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!

@

Mainstream Mayhem!

Benvenuti amici!

You've read about and seen many CC5CM3 PSAs hyping the FIAT Club America national event -- here, on our Facebook page and in the threads created for my two favorite North American FIAT/ABARTH forums. There was the additional blog post to help push registration activity at FIAT 500 USA.com.

You may have come across the two articles that appeared on the FCA North America multi-media blog called Objects In The Mirror...

The twin articles, FIAT FreakOut Headed To Milwaukee and Advertising Goes Retro For FIAT FreakOut 2017, were written by Edward Cardenas and constructed from an email exchange between us. Cardenas contacted the national club leaders as part of the corporate annual backing of the epic FIAT Famiglia event and developed a keen interest in the "PSAs" created, by yours truly, as part of our guerrilla marketing campaign.

We were pleasantly surprised to be contacted during the first few days of FreakOut regarding the possibility of covering the Road America "anchor" event. That coverage surfaced as a cool short shout on Classic Cars.com. But William Hall was not the only journalist in attendance. Todd Lassa, of Automobile Magazine also got his FreakOn in his longterm FIAT 500X. His six-page article made an appearance in print (the December issue of the magazine) as well as online (link included above).

So, what's all the hype about? Why do people pour so much energy into promoting this 34 years and going strong event?

My past years as a small press publisher of "underground" comics tell me it's due, in large part, to something we feel as "La Cosa Nostra" or "Our Thing". Is this meant to be some sort of play on words tying FIAT and ABARTH fans to the Sicilian mafia? No. It's more a comparison to that feeling we get when we discover something understood to few and misunderstood by the vast amount of others.

The FIAT and ABARTH brands have never quite planted their wheels on North American roads despite the fact the brands enjoy a rabid fanbase in South America and, of course, Europe. So, monthly local or annual national events around those brands raise a few eyebrows. To our delight... some of the raised eyebrows, in 2017, belonged to those in mainstream media. This is the highest profile hype the club has experienced.

Could this mark the elevation (and evolution), of FIAT and ABARTH marques, from mere unsung underground to ultra mainstream marketshare on our shores? Only time can tell but it seems as though the likelihood of such a thing is more pipe dream than possibility.

FIAT and ABARTH will likely always belong to the true believers. That stated... It's nice to see some positive press in a six-page spread of a major domestic magazine. We embrace it and aim to capitalize on it with a more aggressive approach to promoting (local, national) clubs and events via consistent and entertaining online presence.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Where The FIAT Freaks Are

Benvenuti amici!

I shared my top five sources for FIAT news and communicating with other ABARTHisti and FIATisti in this 2014 blog story. My news sources vary from time to time, but the places I go to obtain and share info about ABARTHs and FIATs remains the FIAT 500 USA and FIAT Tech forums. The members of these forums, including people hailing from the Americas to Asia and Europe, frequent to learn about their cars and share what they learn about their cars. Both forums host separate sections for leading North American aftermarket vendors as well as local and national clubs. These online community destinations, and their value, are the focus of this September 2017 blog entry.

FIAT500USA Events & Club Section

FIAT Tech Events & Club Section

Perhaps one of the most difficult things about being a fan of a little known and/or little respected automaker and brand is figuring out how to get/stay in contact with likeminded fans. One would need to write/travel to other parts of the country or world to do such a thing in years past... as chronicled in this October 2013 blog. We are (arguably) fortunate enough to live in a day and age when the need to go to such lengths -- to share enthusiasm, experiences and information -- is no longer necessary.

FIAT 500 USA and FIAT Tech, as well as similar forums, transport enthusiasts from one side of town, region and continent/s to another with a simple point and click. No stamps or passports are needed to get it done. But the doing does take some measure of desire and effort from forum visitors.

The very first thing one needs to do, provided the individual already owns a computer and has internet access, is register on either or both sites. Visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and "Forum Rules" sections to avoid making "newbie" mistakes. Then, "hover" or "troll" other sections and threads to settle into the purpose and vibe of the forum/s. It won't take long before you feel the urge to add to the e-conversation and get further involved with the online environment that is driving fandom at the moment and into the future. I recommend 1 hour 2-3 days a week to get the most out of your forum activity. It truly is that simple to get started and stay connected. My personal experience and communication with other ABARTH and FIAT fans is this kind of contact is especially important in parts of the country that are more isolated and/or devoid of solid Italian car culture activity.

FIAT500USA Forum Homepage

FIAT Tech Forum Homepage

Visits to these forums exploit an added benefit, for fledgling local and established national clubs, to secure more exposure that is required in order to maintain/build interest between monthly meets and annual events. It cannot be denied. Reposting links and images to one Facebook page from another Facebook page is great but in no way comes close to achieving what personal interaction at a regular meet and/or through forum activity guarantees. The best way to justify the time required to attend monthly local club outings is to plan and attend those meets. The best way to justify annual national club dues is to... well... justify those dues by exhibiting value through community member-focused action. Smaller, local clubs seem to capitalize on this the best, but FIAT Club America also has its own section at FIAT500USA. The national clubs need the help of their respective boards, members and officers.

