Being About The Legend

Benvenuti amici!

I am back with you following my semi-retirement from Car Culture Lifestyle blogging and my formal retirement from leading the local FIAT-ABARTH club I founded in 2013. The reason for my reprisal... unfortunately... is a very sad one.

Sergio Marchionne, the famed and (quite frankly) one of the greatest automaker CEOs of all-time fell ill last week. It was reported he underwent invasive surgery last month and his grave illness was connected to his body's reaction to it. I could go into further detail, but you have no doubt already read the multitude of reports that surfaced since last Thursday. He passed into the next today.

I am a creative realist. People like this man tend to become my life heroes.

The motivation behind what will be my final e-publication to this blog is simple... I want to honor the man responsible for saving the ABARTH, Chrysler, Dodge and FIAT brands. I want to honor the man who made Jeep & RAM brands more relevant than ever before. I want to honor the man responsible for relaunching Alfa Romeo in true Alfa style... "Italians know how to build great cars." I want to honor the man responsible for reviving Maserati from the doldrums to which the brand was stuck for some time. I want to honor the man who lit fire under the arse of Scuderia Ferrari... "A Ferrari that does not win is not a Ferrari." I want to honor the man who, only last month, announced FCA would report out completely debt-free profit by the end of this month... July 2018. I want to honor the man responsible for the livelihoods of over two hundred thousand people around the world. What have we done in the past 14 years? And I'm certain I'm only scratching the surface of his brilliant legacy.

Don Sergio Marchionne was much more than a "fix-it" man. He was fearless. He was creative. He was visionary. He was an apparent man of his word... He made public oaths to reopen plants around Italy as well as the rest of the countries in which FCA is active and he methodically worked hard toward making good on said oaths. He was a loving father.

Many news outlets falsely and ignorantly claimed FCA "replaced" Sr. Sergio with a new CEO. No one can take the place of Our Honorable Departed. I cannot say how FCA and Ferrari will look and/or operate without Don Marchionne in their respective orbits. But I can say... beyond a shadow of a doubt... the automobile industry will never look quite the same. So, please, rev your engines with purpose today. We all, FIATisti-ABARTHisti and all petrolheads alike, owe this great HUMAN BEING at least that much. 'A small way this great leader of the modern automobile industry + classic working class hero will LIVE FOREVER...

Vivere. Amare. Guidare.

MILITIA-OUS INTENT!

Benvenuti Amici!

Every few months we feature owner experiences. It's become something of a tradition to "capture" the experiences of the well-traveled, the adventurous, the passionate. and the inspired. Sometimes the owners find themselves inspired enough to start businesses and, in doing so, inspire other drivers. Sometimes the owners find themselves inspired enough to seek adventures beyond their daily driving experience. This blog entry is meant to pack all of these FIAT life experiences in one tidy holiday package... just for you.

I recently spent some e-time with FIAT500USA regular, Robert Nixon. Robert Nixon (RN). Nixon, among many other things, is a fellow blogger. He and Brian Nixon publish Nixon Motor Sports, a blog they use to share their burning passion for petrol-driven competition.

Team Nixon Motor Sports

CC5C: Model?

RN: I ordered by FIAT 500 Abarth in 2012, and took delivery in September of that year. This is a 2013 model.

CC5C: How are you involved with your local and/or the greater FIAT/ABARTH community?

RN: My main involvement with FIAT is as a moderator on the FIAT500USA forum. I like to attend car shows, local Cars and Coffee events, and try to keep up with the auto industry a little bit. 

CC5C: Why FIAT/ABARTH? What is the primary use of your car?

RN: My Abarth is my daily driver, so I’ve been very happy with it for over 59,000 miles so far. I was attracted to the Italian heritage of the company, and figured that I couldn’t afford a new Ferrari or Maserati, so the return of FIAT to the US got my attention! After test driving the regular 500 and the Abarth, I voted with my gas pedal foot and went for the Abarth. 

CC5C: How long have you tracked your FIAT/ABARTH? What competitions do you take part in?

