die... and then dying with 'til I am resurrected. 'Not sure if I can pull off being tucked away in the trunk, with the car entombed above ground in some kind of long lasting glass, but one thing at a time. HaHa!
1971 Zastava 1300 though very luxe/lusso version. This one, only acquired this past week, has the very rare and EXPENSIVE option to be had back in its day; a rear seat with a fold out center armrest. This one has been restored to a very [Read; VERY] high level, with mechanicals to boot. Starts up at 32 degree ambient temperature like a modern day fuel injected car! 'Did not think I would be able to 1-up my own 1300 so quickly. But my Serbia-based partner is very good at searching through the barns and bushes of the countryside.
FIAT-Zastava 1300/1500
FIAT 600D/Zastava 750
Zastava 125PZ
1977 Zastava 101... A total restoration using new original Zastava stamped panels. This one is going to take a more playful direction. 'Going to lower it, paint it groovy, get some neat wheels and tires from the period, and custom install a substantial soundsystem in it. 'Going for the '70s vibe with some playful touches. The engine will be original/as manufactured a/k/a FIAT made!! It will also set itself apart by being mated to a 5-spd transmission.
FIAT 128/Zastava 101
Zastava 102/Yugo 45
Zastava Florida
FIAT 500L
Later, I want to delve further into the Eastern European automakers scene. [We'll be] identifying cars that still remain way below the radar, if not completely off the grid, to make more interesting my collection. Please stay tuned for those immigrants hopefully coming in the longer term.
CC5C: Wow! It appears, thanks to Pep & JugoAutomobili Inc, we'll soon see some of the other legendary runabouts, pictured above, join the modern Serbian-built FIAT 500L on our Cream City streets. On that subject, how did you find yourself in the mix with Cream City 500 Club and FIAT Club America?
Pep: In the absence of a Zastava community with which to celebrate, show, and enjoy these cars, I knew that a local FIAT club would be an ideal fit for me and them. The folks over at Reina suggested I inquire. I was apprehensive at first (dreading how my Zastava-made FIAT knockoffs would be received). I was fearful that if we were not a pure Italian FIAT then we could not play together. I was thrilled that my inquiry about joining was not only met positively, affirmatively, and very welcoming, but I was ecstatic when the club encouraged the gathering we had at Valenti Classics on Nov 5, 2016. The only problem (now) is having to wait until next year's driving season to continue the fun, socializing, and experiences (driving the cars and meeting new friends, metal machined kind and in the flesh human kind).
I am glad that my cars and I will be a part of your group. I just hope that everyone else that buys one joins in as well.
CC5C: You and ALL FIAT aficionados are welcome, Pep. Thanks for taking the time to formally introduce yourself, your machines and your brilliant dream-become-reality to our community. And thank you for helping us educate the USAmerican FIAT crowd on the longstanding global vision of the automaker. See you on the road soon, my friend.
Well, that's all for now. JugoAutomobili, Inc., Cream City 500 Club and FIAT Club America look forward to introducing you to the border busting world of FIAT at FIAT FreakOut 2017.
Until then, as always...
Vivere.Amare.Guidare.
Ciao!
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