I encourage you to take action if you read value in what I've written here.

• Establish new and attend existing local enthusiast meets
• Register and Post to the ABARTH & FIAT forums
• Check out/Like some Facebook pages
• Read and/or write a FIAT blog

The success of the brand truly resides in your hands. Join the movement today!

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

FIAT FreakOut MKE Is Live!

Benvenuti amici!

The 34th annual FIAT FreakOut 2017 National Convention is officially live - after nearly two years of plotting, pitching, submission, approval, brainstorming, meeting, planning, decision-making and initial funding!

Nearly two years? you ask. Yes. You correctly read that. The idea to allow a, now, three years young local chapter to host the infamous national happening will be just a month shy of two years old when the event kicks off July 19th of this year. Quite frankly, the fact we're a mere four months away from Get'cher Freak On Time in Cream City is just beginning to truly sink in.

So, how did this still fledgling Midwestern FIAT/ABARTH club manage to snag the "grand prize" that is FreakOut? You can read about it in detail here... The 10 word answer is Bobb, Bryan, Doug, Duane, Joe, Mike, Pat, Sean, Thad, Willie. That short & sweet list of people encouraged & supported the ideas and efforts of this "FIAT Freak" with ideas and efforts of their own. Truman said, "It's amazing what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets the credit," and truer words have scarcely been spoken and/or written. That stated, I would be remiss if I failed to call those individuals out. Each individual shared an idea or offered their service in some way that plays big into this coming together in a relatively short amount of time.

Now, you know the "secret" of how this FreakOut came together. You can host your own FreakOut, right? Well... not so fast. We've only covered plot, pitch, submit, approve, meet and plan. That leads us to making decisions. I formed our local planning committee based upon personal voiced interest in making this happen and individual availability. "Make" and "available" are the operative terms necessary to get from page to practice. You'll have the chance to meet the local people responsible for offering one of the coolest FreakOuts ever as you participate in the activities in our itinerary. But it takes more than the help of a handful of individuals to see something like this to fruition...

... It also takes funding. The national club takes on a considerable percentage of the financial burden of hosting the event itself. Accommodations, the Welcome Dinner and the Awards Banquet, you can imagine, are major expenditures. Only a portion of attendees will likely choose to stay at the hotel chosen as our host accommodations or take part in our fantastic Awards Banquet. The national club takes on the risk of covering what attendance does not. Looking for ways to help mitigate said risk is essential to supporting our national Board of Directors. We chose cool but inexpensive activities and forged early partnerships with Palmen Alfa Romeo-FIAT (Road America), Reina International Auto (Road America) and Schlossmann FIAT (Concorso and MKE FIAT GeoDash). We also recruited the assistance of VISIT Brookfield and VISIT Milwaukee. Those agents played key roles keeping itinerary events affordable.

Finally, and quite possibly most importantly, we enjoy a tremendous amount of shared passion with the international, national, regional, local and online communities. We look forward to "getting our freak on" with you this summer. HAPPY INT'L WOMEN'S DAY...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

(Respect to the artists responsible for the images)

Ciao!

@

Happy Twenty-seventeen!

Benvenuti amici!

Twenty-sixteen is gone/Twenty-seventeen is here and we turn back for one last glimpse at what a fine time we're having. In excess of 700 people (from all over the world) follow our Facebook page and we are approaching 70 thousand visits to this blog - thanks to an uptick in daily check-ins. We're eternally grateful for your interest and support... and strive to continue adding a little something extra to your FIAT-ABARTH life experience.

The founding of our local club, also the Wisconsin Chapter of FIAT Club America, and the the purpose of this blog... as published in our very first entry... is to celebrate the long line of automobiles ordered, approved, designed, financed and/or manufactured in Torino since 1899. "If you build it they will come" proved itself to be true when Sean Kane joined our second meeting with his X1/9. That beautifully maintained machine holds a special spot as the first non-500 on our roster.

We are elated to see more vintage and contemporary FIATs continue join our Facebook community and varied list of Wisconsin events. The growth (quite frankly) is exactly what we always dreamt it would be but never dared expect to see in such a short amount of time. Our local membership, as well as our Facebook and blog readership, has gone as global as the brand itself. See; the photo below.

Zastava joins the CC5C membership roster

Followers of this blog and the CC5C Facebook page are well aware of the fact we intend to turn up the heat in 2017. The addition of a CC5C event planning committee is tasked with fine-tuning our itinerary of local events and their first goal met is hosting FIAT Club America's national convention called FIAT FreakOut. This annual event is, to date, the largest gathering of FIAT and ABARTH aficionados in North America and will team with Milwaukee's Festa Italiana for their 40th anniversary.

To my knowledge, marks the only time Cream City... and/or Wisconsin... has hosted a FIAT-specific national convention. We take the opportunity very seriously and itinerary submitted and approved by our Board of Directors will reflect the fact.

Panorama: FIAT FreakOut 2015 Pittsburgh

In short, the horizon looks bright for Cream City 500 Club. The 2016 creation of the aforementioned planning committee will help keep our ideas fresh and exciting... as well as help forge stronger relationships with local businesses. Interest in our brand of motoring mayhem is steadily expanding beyond our city, metropolitan, state, regional and national borders. Our relationship to FIAT Club America, as a regional chapter, is helping push the presence of the aged 33 years club further west. And you continue to make our efforts more fun than we may deserve.