RN: With the Abarth I started to autocross in 2013, and it’s been a great way to have fun, meet more car fans, and also learn a lot more about my car in general. Thanks to my job I’ve had to move a few times, so I’ve competed at events sponsored by various Sports Car Club of America and other clubs in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Earlier this year I drove the Abarth on track at a two-day National Auto Sport Association (NASA) event with an instructor, and that was really fun.

Proof Positive Daily Drivers Can Be Fun

CC5C: Wow! So, you actually track your daily driver?! I think that's an important point for people interested in the brand(s) but uncertain about reliability. Can you speak to that?

RN: The beefier stock suspension on the Abarth enables it to hold up fine on a track day. It’s not going to be a NASCAR or Indy car experience, but it is a ton of fun to drive non-competitive track events. Other great car experiences I’ve had in the FIAT are charity events where you can get on track for a short stint just by donating a toy or money to a charity. Not a race or anything, but I’ve enjoyed at least a few laps at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Darlington, Martinsville, and Virginia International Raceway (VIR) and always had fun doing it for a good cause. 

CC5C: And is tracking a daily driver common? Do you see that a lot? Is there anything else you'd like to add to this point?

RN: I’d estimate that tracking your daily driver is common, but that at some point if you really get into track events with SCCA, NASA, or other groups that you’ll want a dedicated track car. To go with all the racing required safety gear (seat, harness, roll cage, etc.) is a big step up from just doing a high performance driver event with just a helmet and regular seat belts.

CC5C: How have you placed? How has your FIAT/ABARTH held up under the intensity of competition?

RN: At the local event level I think the Abarth is competitive in the SCCA H Street class this year, but it’s not seen much at the big national level events. With fewer drivers at local events I’ve won my class for the past three years, but the main thing for me is having fun driving! The Abarth has held up in great condition to a regular diet of autocross, and like any other car if you compete with it you’ll want to have better tires. I’ve got a second set of wheels and tires for autocross events. Other than regular maintenance of oil changes, spark plugs, and checking fluid levels, I replaced the brake pads this year so that I’d have plenty of pad for the track event. Even then, after four years of autocross, the stock brake pads were performing fine, although the fronts were due to be changed, the rear pads had plenty of life left. In other words, the stock Abarth can take whatever you throw at it!

Stickers Add 10hp to Every Abarth

CC5C: The last bit of your answer brings a new question to mind. How much of your ABARTH 500 is still stock?

RN: Most of the car is stock, I’ve only upgraded the brake pads (still using original rotors), wheels and tires, new slightly larger rear bar, and replaced the stock air filter with a K&N. I have some Koni yellow sport shocks to install for next year, and I might also add lowering springs to lower the center of gravity too.

CC5C: And what kinds of reactions have you received/witnessed from drivers of other makes?

RN: I think most other drivers love seeing the Abarth, as well as hearing it! The exhaust is designed with no muffler so it was designed by FIAT to have a nice sound! To me the sound makes me feel like I’m a 16-year-old all over again, even though I’m way past that age!

CC5C: 'Anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

RN: There are all kinds of driving opportunities out there, so I recommend checking out the race track websites, and find out what your local car club is doing, whether it’s FIAT, Porsche, BMW, Corvette, Mustang, etc.

All Weather + All Wicked

I want to thank Nixon Motor Sports and Robert Nixon for sharing their FIAT-ABARTH life experience via the CC5C blog. This entry serves as my final e-publication for a while. It's been an honor serving the global FIAT and ABARTH community, in this way, since mid-2013. Be sure to check out the Nixon Motor Sports blog to read their exploits and inspire adventures of your own!

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

FIAT, USA + Respect

Benvenuti amici!

One of the biggest issues facing FIAT USA these days is the number of stand alone studios that can afford to hold on to the brand, and the post-purchase experience a/k/a "Where to service FIATs purchased". I posted this message in a forum thread and I thought it would be a good idea to restructure & re-post it here.

