General Calling Mr Earwaker

[the hobbler]

Ann has just given me a copy of the history of "The Bambino", the 500s that were built in New Zealand as a birthday present. The last chapter in the book introduces various owners of 500 in New Zealand. It would seem that we have a hero in our midst! Mr Damon Earwaker---who has 2 whole pages dedicated to him and his cars--both in Australia and New Zealand. Step forward young man and take a bow.

 

[timgarman]

I think it's Bambino in Australia, Bambina in New Zealand, Tom.

 

[Leo6]

I think it's Bambino in Australia, Bambina in New Zealand, Tom.

The Australian cars are badged Fiat 500 where as in New Zealand (Correct me if I'm wrong) they are badged as Bambino's.

 

[Toshi 975]

Bambino was the name given to the German version of the Fiat 126

 

[timgarman]

Bambino was the name given to the German version of the Fiat 126

Interesting. Definitely Bambina in NZ.

(I'm assuming this is an 'a' at the end?)

Tim

 

[looigi]

100% definitely Bambina in New Zealand.

 

[the hobbler]

According to "The Book", it WAS originally going to be called 'Bambino' (little boy) but the advertising agency tasked withe job of promoting the car thought that people might think that it might be taken as a reference to the baby Jesus, so it was decided to make the car female---hence BambinA.

 

[Bambino]

The Australian cars were colloquially known as Bambino(s) (male child) but never officially. Always badged as Fiat 500s.
Kiwi cars were officially Bambina(s) (female child) and badged as such (see Tim's post above).
Don't know why there was a sex (gender) difference.

Chris