Un Lavoro d'Amore: Pt Due

Benvenuti amici!

We trust you enjoyed reading part one of our collaboration with Bryan Thompson. Before we jump into the portion of this customization Bryan calls "Disassembly & Sourcing ", I think it is important to reset the tone of the piece with another inspirational photo. I was taken aback when Bryan sent me this print ad. I looked to this piece when I began the modding process of La Fee Verte (our former 500 Pop). Birds of a feather…

'57 Print Ad: Normale e Economica

What ought to be immediately obvious through this ad is FIAT always had a 'different strokes for different folks' approach to proposing their creations. By December 1957, less than 6 months after launch, savvy shoppers had two Cinquino choices; Normale (an updated version of the launch 500 - with descending vertical  windows, padded rear seats, chrome hubcaps and other added chrome bits) and Economica (essentially the July launch version of the Normale). In effect, the 500 Lounge is the modern day version of the Normale and the 500 Pop is the modern day version of the Economica. 

The stage is set for affordable sports cars in '58

For those wondering about their beloved Sport, worry not. FIAT debuted the Nuova 500 Sport in 1958 at the Hockenheim. Oh! There is also a strong historical link for our esteemed members of The Cult of the Scorpion. Karl 'Carlo' Abarth, inspired by Giacosa's Sport, introduced the FIAT 500 ABARTH later that same year. Four choices in two years -- Read familiar?

ABARTH & Co. ups the ante: A 4th option is born

So, you see, options and personalizations have always been an integral part of the FIAT life way. How one does or does not desire to personalize one's buggie is completely up to the individual. This brings us back to Bryan and his ambitious project. Take it away Bryan...

[Here are] Some color tuning samples…

I dig the deep dive approach to this project...

… Finding inspiration in inspired ways…

It was quite a challenge to locate an Abarth that fit my needs. Just about every Fiat salesman said that what I was looking for was impossible to find… A unicorn, if you will. In the end, I found the mythological creature: A new corporate-owned grigio Abarth cabrio with grigio roof, seat heaters, and cloth seats. 'No point in buying leather, as they will be reupholstered. "Gainsborough" (that's his name)  was located in a tiny town in Illinois. The grigio roof was key, as nero would be too severe a contrast when paired with the baby blue exterior.  Also, one of the benefits of this particular car, aside from the rare configuration, is that I am officially the first private owner.

[Editor's note: For those unaware, certain configurations are near impossible to obtain… even using FIAT's online configuration tool. For instance, Sombrita is free of contrasting mirror caps and 'go faster' stripes. Easy. But she is a 2013 in nero puro, a 2014 color, has leather seats and is devoid of a convenience package. Using the configuration tool, the ModCon package is one with the leather seats. Like Bryan's A500, La Sombrita was corporate-ordered. Unlike Gainsborough, she was never corporate-owned. FIAT Corp ordered and, then, sent her to our LS. I, as they say, was lucky enough to want this 'stripped' version of the sexy Scorprione & was in a position to purchase.]

In searching for all the avorio interior components necessary to complete the light and airy interior palette, it finally occurred to me that it was going to be more cost effective to simply purchase a second car equipped with an avorio interior and have a one-stop source for all the parts (big and small). 

… Avorio headliner and Bryan mugging the shot...

… Bryan's one-stop shop for avorio parts... 

Even after 20 years in this industry, it still surprises me to see all the teeny tiny components that are color coordinated to a cars interior. Everything from large scale items like the headliner, to minuscule sunvisor clips need to match. I, now, have a deepened respect for Color and Material Designers; They are logistic geniuses! Upon completion, much of the nero interior (from the Abarth) will go into the donor [Lounge] car.  

…

… Deciding on which azzurro works…

To get the avorio door inserts, (again the interior should be light, open and airy, not dark)  I sourced door panels for a 500e with "Steam" interior, and will replace the orange armrests. The orange pop of color is a nice accent. However, the proportion of orange on a full armrest would be too large for this concept… It would be all anyone would notice. It did make me realize that the concept needs a little 'second read surprise' detail. I'll use an orange thread for stitching, and this should be a delightful, yet, small pop of color.

… These 500e door panels draw lots of interest…

For the turbo gauge, I personally find the left hand drive solution of incorporating the feature into the speedometer gauge disruptive to the purity of the design. It complicates the simplicity of a very charming design element.