The theme of this entry is an "elephant in the room" conversation for most enthusiasts. We want to see FIAT S.p.A. succeed in North America (NA), but we also want FIATs to be seen as 100% Italian automobiles. The same enthusiasts are bothered when someone foolishly assumes Chrysler bought the Italian automaker and not the other way around. Let's make this clear... once and for all... FIAT S.p.A. (under the guise of Exor S.p.A.) saved and wholly owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram (CDJR). It is that simple. Period.

It seems there is, or at least remains, a gap in market education about FIAT S.p.A. People still don't realize the company was founded years before the Ford Company. People still don't know the first purpose-built race car was a FIAT. People still don't recognize the cultural & automotive historical significance of the FIAT 500. With all the television money FCA pours into Dodge Brothers heritage, it is clear the organization understands history matters. But the only FIAT & ABARTH education I've seen is in the form of webisodes. FCA absolutely must create a more effective environment for North American market education of the parent marque as well the [ABARTH] performance marque. I've heard and/or read this point shrugged off many times. STOP SHRUGGING... for the sake of your most loyal supporters and refocus your energy. It can be done in an entertaining way... if funny "lifestyle" spots are the main marketing focus. But educating the public must be taken to task in order to truly honor the memory of don Giovanni Agnelli.

Bringing the USAmerican public up to speed isn't the only challenge FCA faces. Once people are sold on the marque and commit to purchasing, they need a place to to pick up their sexiest of runabouts. When FIAT first reentered our market they mandated stand alone studios be built with the "dangling carrot" of Alfa Romeo licenses as an exclusive reward for the best performing outlets. While that was a fresh approach... and one that a dyed in wool FIATisti and/or ABARTHisti cheered... it didn't leave any room for market killers (like a dearth of a varied product range to sell). Studios suffered and began closing all around the country -- placing 100% of the blame on FIAT.

What should a committed & savvy car dealer have done?

Think outside the box, stand together and make their collective voice heard is a better option than jumping from their sinking ship like rats. The stand alone setup has been evolving into a small studio on the same grounds as CDJR showrooms for some time. Wisconsin has three of them. They are the strongest movers of FIAT units in our state. That... along with helping isolated stand alone studios remain viable... is what Tim Kuniskis' new "fix it" plan most focuses upon. But it's more incentive based for existing business partners. It's a fiscal, albeit effective, triage of sorts. But existing CDJR dealers are already dialed into the system and an incentive deal isn't going to force them do anything positive for their benefactor. FCA must mandate FIAT support from those outfits. Sergio Marchionne has zero issue doing this within the organization the Agnellis trust him to run. There should be zero issue expanding that business culture to include the dealer network. The CDJR techs are aware/agree this should happen... I've heard it firsthand from a MoPar tech when I stopped at a CDJR dealer for a recent emissions test.

This FIATista-ABARTHista recommends FIAT USA create a miniature [FIAT & ABARTH] version of their stand alone studio setup for preexisting larger CDJR showrooms. It would be a large ornate kiosk on the CDJR showroom floor loaded with all the webisodes and clips created by FIAT S.p.A. and FCA. Visiting consumers would, of course, ask whether the studio now sells FIAT & ABARTH. That would be the time dealers join in on the reeducation process... and get serious about unifying the brand families. There are already Penstar logos all over the nooks'n'crannies of NA FIATs and ABARTHs. The Jeep Renegade is built in Italy. Larger CDJR dealers are making enough money to easily afford a stylish new FIAT kiosk setup and they need to give back to the marque that saved their asse(t)s. I also recommend smaller kiosks for the smaller CDJR dealers. Again... this is a must-do situation (for FIAT USA and these CDJR dealers). Make the critical to survival relationship clear to all. Chryslers, Dodges & Jeeps are powered by Maserati-Alfa Romeo-ABARTH technology. A healthy FIAT market benefits the iconic USAmerican counterparts.

