When old meets new models: Classic Cars forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Feb. 13, 2012 2:13 p.m. rconlon HalfDork

The Fiat world and our hobby is in flux as the new Fiat 500 is now being sold in the USA and some new owners are the type of enthusiats who are joining my club, the Roamin' Chariots. Yes, they are welcome. I have been in contact with the Fiat dealership in my area and last fall they even gave me a new car to take to a Roamin' Chariots outing and test it for 500 miles. Now they have invited us to a lunch at the dealership next week. I would say this was breaking new territory in a great spirit of co-operation between the new and old. I am intent on fostering this relationship to see where it leads. I hope we help them to sell a few cars.

Cheers Ron
Feb. 14, 2012 5:48 a.m. AndreGT6 Dork

A friend bought one, but its too small for my family.

The 500L looks cute.

Eh VW Bug and the Mini all survived :) Probably sparked new membership and interest in the old cars too.

A.
Feb. 20, 2012 9:22 a.m. Ian F SuperDork

The MINI absolutely increased interest and values of classic Mini's. I personally know a number of MINI owners who also bought a Mini for w/e fun.

That said, there still seems to be a fair amount of animosity by the old-time Mini enthusiasts towards the newer cars, even 10+ years after the last Mini rolled off the line.

Of course, a lot current Triumph owners would probably get prissy if BMW were to reintroduce the marque.
Feb. 20, 2012 10:11 a.m. Joe Gearin Associate Publisher

You'd have to be a clown not to like the new-style MINI!
Feb. 20, 2012 4:25 p.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director

Glad to see the old Fiat fans welcoming the new.
Feb. 21, 2012 2:34 p.m. rconlon HalfDork

It was a good afternoon at the Edmond Fiat dealer. Lunch, swag and pleasant company abounded. The wet cool day dried out as we all hung out in the showroom. I am hoping they migtht rise to the task of actually repairing older Fiats since this is the one thing lacking around here for those owners who don't wish to wrench. Ron
Feb. 21, 2012 4:31 p.m. Coupefan Reader

Back in November 2011, during the slightly rained out Best of France and Italy Car Show, I would say 1/7 of the total Fiat field that showed up was new 500's. Granted, classic Fiat owners took one look at the rain (done by 9 AM)and bugged out, with total turn out being reduced in half. My prediction is for next year's show being 1/3 Fiat 500. But no issues overall, 'new' owners mixed perfectly with 'vintage' owners. Now we need a new Alfa model to fill in the ranks of the Alfa crowd.
Feb. 21, 2012 7:08 p.m. cpdave New Reader

Joe Gearin wrote:

You'd have to be a clown not to like the new-style MINI!

Hee! Funny, I tend to ask old Mini racers if they have to ware a red nose on track.