… UK boost gauge & a little blue friend…

So, I sourced a gauge from a right hand drive model, and will have it installed on the dash, next to the A-Pillar. This also feels more in line with the original Abarth 500, in my opinion: It's a secondary display and won't be competing with the primary read-outs: Functional, simple and pure, rather than adding complexity to the purpose of the main speedometer zone. 

[Editor's note: I must protest, albeit mildly. The left hand boost gauge may be the missing "completely mad" design element in the Top Gear UK review of the A500. You see, in the UK, the gauge is neatly integrated into the top of the dash. Having lived in a Pop for over a year, I rather enjoy the touch of madness involved in attaching it to the otherwise simple/clean design of the speedo. I, as an artist trained in calligraphy, dig the fact team Giolito matched the font in this gauge to the one used for the speedo numbers. These small details complete the end product.]

Unfortunately, my friends, the end of the sourcing portion of our journey leaves us with no choice but to begin the disassembly stage of this trek...

… It is always difficult for me to look at these kinds of photos. I know it is necessary, but they sting just the same. To be continued...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Un Lavoro d'Amore: Pt Uno

Benvenuti amici!

I think everyone is aware our focus for the NA (North American), as well as the global, FIAT community is promoting life behind the wheel of these beautiful Italian machines by focusing on the people driving them. Our aim, of course, is to be an online destination for Italian car aficionados. But we also aim to draw fans of life… and the adventures therein.

One major component of our individual & collective experience on this big, wonderful planet is expression. Knowing this, we often give audience to the customization work of our fellow FIATisti.

The next few blog entries will shine a light on one such act of expression. I 'discovered' this project on one of the FIAT forums I frequent. I was so taken with the passion I saw in the inspirational preparation photos shared, alone, I knew I had to propose a collaboration (of sorts). The greater FIAT community deserves to take part in this brilliant life series. 

What is so special about this particular story? Read on...

"My name is Bryan Thompson. I've been a professional car designer for more than 15 years, styling for Nissan, Peugeot Citroën, Volvo-Mack Trucks, Airstream, etc.  

Bryan and what is definitely not a 'Cento

While I've most often designed large vehicles, like; trucks and vans and camping trailers, my main passion is for small cars. I love them like most people love their pets.

Bryan, his ABARTH of choice & a furry friend

I got my start in the automotive industry at Fiat. Long story made kinda short, I was a young frustrated design student at Arizona State University, studying product design and wanting very badly to learn how to become a car designer. In a pre-internet world, this information was not readily available. 

Sometimes it takes a bit of terrible advice to focus desire and ignite a fire. A Guidance Counselor told me, "Car Design is a pipe dream, that needs to be let go." Undeterred, I dropped out of school, and moved to France.  I lived in the South near Montpellier in a dirty old camping trailer, totally broke, starving and struggling to learn the language, but in total design bliss. I was surrounded by quirky European cars, beautiful French people and amazing cheap wine. So what if I couldn't bathe regularly, no one else seemed to either!

Arc de Triomphe: Place de la Comèdie

I spent my time researching car design studios and making naïve attempts at contacting the Design Directors at each and every company in Europe.  Of course, no one replied.  So, after months of this, I snuck onto a train and went to Turin, Italy, knocked on the door (literally) at Centro Stile Fiat, and proceeded to wait in the lobby until I could be seen.  

Believe it or not, this actually worked.  

Peter Davis, the Design Director at the time, happened to be present, available, and, probably, a little amused at my scruffy (and pungent?) appearance.  He spent an entire afternoon with me; looking at my sketches, listening to my questions, and saying everything I had come so far to learn. 

Tipo B Spider176 Concept - Peter Davis; far right

He told me I had talent, but that I was green.  [Looking back, I wonder if he meant my complexion. Who knows?] He also told me how to make a portfolio, from what schools the industry hired, and a host of other insider details. The notes I took that day became my bible, and I did everything he suggested.

Fast forward 20 years or so. After a decade designing for Nissan and, later, growing my own design studio, I wanted to explore creating a car. That comes back full circle to Fiat… A car for myself.

CONCEPT:

I love the current Fiat 500, and the Abarth brand. But I want to do something that, in my opinion, is true to the original Abarth 500s in the way that I've admired them for so many years.  

