by mike burke » Thu Mar 03, 2011 9:56 pm
Ah my FIAT Memories....
In 73 I had a 72 FIAT124 Special, a pretty new car for a 20 year old, but after all I just started a career as a Computer Operator, pretty decent pay at the time I thought, $5K/yr so I had money to burn for a "new" car. Unfortunately my European sedan was less reliable than expected. Brakes, when they seized as they did regularly I could pull over to the shoulder of the road pull the wheel and caliper off polish the sticking piston with Bras-so, slap her back together again and I'd be good for a few more weeks. I think it was Peterborough that we made it to on our Niagra Falls Honeymoon trip before the needing it's regular polishing. Partying was more important than proper car repairs at that age for me.
Sure enough FIAT sold all the tooling for the 124 and the LADA was born as a rebadged FIAT 124. Enough said.
Thank goodness the quality today is not that of yesteryear and the new 500 will be a welcome addition to the Chrysler dealers lineup for Mal and the boys waiting for a small car to offer. Best of luck with the new units Mal.
Mike
Grampa #227
Enjoy life!