FIAT on the Dragon

Benvenuti amici!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brett: Thanks Amado!

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

CC5C: Grille Badge 101

Benvenuti amici!

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

Giovanni Angelli chose homeland as a brand ID:

FIAT has remained fairly true to the 1901 badge

Henry Ford chose family name as a brand ID:

Ford has remained fairly true to the 1912 badge

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

Austin 8 w/various badges on grille bar

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

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

Example of vintage touring club badge

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

Boss touring badge designed by Brett Melancon

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

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

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

The first CC5C vinyl window badge

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

2012 FIAT 500 Pop w/CC5C grille badge

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

2013 FIAT 500 Abarth w/CC5C grille badge

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

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

La Lettera Elle

Benvenuti amici!

Some time has passed since we featured an entry about the 500L. If you are new to the world of FIAT, the 500L is the latest 4-dr/5-dr model to come from FIAT Centro Stile. The most famous FIAT 4-dr/5-dr before it is most likely the Panda or the Grande Punto. FIAT has recently announced, for the Indian market, the Avventura (a coach that blends the style of the Punto with the utility of the Panda). But I digress. Back to the 500L.

It seems, since its North American introduction, I have read just about every bad opinion one can imagine about the various features of the FIAT 500L. I will not bother to repeat them here, as I subscribe to not one. Instead, I choose to focus on the use of '500' and the letter 'L'.

The first FIAT 500L

The very first FIAT 500L was not an entirely different model in the FIAT line-up. It was the 1968 update of the coach first introduced in 1957, as a reintroduction of the model produced from 1936 to 1955. The 'L' stood for Lusso/Luxury and was/is the ultimate version of that eras Cinquino.

The ultimate luxurious city car, 500 by Gucci

The 2007 third coming of the FIAT 500 offered the city car in three trim levels. Drivers did not wait a decade to see the ultimate Cinquecento, as FIAT (re)reintroduced the model in three trims levels; Pop (Base), Sport (Mid) and Lounge (Luxurious). 

The inspiration for the 500L at Centro Stile

Surprisingly, the Italian automaker did not choose to practice the tradition of a letter signature for each trim/version of the first People's Car. Still, One can find official FCA print releases utilizing these signatures. Of course This adds a bit of confusion. In 2012, FIAT S.p.A. launched a brand new MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) called the 500L. Although the 'Elle' is not an updated version of the famous little 2-dr/3-dr, the design is admittedly based on a combination of the 600 Multipla and the 500G (Giardiniera).

Three generations of art: 500L Centro Stile Galleria

As the Multipla did with the infamous FIAT 600, the modern 500L borrows styling cues from the smaller model. Unlike the Multipla, the 'Elle' does this on a brand new, larger, platform and footprint. The 'L', therefor, in this model name is meant to signify 'Large'.

The vintage and modern family (designed by Dante Giacosa and Roberto Giolito respectively) movers share a solid focus on utilitarian philosophies over looks. But that isn't to say they are devoid of style and luxury. In fact, the extra space and doors offered in the Multipla & Elle are, for any lover of Italian automobiles, quite the luxury. No?

FIAT fits your growing life

FIAT fits your growing tastes

When official photos of the Elle hit the internet I read quite a few negative comments on various USAmerican websites & forums. The opinions I found most disturbing suggested Team Giolito should have followed the lead of its competitors and simply stretched the tiny 500, in order to fit the extra doors. The most sensible questioned the use of '500', stating it is a mistake to rebuild the brand reputation on one model.

From the inside looking out

A visit to our LS (Local Studio) and a few test drives were all it took for me to understand exactly how spot on the design of this model is. It definitely displays a brilliant use of space. The 500L is not a large vehicle, per se… at least not by North American standards. I have seen it on the street and it is very much still a FIAT, in relation to other vehicles. It is small & stylish. But is it a 500?

FIAT fits at every angle

The Designer-in-Chief: Roberto Giolito

The jury is still out on the controversial, in fan circles, use of '500' & 'L'. But the design approach and adherence to aged old philosophies are on point. This model looks and feels like a FIAT. It is arguably as much a 500 as the Multipla is a 600. But all that is irrelevant. What is relevant is whether this coach helps our automaker of choice re-establish itself on our shores. Reset. Rethink. Revolt...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

Legacy: Kane

Benvenuti amici!

I thought I was set for the new CC5C piece, then, I received an absolutely brilliant email from Sean Kane. If you are new to the CC5C blog and/or Facebook page, Sean is a member of the CC5C Famiglia. He is the proud driver of an immaculately cared for 1982 FIAT X1/9. He & his Italian lady serve as one leg of our 'Cruise Captain' team.

Sean inherited the stately chariot from his uncle, Damon Kane, and we are fortunate to count him among the many great FIAT life enthusiasts in our area. I could blather on for hours about how amazing it is to be connected to you, but this is an opportunity for you to connect with Sean and the Kane legacy. Sean…

All hail: Legend's Garagemahal! (courtesy of SK)

After some Easter celebrations, today, I managed to take advantage of the beautiful weather and gingerly unpacked my FIAT after it had been sitting since November.