Some of the "Small but Wicked"…

… bits of automotive bliss…

… which informed & inspired Bryan

The Abarths I remember always retained the charm of the 500 on which they were based, letting their buffed up performance speak for itself, rather than trying [quite so] hard to be "dark."

It's that contrast of Charm and Wicked Performance that draws me to this happy little mischievous car. So, for my little car, I want to capture that duality in a modern way. 

Bryan's personal-build A500 vision/concept

This car should look delightful and whimsical, and then ROAR to life when you turn the key, and growl through every corner.  It should make you smile when you look at it, and laugh out loud with a big, toothy grin when you drive it.  In essence, it should be the fastest, fun-to-drive, little picnic-finder out there."

CC5C readers dig these vintage adverts

So, has Bryan captured your attention? Are you curious about the progress of this project? Well, you are in luck. Bryan's work is moving along well and he  agreed to participate in chronicling it for the CC5C crowd. We are very pleased to help Bryan share his FIAT life experience. To be continued...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Born of Passion

Benvenuti amici!

Despite the fact I am prone to a "shy" nature… especially in large groups… I am not one to shy away from change. I am most definitely not one to shy away from a good challenge. So, when we decided to follow through with the idea of founding Cream City 500 Club I knew the greatest opportunity for personal growth would be in getting to know people and forging lasting relationships with them. Fortunately for me (and the Famiglia), we have a good-looking & iconic symbol that unites us in passion.

The importance of unification through passion, and the success it delivers, cannot be overemphasized or exaggerated ~ regardless of the venture. Dr. Gary P. Hamel, considered by many to be one of the world's most influential business thinkers put it this way, "… there are some more important gifts… capabilities. Initiative: people who see a problem, an opportunity, they start to move before anyone says 'It's okay'. Creativity: people who are learning from other industries, they are challenging the status quo. Passion: people who truly have passion… who look at their job not as how I put bread on the table, but as this is the way I can make a difference in the world". - from Passion Trumps Intellect

Making a difference drives me with every new day I am given. Unifying passionate people, I think, is a surefire way to exact a positive difference in the world. That is where FIAT, the Cinquino and, now, Cream City 500 Club come into play for me. The company, the car and the club owes a great deal of gratitude to the passion (of the people) they tap. Without this inexplicable emotion we are left with cool but common commodities. But these passion-infused entities have provided me innumerable opportunities to change the world around me for the better. 

The latest FIAT-related opportunity I have been gifted is one I set my sights on very soon after we agreed to launch CC5C. As such, it is  with a certain degree of pride I announce the following. Last week I agreed to take on the voluntary role of FCA (FIAT Club America) Regional Contact [Wisconsin]. FCA is one of the longest running FIAT focused car clubs in North America. They command the audience of the Italian automaker, FIAT USA and most local clubs in this part of the world. To be of service to them & the greater FIATisti community is an honor.

The Italians hit North American shores…

How this gift serves my purpose is fairly obvious. I become available to many more people… some of whom have been passionate for the brand, as well as the change it represents, for decades. As we come together, our individual perspectives and passions cross pollinate which creates opportunities for even greater change. I believe what is happening in the Milwaukee Metro Area and Madison can add/adds a tremendous degree of value to the established North American FIAT community. In doing so, we actively take part in changing the environment around us.

One of many FCA FFO panoramic group shots…

Simply put; Wisconsinites, especially Milwaukeeans, are a very different slice of 'Americana'. The differences go far deeper than the use of words like 'bubbler' and 'soda' pronounced with a nasally accent all our own. We drink different. We think different. We walk different. We small talk different. We drive different. We thrive different… and I have not begun to scratch the surface of it. As Chrysler helps FIAT usher in a new era of their presence in the global market, we want to help FCA usher in a new era of fandom.

Moving ordinary people in extraordinary cars…

Groups like the CC5C Famiglia do not have an extended era of doing things a particular way or decades of waiting for their beloved to return impacting good ol' fashioned fun. What we offer is not as much new to enthusiasts as it is  unfettered passion. The first FCA meet, later to be dubbed FIAT FreakOut, was held at the time the automaker pulled out of the U.S. market. Theirs began as something of a lament-infused gathering of very passionate people. Newer, local clubs gather… from day one… as a celebration of a triumphant little buggy. The aforementioned beloved has arrived.