So, education and post-purchase a/k/a service experience is covered. Is there anything I've forgotten to cram into this entry? Ah, yes. That's right. A local sales & service outlet in the Milwaukee Metro Area. We lost local FIAT dealer for the second time. Bergstrom moved their operation to Kaukauna/Fox Valley. Then, International Auto Group dropped FIAT from their portfolio without notice. They'll continue to sell FIATs, while they wait for another dealer to purchase their license, but they cease to service FIATs (despite having a certified tech on staff). We, Cream City enthusiasts, need your help.

Reina Int'l Auto, Vespa & Moto Guzzi has been pursuing a relationship with the new FCA for some time. They were a top supporter of the brand in the '70s and '80s and continue to service vintage FIATs as well as ABARTH, Autobianchi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lancia and Maserati brands. They would be a perfect match and CC5C is confident they are committed to a lifetime with the marque. But FIAT USA needs to hear/read that from us. They need us to tell them we want them to make this happen. Visit & Like the Reina brothers' Facebook page. When you get that out of the way, write or call FIAT USA Corporate and share your thoughts.

Here is the contact info you need:

Fiat USA
1000 Chrysler Dr
Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Contact Fiat

Phone Number: (248) 576-5741
Fax Number: (248) 512-1762

Email Fiat USA

http://www.fiatusa.com/webselfservice/fiat/EmailPage.html

Two recurring themes in my blog publications and CC5Club Facebook page posts are UNITY and ACTION. Today, on behalf of our local members, and the greater FIAT community, we ask you to UNITE and ACT with us. Thank you!

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Heralds of Heritage!

Benvenuti amici!

We enjoyed lots of exciting news this month. At the top of my list is the official announcement of the 2017 ABARTH 124 Spider [Geneva Auto Show]. In the spirit of total transparency, I was expecting the announcement thanks, in large part, to the spot-on reporting of Auto Italia Magazine. (The publication is one by enthusiasts for enthusiasts if you're unfamiliar with it.) Issue 240 included the inaugural ABARTH Classiche where enough hints were dropped to warrant an artist rendering of a stung FIAT 124 model on the cover. A few weeks later, dyed in the wool ABARTHisti were treated as the internet went alight with official word and images galore. The latest 124 offering is sublime. Heritage.

The styling of the ABARTH 124 Spider, as we've come to expect from Centro Stile, is exactly what the "Return of the Spider" deserves. It's slick, it's serious and it's sexy. Official specs for the EU release push the MultiAir to 170hp. While that isn't groundbreaking, it is far more powerful a factory tune than Europeans received with the [133hp] 2008 ABARTH 500 (A500) and enough of a bump above the [160hp] ABARTH 500 EsseEsse. But the ABARTH 124 Spider only told a third of the story. "Scuderia" ABARTH simultaneously confirmed the rumors of an upcoming return to World Rally Championship (WRC)! Heritage.

But that's still not it. The ambition of ABARTH & Co. would not be sated with the two former announcements. So, the firm revealed the 300hp ABARTH 124 Rally (A124R)… a completely bonkers version of the ABARTH 124 (A124) that will be offered to independent WRC racing teams at a racing team price. Heritage.

The only question that remains is; "if FIAT is doing all this for the European market what's in store for North America?" The question is a fair one. North Americans aren't forced to opt for the EsseEsse upgrade package to own a 160hp A500. We drive them [from the factory] off the lot. Surely FIAT USA will bring home an A124 that fits oh-so-comfortably between the EU A124 and the WRC A124R. 'Nothing too insane... we don't want to upset the EPAngels. But there must be a happy medium in mind, no?