On behalf of the current CC5C Planning Committee thank YOU for your support. Bryan, Duane, Joe, Pat, Sean, Willie & I trust sharing our labor of love will inspire you to join your local community of aficionados and spread Passion, Purpose and Peace across the globe.

See you on the road sooner than later...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

From Kragujevac, with Love!

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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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;

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

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.)

FIAT 600D/Zastava 750

Zastava 125PZ

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.

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!

@

Miniature Motoring Mayhem!

Benvenuti amici!

This is the season the CC5C Planning Committee sits down to decide on the events for the coming year. We break our events up into Normale (laid-back, people-centric) and Sportivo (full-on, car-centric) activities. This is keeping in the tradition of FIAT model trims and informs attendees of what they can expect when they join us.

But 2016 isn't over yet and [MKE] local members dream up reasons to hang out all the time. Park your FIAT during the winter months? No worries... you may end up hosting a visit from the club. Check out what we have planned. We trust it may inspire you to get out there and have some multi-FIAT fun of your own!

NOVEMBER [2016]
Pep's Cars + Coffee [500] Club
Pep Zastava w/CC5C
Road Class - Normale
CC5C welcomes our first vintage Zastava (Yugoslav-Serbian licensed & built FIAT) to the fold. Pep's 750 is the mechanical ancestor of the modern FIAT 500, FIAT 500L (also built in Serbia) and FIAT 500X. This is an informal morning hang-out session... conversation over coffee and donuts. We'll add a photo session to the mix if weather permits.

MARCH

Diminutive Drive

CC5C

Road Class - Sportivo

We're cruising into the new year. This is the first of our 2017 Cars & Coffee Club meetings. When we last met we were hosted by Pep Zastava and Valenti Classics. This time we'll meet at Colectivo Coffee (Milwaukee's Lakefront - 1701 North Lincoln Memorial Drive). Catch up with you fellow [local] ABARTHisti & FIATisti. More details will be communicated, via our Facebook page, as plans develop.

APRIL

Cabin Fever Cruise [Lakeshore]

Duane Hand

Road Class - Normale

This year we're combining the Cabin Fever and Spring Thaw Cruise events and dubbing it the Cabin Fever Cruise. Join us on this leisurely cruise along the Wisconsin stretch of The Great Lake. 'North or South is anyone's guess. One can only be certain by joining CC5Cruise Captain Duane!

MAY

The Kane Classic

Sean Kane

Road Class - Sportivo

CC5Cruise Captain, Sean, is taking over our May event. He's driving the FIAT train West, to Oconomowoc a/k/a A Special Place, for 2017. Anyone who's had the pleasure of joining other Kane-led back road romps knows this is going to be as much a blast as the area is special... Get in There!

JUNE

FIATs & FLICKs

Duane Hand w/Amacento

Road Class - Normale

Formerly dubbed the simply More cruise, in honor of the 2010-2012 FIAT USA ad campaign, this has quickly become a club favorite. This Hand-led fun cruise to the Hwy 18 Drive-In (outside theater) is family friendly.

JULY

FIAT FreakOut 2017 [MKE WI]

FIAT Club America w/CC5C

Road Class - Normale, Sportivo
Twenty-seventeen marks the first time Wisconsin will host the FIAT Club America event. This is quite an honor as the [inter]national FIAT convention has a longstanding reputation of bringing Italian car aficionados together.

"From all over North America... and often from overseas... hundreds of Italian car lovers drive, trailer, and fly to converge at a chosen destination, usually rich in history and culture, to play! We unite in the spirit of friendship to celebrate the unique automobiles that reside under the umbrella of the FIAT marque including ABARTH, Alfa Romeo, FIAT, Lancia and more!" - FIAT Club America

AUGUST

Italian Cars & Motorcycle Show [ICAMS]

Reina Int'l Auto & Moto

Road Class - Normale

Reina Int'l Auto & Moto is a true friend to the Milwaukee Metro automotive world and the organization is a true friend to CC5C. Each year we join their longstanding celebration of Italian Cars & Motorcycle Show. This is event is family friendly.

SEPTEMBER

Motoring Mayhem

Joe Noto & Willie Carter w/CC5C

Road Class - Sportivo

This is a first time "official" event for CC5C. The genesis of this event is our semi-annual Road America visit. The event will honor Wisconsin's famed Motorsport heritage with annual visits to strips like; Great Lakes Dragaway, The Milwaukee Mile, Road America & Slinger Speedway. Joe & Willie want you to join them on this special tour.

OCTOBER

FIAT Fall Tour

Sean Kane w/Amacento

Road Class - Normale

This event was formerly dubbed FIATs Feast Farewell. It marks the end of the social driving/touring season. CC5C celebrates another successful year of FIAT fandom with a Kane-led backroad tour and a family-style sit down dinner. Keep up with CC5C via our Facebook page. Get involved with local & national clubs today!

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

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