The coming together of the two is a very good thing for all involved. FIAT Club America offers local clubs a link to FIAT heritage while we offer FCA a fresh look at an old pastime. My affiliation with both, the national and a local club, helps everyone involved. The fact the FCA BoD (Board of Directors) recognizes this, as they seize opportunities to unite the community on our shores, serves to further validate the point.

So, where do we go from here?

To mark the occasion of my individual FCA membership, the appointment to Regional Contact [Wisconsin] and the relationship between the national club + Cream City 500 Club, I wrote an intro piece for an upcoming issue of RICAMBI magazine. We, the RICAMBI publishing team and I, believe it helps punctuate the power of our united passion. True, CC5C may not become an official chapter of FCA anytime soon. But we support the FCA goal -- with vigor -- of putting good people together with other good people in style.

In closing I would like to draw attention to what the S.p.A. in FIAT S.p.A. means… Società per Azioni (Society for Action). Thank you for your continued support of Cream City 500 Club, your local community and FIAT Club America. The source of your action fuels the change and makes the difference.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

CC5C: News & Forums

Benvenuti amici!

As is the case with any brand and/or product, FIAT has many official and unofficial news outlets. We thought we would share a few of our regular information streams. To be certain, there are many others, but you would be hard pressed to beat those on this list...

FIAT S.p.A., FIAT-Chrysler News, FIAT Backstage

These sites, of course, are the ultimate authority on FIAT EU/NA (European Union/North America) news. No nasty rumors. No market speculation. No nonsense. Only facts.

Nothing drives me crazy like the 'rumor mill'. Speculative debate is fine, but improperly researched reporting is not only irresponsible. It is also a disservice to consumers. The purchase of an automobile, from  the ROI (Return on Investment) perspective, is already the worst financial investment most of us will ever make. The last thing we need is some professional loading the system with bad data. It accomplishes nothing good… save moving more copies for peddlers of garbage news. That is largely why we stick to the info coming out of Torino/Detroit HQ.

A world of automotive innovation since 1899

However, I realize many people (especially in the USA) often prefer the independent variety of news sources. So, you may also want to explore one or more of these sites...

Top Gear UK

If you dig cars at all, "There can be only one". Simple. End of.

Top Gear UK team & logo

FIAT Group's World

I consider this blog to be one of the most informative independent online sources available.

Only FIAT S.p.A. delivers more precise/bankable news. To add some degree of entertainment value, the author (Felipe Munoz) encourages reader participation via surveys & polls. Munoz has been including Chrysler news on a consistent basis. His is a complete FIAT news source… providing a peek into the global activity of the automaker. Are you interested in FIAT sales performance & strategies around the globe? Are interested in learning about FIAT S.p.A. product which is unavailable in North America? Are you interested in reading about all FIAT-owned brands in one place? Then, this is your site. Updates are not as common as they are with forums, but the info is very reliable.

Fiat Group's World logo

FiatTech, FiatTech Facebook page

This online start-up was created, and is run, by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. As such, it is another 'no nonsense' news source. 

Before purchasing my first FIAT 500, I did a lot of online researching. Unfortunately, at the time, there were limited North American news outlets for true/real FIAT information. Domestic build issues, reliability reports and real world performance information was hard to come by. When one did find something one was faced with the frustration of sifting through opinions and silly acronyms to get any usable info. In most cases, one was forced to lean on the information coming out of the EU to learn something of what to expect when investing in the North American reintroduction of the FIAT brand.

Sites like FiatTech (there are not many out there yet) are making research a much easier & more pleasant experience. The folks at FiatTech are active members of the FIAT community committed to uniting it and providing the most reliable FIAT news. Their news feeds are relevant and one visit to their forum makes clear the intent to promote passion for the entire FIAT 'umbrella' brand. It is the best NA one-stop FIAT-related gearhead forum on my radar. The motto says it all with three simple words.

FiatTech logo

FIAT 500 USA

Fifth place goes to a site/forum with strong ties to one of the oldest FIAT clubs in North America. F5U (FIAT 500 USA) is a news site/forum dedicated to the new (2007) FIAT 500 family (500, 500c, 500L, 500X, 500e & A500). The F5U forum (blue) is better moderated and more FIAT-dedicated than the F5O forum (red). There are a lot of vendor ads on the forum. This can be a bit distracting and adds to page load times, but the ads are FIAT-related and can be useful. I find this forum to casual owners, hardcore fans and general gearheads.