Much to our dismay, FIAT USA has a far grimmer ABARTH future to report [2016 New York International Auto Show or NYIAS]  for the 2017 model year. Rather than a 170hp, 180hp or 190hp ABARTH 124 Spider, the plan is to deliver a near-ABARTH… the 160hp FIAT 124 Spider Elaborazione ABARTH. What happened to the 10hp lost on the trip over the Atlantic? What is that longwinded model name meant to communicate? Why would an ABARTH have the same horsepower as the standard model? Why was the "Elaborazione ABARTH" fender badge not available at the time of official press release? The gentlemen & ladies at FIAT North America are apparently reducing the storied ABARTH & Co. to what amounts to a tidy, sporty trim package for our market. The primary things differentiating this "Elaborazione ABARTH" from the previously announced [but equally beautiful] FIAT 124 Spider are; fascia and suspension. There are optional brake and seat upgrades.

Faithful readers, this is where the theme/title of this blog entry comes into play. From day one of my baptism into FIAT fanaticism, I've said/wrote brand heritage is our responsibility. Why? It seems FIAT USA cannot be bothered. Communicating FIAT and ABARTH heritage to the masses, it would seem, takes too much work. Sure, subscribers to their Youtube channels are treated to tidbits of easily digestible history. But most people subscribing to such channels are already sold on the FIAT life experience and know more than those clips communicate. Someone must take onus to educate the "casual shopper". Someone must explain why only an indecent person would shop a FIAT and/or ABARTH against any non-Italian offering. Heritage.

Sexy People: FIAT is 100% this…

… but FIAT is also 100% this.

It is in the area of marketing FIAT USA seems to be the most lost… or bored. Rather than balance [traditional FIAT] cute & fashionable adverts with the [traditional FIAT] smart & substantial variety, FIAT USA chooses to push their models as little more than fuel-sippingly one dimension. To be fair, there has been a short series of [little known] small attempts to prove the FIAT & ABARTH brands in track and road rally endurance events. Heritage.

Finish in 2012 Targa Newfoundland? No big deal.

Finish in 2012 25 hrs of Thunderhill? No big deal.

FIAT USA has seen fit to enter and [online only] advertise A500 participation in the two most grueling mechanical tests of North American motoring. Still, the American market has done little to nothing in regards to advertising the fact the model finished in both and took 2nd Place [Open Class] in one of said tests,  Targa Newfoundland. I'm sure, besting much more powerful cars at the Targa NFLD rally is a fete the Chevy & Ford marketing teams would kill to print and/or air ad nausea. A brand new-to-market runabout entry finishing at all at NASA 25hrs of Thunderhill is equally if not more than brag worthy. Heritage.

Come to think of it, the folks on the Dodge side of the FCA family are still showing campaign interest in their past. Can you imagine the campaigning we'd see if the present day Dodge Dart outperformed at and above it's curb class? But there has been no significant FCA Corporate follow-up attempt tying their accomplishments to stand alone studio sales across the continent… a non-communications faux pas that leaves North American FIAT dealers shouldering equal guilt. Brand education is not as difficult as the uncreative would have us believe. Other marques have done quite well importing their Motoring Heritage.

F4: ABARTH + New Generation of Track Stars

ABARTH 695 Biposto: 2014 Gumball Rally 3000

ABARTH 595 OT: Special for Future Competition

So, what of this FIAT 124 "Elaborazione ABARTH"? How will it help promote the legacy donna Annelise Abarth works tirelessly to preserve? That is assuming this "watered-down" usage of her legendary surname has anything to do with preservation. Why use the name at all if the model is not worth the proper iteration we see with the A500? The 500T, a model that specs in similar numbers to the EU-spec base A500, is not marketed as an ABARTH. The 500GQ, built on the A500 donor car platform, is not marketed as an ABARTH. So, why half-use the ABARTH name to market this otherwise beautiful Spider?

 I'm not sure, FIAT USA. Are you?

FIAT North America Brand Director was quoted saying, "U.S. regulations prohibit the 1.4L MultiAir turbo's 10hp bump from the European specifications car." That explanation seems fair enough. But, then, why not drop the 500T motor in the F124 Spider and save the A500 motor for the A124 Spider? Why not drop one of the larger EPA-friendly MultiAir variations [Dodge-Chrysler calls them "Tigershark"] into the engine bay of the A124? I mean, they are ABARTH-Alfa Romeo based after all. Why not ditch the upgrade package scam/scheme… in favor of permanently bolting on all the performance goodies + proper A124 markings? Why reduce the good name of don Carlo to Mazda Miata Club package status? Why risk further alienating FIAT life enthusiasts who likely waited decades for this release?