Now, I should start by saying that when I was trying to glean as much information from my uncle as possible before he passed, I asked him how he went about winterizing the X1/9 each year.  He replied with a simple, "I don't."  I was a bit shocked by that. I'll be honest.  However, after a bit more prodding I found out that he sometimes put Sta-Bil in the fuel if it was going to sit for a long time.  However, the magic in keeping her running well over the winter was taking her out for a spin every 3 weeks or so --- using extra caution to avoid super-salty roads and of course any stagnant winter road grime.

The first year I had the X1/9, I did that same thing.  The winter of 2012-2013 was sort of mild and granted me a few opportunities to get the X out.  This year --- not so much.  Never would I have predicted that we would have had 3 months of subzero temps.

So, I will be honest, I was a bit nervous about how she was going to start up today.  But, here's how it went…

First, I cleared out all the girls' toys and snow removal equipment from around the X.  Of course, there is always a 1-2 foot buffer of space between said items and the X (insert smiley emoticon).  This left a great opportunity to take a photo of the girl in her sleeping gown (haha).

After I snapped this photo, I started to pull the cover off and this happened…

So, finally, I got the top off and stood back to admire the fact that she was still gleaming.

As you can see, my youngest princess was just as anxious to get into the car as I was.  I had to repeatedly tell her to 'hold her horses' (haha).

Anyway, the first thing I did was get behind the car and push it out into my driveway.  I wanted to take a good look at her (Oil, coolant, tire pressure, etc) before I started her up.

Once she got out into the driveway, she gleamed even more.

After walking back into the garage, I noticed that a "small coolant leak" developed a bit over winter.  I believe it is just a loose clamp on the reservoir, or even possibly the reservoir itself.  However, the most interesting part of this was the fact that the coolant seemed to eat a hole into the concrete of my garage.  I had no idea it was corrosive like that.  I don't QUITE recall if that hole was there, however it would be a VERY odd coincidence if the coolant dripped exactly into an area of my garage which was missing concerete.  The coolant leak is an issue I'm hoping to get addressed in the next month.

So, after topping off the coolant and verifying that the oil was still there and in good shape, it was time to start her up.  Oh! Three of the tires were at 100%, one was 1 lbs low.  I was rather pleased about that…

Because I was unsure how she was going to start, I set up my iPhone to record the rear end of the X as I started it for the first time.  I wanted to capture any odd smoke, leaks, sounds, etc that may pop out the back of the car when I start her for the first time. Plus, I wanted to capture how long it took to start it.  My sidekick and official Summerizing copilot, Brenna, sat in her Cozy Coupe with ear protection (not needed, just... well, she's 2 - 'nuff said.)

I'll let the video below tell the story of what happened…

Starting the X1/9 for the first time since November 
(with bonus adorable kid)

I assure you, that was the first time that I have turned the key on that car since November --- nearly half a year later.  Also, complete side note, as my wife said while watching the video "It's so weird, you expect the sound from the car to come from the front... but it is so quiet up front!"

With her running without any crazy sounds, screeching noises, puffs of smoke, leaks or minor explosions I had to go for a spin.

Naturally, I took my copilot with me as she very patiently waited for us to get rolling.  She earned it.  And yes, that is her Easter Dress (insert smiley emoticon).

Of course, I had to document the drive as well...  I placed my window-mounted iPhone mount on the rear window of the X and clamped the iPhone camera facing forward. Hit record and drove.  It is clear that this is NOT a GoPro Camera... and I still have some playing to do as there was some serious rattling going on from the bracket but you get the picture.... (the corny canned Youtube music is there to hide the rattle).

X1/9 First Drive of 2014

Lastly, of course, the other princess in my house required a spin in the FIAT when she heard she was OUT!  This is her dramatic model pose with the car.

All said and done, I'm ecstatic to have the X up and running again.  With the winter we had this year... I am going to be putting a lot of miles on her this summer!

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@

L'Amore della FIAT - Stile Parigino

Benvenuti amici!

There are very few things which absolutely captivate the attention of Amacento. One of those 'very few things' is traveling. The missus & I make sure we travel, at the very least out of state, every year. It is a important part of our human journey. In fact, we are currently discussing where we will spend our annual holiday this year. 

Edwin Barron is a loyal friend & supporter of the CC5C experience. He and his lovely missus sport the club badge on both their 'centos. This kind of love doesn't go unnoticed. We are forever humbled & honored to count them among our ranks. 

Like the Rodriguez household, the Barron household loves 500s, Abarths and traveling. They were kind enough to share part of their latest visit to Paris, France with us and gracious enough to give us the green light to share them. 

One thing which rang completely obvious when I began tabbing through the photos is this couple knows how to explore a city… BY FOOT. There truly is no better way to learn… FEEL… a city. The knowledge one obtains by way of foot meeting pavement is invaluable. In this case, Edwin also came away with some brilliant FIAT-related photos.

FIAT 500L (Lusso)

 695 Tributo Ferrari (Nero)

A Paint option we need this side of The Pond

Another Lusso!

FIAT - The Only Way To Mail!

 Got Thirst?

This just got R-E-A-L...

… One of the boldest brand relaunches ever...

… The One, The Only...

… Alfa Romeo 4C!

Cool jacket - Cooler Missus

Yet another Lusso!

Okay France, you can stop showing off now.

A, no doubt, daily-driven...

… 2003...

… Barchetta Spider - Ooh, La, La!

"The iPod [of the car world]"

...

...

Thanks for your friendship, brother.

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

@