I designed this original grille badge logo, inspired by the generic, universal and all-inclusive name of the Auto Guide FIAT forum. It's perfect for anyone/everyone in the FIAT 500 Owners World.

F5O logo created & © Amado Rodriguez Jr

That, my friends, is my Top 5 list for FIAT news & entertainment. If you are considering a new FIAT purchase, I suggest you check them out before doing so. If you are considering a move from one new FIAT to another, I suggest you check them out before doing so. Of course, you can find links to these sites and much, much more here.

Until we meet, again, on the web…

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

FIAT v ABARTH: Comparison

Benvenuti amici!

We are winding down our second week in our second 500 into our second year with FIAT. We thought our experiences with the brand, Bergstrom FIAT USA of MKE and the FIAT 500 may be of some interest to our readers. When taking into consideration we moved from a sweet verde chiaro Pop trim to an aggressive nero puro Abarth edition of the Cinquecento it is evident there is most definitely a tale to tell. 

We purchased our first Cinquino with Tony Westley & Ryan Lenfestey. It was a fantastic introduction to FIATs and the best choice for first new car purchase (my wonderful mother wept tears of joy at the thought). I have told the tale many times. We recently recorded our second Fitito purchase, with Luke Bibis & Brandon Drew (here as well as our FB page). Both experiences were surreal and left me feeling as though I was dreaming. They're somewhat incomparable (to me). I prefer to chalk up the impressions their make up leave on me.

So, let's slide into first impressions...

VC Pop w/Nero Sport Pictured

For a driver noticing aesthetics as much as I do, the badging comparison is the easiest place to start, largely because it is one of the very first things drawing my attention as I look at FIATs of any trim or model. But before we get into that bit of fun, it is important you understand we sought to mate the beautiful simplicity of the 500 Pop with the sensual aggression of the Abarth 500. Our subtle choices reflect this aim.

KICKING THE TIRES:

Classic, Bold, Italian and Sweet

Classic, Bold, Italo-Austrian and Aggressive

A500 (Abarth 500) Only Heritage Badging

Easy to spot ~ FIAT

Impossible to miss ~ Abarth

Simple & Modern ~ Pop Optional 15" Wheels

Stylishly Modern ~ Abarth Base 16" Wheels

That, our esteemed readers, is the 'first impression' difference between these fine Italian daily drivers. As you can see, even without comparing profile shots, (shared cuteness aside) the vibes of the standard and hyper Abarth performance 500s are opposite sides of the spectrum. That we bought both is telling of the complexity of our personalities and tastes.

Let's move inside the 'centos…

The differences between cockpits in a standard 500 and the Scorpione are vast… and they are not only skin deep. Yes ~ it is evident you are still in a 500, but the color details are what truly separates the models. I love the happy-go-lucky vibe of the Pop… especially in verde chiaro…

INSPECTING THE INTERIOR:

… but I find the sensual drama of a nero/nero puro A500 with rosso e nero interior makes me just as happy. The added bonus of mystery is probably what I dig most. The fact La Sombrita is black with all the warm-colored accents (lights & side markers included) holds my attention in a new way.

[Editor note: The name, La Sombrita, is an homage to a name my father used as a masked wrestler. He was called La Sombra Negra/The Black Shadow. La Sombrita is the diminutive form, meaning Tiny Shadow.]

Yes, I am one of the camp absolutely digging the retro-chic of the Pop/500c/Lounge. One friend very kindly asked whether I would miss that after moving to the Abarth. But, it turns out, the styling of the turbos feels more… modern… and recalls what initially drew me to the original Trepiùno design. It is a modern take on FIAT design of the past… 'more than retro'.

I realize the changes are not so vast to some. However, when one is discussing the simple perfection of a FIAT 500, it is undeniable each tiny difference changes how one feels in the cockpit. Feeling is what this car is all about. It has soul. The best way to illustrate my point is to propose  you participate in the following experiment. 