With what seems to be no [corporate] North American interest in promoting our inspired automotive history, the task falls to the community of FIATisti-ABARTHisti. Let your opinion on the matter be known. Contact FIAT USA/FIAT Cares. Post to your favorite [FIAT USA and FCA Corporate] Facebook pages. The Spirit King of the Cult of the Scorpion beckons us to remember his name and act as his heralds… United in unwavering Passion with Purpose. Heritage.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

(Dedicated to Heralds Everywhere)

Ciao!

@

The Horse & The Scorpion

Benveunti amici!

Things are beginning to take a new-albeit-familiar shape in the world of Italian runabouts. Since the 2007/2011 reintroduction, FIAT S.p.A. a/k/a FIAT USA a/k/a FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has added to their product lineup; the 500 in four trim levels, the 500C in two trim levels, the 500/500C ABARTH in manual/automatic options, the 500L in four trim levels and the 500X in five trim levels is the latest to arrive in FIAT studios. Recently, FCA announced the long-awaited return of the 124 Spider (formerly 124 Sport Spider). Already rumors circulate about the possibility of ABARTH versions of the X-over and the Spider are appearing online. 

FIAT Centro Stile Director, Roberto Giolito, promises the next generation of ABARTHs will differ more from the FIATs that they are based upon. Now seems like the most opportune time to wax nostalgic about the styling of the 2008-Present FIAT 500 ABARTH or ABARTH 500 (A500). To find where FIAT's ABARTH division drew inspiration we need only to take a glance in the general direction of the Ferrari F430.

Disclaimer: Entry is based upon fan observations

The ABARTH & Co. division did something special with the [past & present] A500. The runabout performance group always aimed to bridge the gap between the two otherwise unrelated FIAT & Ferrari schools of engineering philosophies. Carlo Karl Abarth even lent his talents to Ferrari. But that is perhaps a story for another time. Recognizing the intent of the FIAT tuning group, I've chosen the 2010 ABARTH 695 Tributo Ferrari and the 2007 Ferrari F430 Scuderia to better hone in on the inspiration for the modern A500. I trust you will see this brief pictorial exercise as the edutainment it is meant to be.

While they are both fine Italian companies there is no real design connection between what Ferrari and FIAT respectively do best. One design focus is meant to tease "C'mon, keep up!" in an exclusive way while the other is meant to invite "Okay, let's go!" in an inclusive way. That stated, there is a clear engineering connection between the marques. ABARTH benefits from its inclusion in the FIAT S.p.A. sports car group (that includes Alfa Romeo and Maserati). At the Maserati level, the group formerly worked in tandem with Ferrari developing. Alfa Romeos are built in Maserati Modena facilities. ABARTH utilizes size-appropriate versions Alfa Romeo technology and FIAT, of course, likewise benefits from what is passed down to ABARTH.

It is absolute lunacy to compare any significant numbers between them. It is certifiable insanity to believe running about in a FIAT-ABARTH feels anything close to racing all-out in a Ferrari. But the shared passion for driving, burning on either end of the Italian automotive spectrum, sets them apart from everything else on wheels and simultaneously binds the FIAT-ABARTH and Ferrari life experiences. It seems strange to write a retrospective about a seven years young smile inducer. But the next generation of naturally aspirated 500s is already on the road. So… ahem...

The cult awaits… Bring on the next generation of scorpions!

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

(Dedicated to the FIATTechers for the inspiration.)

Ciao!

@

CC5Cinema: Return of the Spiders!

Benvenuti amici!

The title of this blog entry tells you everything you need to know about the content therein. We follow-up our short history of the legendary X1/9 with an abbreviated look at the evolution of the FIAT Spider… specifically, the infamous 1966 124 Sport Spider.

