Hey, Jim. first, if you get requests from local people to see it, I can maybe bring it to a local place where car people hang sometimes on Saturday. That would be the "Americana in Manhasset." It is about a mile from my house. Maybe next Saturday morning I could bring it there if there are inquiries and interest.
Michael (Sam's son) and I took the Long Island Railroad to Penn Station, then New Jersey Transit to Newark, then a cab to Port Newark. Picking up the car went 100% fine (except for finding the VIN; more on that in second).
There was NO wait. Two years ago, it was steaming hot and took all day. This was a dream pick up.
Only little delay was finding the Vehicle ID Number. The guard at the gate as we were leaving had to check that to be sure we were taking the right car. We could not find it in ANY of the places a US car would have it. Finally, Michael checked the manual. It said it was under a mat in the "boot.: What? Oh, the trunk. And there it was, stamped in the sheet metal. The guard told us to drive it health and we were on our way.
Except for occasionally reaching for the door handle to shift, I got used to it very fast.
The car is an absolute blast to drive. My son Michael loves it and he is a BMW/ Porsche guy.
What I cannot get over is the Honda like quality of the whole thing. We in the USA last saw a new Fiat of any type 20 years ago. As much as I love all Fiats, the ones we know are primitive. Most didn't have power steering, and if they did have A/C it worked as well as a hamster blowing on an ice cube. Also most parts were somewhat flimsy.
With the 500, it has so much style for a little car. So many quality touches. The steering wheel alone is something to stare at. I would absolutely make this my daily commuter if Fiat brought it to the USA.
Well, of course the car got stares galore. A bunch of teeny bopper girls on Main Street squealed "Look at that!"
Like the shot in front of Finn McCool's, a local Irish type place? One of my wife's favorites. I think we are going there tonight.
The car is tucked away in my garage, Didn't get wet in last night's thunderstorm. ;-)
Thanks very much for permission to drive it. I will, a bit, but of course sparingly. I want to keep it safe and sound for its proud owner. Any questions or anything you need, just say the word.
Here are a few more pics.
Sam