• Load two playlists (one all '50s/'60s Italian Pop and the other industrial or otherwise slickly-produced electronic music) into your phone/iPhone or mp3 player/iPod
• Drive out to your LS (local studio)
• Test drive a Pop and an Abarth back-to-back
• Listen to both playlists in both models
• 'Feel' your ride

See what I mean? Great. Moving on…

TURNING THE KEY:

The ride in a Pop is so comfortable ~ It feels as though you're zipping around on your plush recliner. IT IS AMAZING. I find it impossible to drive a FIAT 500 Pop without constantly smiling. In Sport Mode, you get what has been called the best sounding naturally aspirated 4 cylinder motor and gives off the a distinct exhaust note. It is subtle, but very Italian in its tone. 

                       

FIAT 500 Pop Exhaust Note = Sweet & Cute

The ride in an Abarth is less comfy ~ It still feels as though you're zipping around on a piece of furniture. But this piece is a minimalist leather chaise. IT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD. In or out of Sport Mode, the sound of the modern 500 Abarth is worthy of the scorpion branding. For those unaware, Karl 'Carlo' Abarth (Abarth & Co) was well known for his high-performance exhausts. This is  why the exhaust note is a central topic of discussion for this particular car. One turn of the key reveals the nameplate and ups the ante of drama.

A500 Exhaust Note = Venomous

Of course, the biggest payoff in a small FIAT (which pays dividends far beyond MPG/miles per gallon) is the amount of SPM (smiles per mile) delivered. I find it utterly impossible to stop smiling while I am behind the wheel of a FIAT 500. What I have found is, in addition to the non-stop smiling, my heart races behind the wheel of the Scorpione… regardless of which gear I am in. With every pop & gurgle from the exhaust, my ticker flutters. Now, that is what I call an amenity!

PRACTICAL PINCH POINTS:

It is true, there is also the difference of fuel consumption. But, on the first two tanks (in both cars), I filled up once in a week. It is worth noting I drove home in La Fee Verte in May, with the best formulated 93, while we drove home in La Sombrita in December, with the worst formulated 93. I ran neither Pop nor Abarth down to an empty tank.

FIAT 500 Sport Gauge Cluster

Another reality to be considered is maintenance. The A500 is more expensive to keep running like new. Yes, it is new and that isn't a big worry for some time. I think the time to begin worrying about such things is prior to due maintenance. One should never purchase a car one cannot afford to keep running in tip-top condition. The interior and wheel set are just two areas of aesthetic differences. There are also mechanical differences.

FIAT 500 Abarth Boost/Shift Gauge

FIAT 500 Abarth Engine/Turbo

Of course, one realizes such things when seriously considering this kind of move. Yes, the missus and I discussed them while making our decision. My father always said, "If you can't afford to take care of it, you can't afford to have it". Thanks, Pop, for that little nugget of brutal truth.

So, which of the 500s is better? Which of the two do we prefer? We moved from our 'paid for' Pop to a new round of payments with our Abarth, because I always wanted one and the missus agreed. I dig a Scorpione for the differences presented in this 'two weeks in review'. I was head-over-heels for our Pop for the differences presented in this piece as well as all the reasons presented in previous entries.

We are fortunate to say we lived in a 500 Pop for well over a year. It was brilliant. Now, we are beginning life in a 500 Abarth ~ with no doubt it will be at least as equally brilliant. Finally, included in the A500 purchase package is the Abarth Experience Track Day. The missus and I can attend a day of learning the in & outs of our Tiny Shadow with professional drivers and other members of the Cult of the Scorpion©. In addition, FIAT NA will feed us and there will be a host of non-driving activities to engage our imaginations. Wow! We truly are fortunate to enjoy the 'best of both worlds'.

Finally, the one and most important thing you, our dear friend, need to know is we are Fiatisti yesterday, today & tomorrow...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Felice Anno Nuovo!

Benvenuti amici!

The coming of the New Year is about more than celebrating the twelve months ahead. It is also about reflecting upon the twelve months we are leaving behind. Twenty thirteen has left us, the missus & I and the rest of the CC5C, plenty on which to reflect. 

26 June 2013; We launched the CC5C blog one year, one month and one week after I met my first FIAT (500 Pop). With a humble short history, we introduced the new 500 and explained the intent behind/foundation beneath the Cream City Cinquecento Club/Città Crema Cinquecento Club.

4 July 2013; We officially introduced the Città Crema Cinquecento Club on the recognized birthday of FIAT S.p.A. and the famed FIAT 500, the cultural icon for which our club is named. But the Italian automaker and its popular little buggy are not the only reason for the selection of this date. We seek to honor the philosophy behind their success. 