Drawing from his [Pininfarina] designs of the  Corvette Rondine & Ferrari 275 GTS, Tom Tjaarda helped FIAT birth a never-to-be-repeated ultimate sunny day driver. Correction. The inventor of the city car recently revealed their plan to deliver a new 124 Spider for 2017 (from a former Pininfarina designer). So, it is due time we revisit what was hinted about here and in our X Marks the Spot entry.

The idea of the original 124 [Sport] Spider took firmly planted root long ago. Like the original 500, she branches from the 508/508C Balilla family tree.

FIAT 508 Balilla Sport

FIAT 508S Bailla Spider

The idea of sporty, or as is truly the case sporting, versions of successful production models is as old as automobile history. The 508 Balilla, itself, earned that very honor. Spider variations of these sport cars had the distinction of competing in Grand Touring. Manufacturers would match their power engineering and body design for homeland and continental supremacy. This is still practiced, today, in closed and open-wheeled endurance Motorsport (following the path paved by FIAT's purpose-built 24hp Corsa). But there was also a burgeoning production niche for these open-aired variants.

FIAT 1100 TV Transformabile

FIAT 1200 Spider

Like many other automakers, FIAT seized the opportunity to capitalize on the increasingly expensive to manufacture sporting coaches. (We owe the very existence of street legal Ferraris to the high cost of racing.) Sport, Sport Spider and… eventually… GIANNINI or ABARTH versions were quickly added to the range or "family" of the most important models. With transformabile, cabrio or spider (Also; spyder and roadster outside of Italy) variants of the 1100 and 1200, the groundwork was laid for the cross-continetal pleasing 124.

The FIAT 124 made good use of the DNA developed in its predecessors and the size-to-power ratio challenge sorted by its older cousins, the iconic 600 and 500. Putting to work all that had been discovered, under the leadership of don Dante Giacosa, countless engineers toiled and finally created a fine 4-door family sedan that worked well in the city and was ripe for range building.

FIAT 124 Sport Famiglia

The 124 family of runabouts was a crucial variable in the success equation of FIAT in the mid-to-late '60s and '70s... complete with the sedan, coupè, wagon and sport models. As the automaker did with so many sales hits before it, the [Oscar Montabone] simple and affordable city sedan was handed to "amici di famiglia" for a fresh look and a quick spin. This time, the task was entrusted to the House of Farina. Of course, the Pininfarina-penned open cockpit version -- of the in-house designed Sport -- was nothing short of elegance on wheels. This further cemented FIAT S.p.A. as the premier producer of the working stiff's sport car… in/outside of Italy.

The coach builder reports 80% of all 124 Sport Spiders ever built were sold in North America, specifically the US of A. So, when rumors of a second coming began circulation the internet was alight with artist renderings and other speculative fodder. I, myself, have seen/read/heard more musings than I can recall in this entry. Rather than add to what you can already find elsewhere, I choose to offer a bit of the past that got us to where we are today. I also offer you comparative photos of vintage 124s and their contemporary counterparts.

As I leave you to your critiquing, I encourage an attention to the details… bonnets, grilles, head/tail lights and forward/rear "overhang". Look to the stance and attitude of what has been built upon the Mazda chassis. Determine, for yourself, whether the modern 124 Spider has retained the soul the Sports and Sport Spiders that came and went before it without aping what their designers delivered to showroom floors. More importantly, post-research and/or investigation, I beseech you to answer two questions.

Does the spirit of the 124 Sport Spider and FIAT Dino Spider burn in the heart of these images? Is there something worth celebrating in this new halo car?

Lines & Curves Do Not Lie

                     

Whether or not FIAT hit the mark with the coming of the ABARTH 500-powered 124 Sport Spider remains to be seen (next summer). Now, for the sake of this fan of hardtops & targas, bring on an Alfa Romeo-powered 124 ABARTH Rally variation. Can you hear all iterations of these wonderful runabouts roaring through backroads, streets and highways now? Heed their call...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@