Included in the introduction was the official announcement of the CC5C ID as well as our first vinyl window cling. It was designed, drawn and financed by Amado Rodriguez Jr a/k/a Amacento (yours truly). We are proud of the logo ~ as we have received lots of positive feedback regarding the final product.

31 August 2013; We hosted the first ever CC5C gathering/Guidare e Gelato at our LS (local studio). The group was smart looking & large. In fact, the group was more than three times the size I believed we would see. Much of the credit for the initial turnout is due to the support of the missus as well as the efforts of Brandon & Luke, the sales team at our LS, for helping me get word out concerning the event. It is impossible to properly thank Milica, Brandon, Luke and the people taking time out of their lives to share their experiences and smiles with us.

The occasion was underscored with the presence of a representative of Midwest FIAT Corporate. Troy was very kind to attend the event… and play photographer for the day.

30 September 2013; We hosted our first 'Crociera/Cruise'. 'Crociera' is differentiated from 'Guidare', because it is considered an unofficial meet. In addition, ideally, a 'Crociera' happens within Cream City. It is meant to be an opportunity to take in/celebrate the neighborhoods of Milwaukee. 

September also marked the month we began to see support for the CC5C via blog visits and representation from other parts of the country ~ by way of sporting the CC5C vinyl cling/badge on non-Cream City 'centos.

Ann Marie Kozich Swenson & Mark Friedel/Jenn Boelter (Madison WI), Bob Moon (California), John Koch (Seattle), Edwin Barron (Virginia) & Brian Heath (Florida), Colin Brown (Minnesota), Damon Oriente (Canada), John Ackenhusen (Michigan) and James Wilson (North Carolina) were among the very first long distance supporters of the FIAT life enthusiasts Society. We are grateful for their commitment to the cause and we appreciate the growth in interest we continue to see around the country as well as the world.

With the prodding of the missus and Brandon Drew, we also launched the CC5C Facebook page. I was skeptical, at first, but have been proven wrong by 79 'Likes' since the 27 September 2013 launch! Finally, September is also the month during which the CC5C grille badge was announced. Oooh… Fancy.

26 October 2013; We hosted our second Guidare e Gelato. This time we took a scenic route to a restaurant outside the city limits. Before the cruise, we met in the conference room of our LS and I officially presented the first ever studio-sponsored Italian language CC5C vinyl window cling/badge.

I will never forget the looks on the faces of various attendees when the soiree came to an end. Likewise, I will never forget Mike Bradley being so kind as to bestow me with the honor of affixing the CC5C vinyl window cling/badge on his brand new grigio Abarth!

As if all this excitement was not enough, October 2013 further marked the inclusion of more non-local stories and photo shoots on our blog. We began to seek the accounts of others and their FIAT life experiences. The results proved to be well worth the effort required. Since October, the blog readership has exploded. We are truly humbled by the success of this simple proposal. 

16 November 2013; We hosted an impromptu gathering to welcome Mario & Stacy Fiorentino and their grigio Abarth to the 'famiglia'. During this small get-together, we informally introduced the new club 'Famiglia' & 'Contatto' cards. These cards were designed to remind us of our group and help us spread the CC5C love. We drove to La Coppa Gelateria, our newest sponsor, and enjoyed some of the tasty cold stuff on the menu.

December 2013 was comparatively quiet, with our efforts turning towards further blurring geographical borders. I, personally, began reaching out to and writing about aftermarket support of the FIAT 500 & 500L. This focus, of course, is a carry over from what began in September/October. I look forward to more time focused on the broader FIAT life enthusiasts community. 

24 December 2013; The missus & I headed to our LS, for the last time, with the legendary La Fee Verte. The decision was difficult, but I had my mind on the purchase of an A500 (Abarth 500) since seeing the studio demo the day I drove home in our Pretty Green Pop. An aggressive (personal) payment schedule and a great deal at the right time made it much easier to make a move. 

This brings us to 25 January 2014…

The time is approaching for 'The First Cruise of the New Year'. How does zipping around town in a FIAT and tasty pizza read to you? Why stop there? We can top it off with one of the best groups of life-loving people you will ever likely encounter. Life & Love ~ We believe those are areas in which the CC5C shines. Come shine with us...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@