General La Dolce Vita in a Fiat Barchetta

[Barchetta Bloke 440]

I'm not really into scooters n stuff but when I learnt that the Piaggio factory

and Museum are in Pontedera I naturally had to pop in on my way down to

a spot to watch the Mille Miglia in May.

Free to get in is a bonus too.....

Loads of interesting scooter stories there, couple of Vespa cars and Apes,

Gilera too.

 

[richit]

Steve GT that's nice!! They're just so good look at..
We're looking for another now so my son and me can do a road trip in the Spring across Italy. We're working on the theme so we can at the very least write a good blog or maybe enough to write a book.

 

[Crachat]

Looks good, now all it needs are several mirrors and a whip ariel with a tiger's tail attached and you need to get an ex-army parka and a visit to Debenhams where they are selling the 'new' Ben Sherman range of skinny jeans with wide turnups, braces and buttondown short sleeve shirts...
Ah me, takes me back somewhat.

 

[Steve gt]

Steve GT that's nice!! They're just so good look at..
We're looking for another now so my son and me can do a road trip in the Spring across Italy. We're working on the theme so we can at the very least write a good blog or maybe enough to write a book.

Sounds good [emoji106]?, some of my mates have planned a trip to the euro lambretta rally at the adrea circuit , June 2017 , maybe plan your trip to include this [emoji41]

 

[richit]

Skinny jeans...? Nice idea!! I need to diet before this trip!! I got my 20 yr old son to watch Quadrophenia last week..! That GS of Ace Face (Sting)... amazing. All those actors are in their 60s now... old age..

I've got a cousin in Malta that's crazy about Lambretta. He restores them. I'm sure he'll go but I don't think he'll let me turn up on a Vespa! But it sounds great. Maybe the Barcha for that one. Thanks Steve GT!

 

[richit]

I did it... my beloved little Fiat Barchetta is up for sale.. It was a tough decision but this year it only did 2,000km and in 3 years I've only done 10,000km. It's just perfect now too so I don't want to do any work on it. If our business continues well it's going to be replaced with an M3 cabrio (just don't tell the wife!), if not so well, a new kitchen...

Sorry to go all apostate on you guys but I guess it's the nature of these cars, and blokes... It's been great but I'm getting a bit old a creaky so need a bit of comfort. But I know for sure I'll regret it. But what can you do?

The ad is here: http://www.subito.it/auto/fiat-barchetta-naxos-tenuta-da-amato-asti-180866878.htm?last=1

The car is really good. So much work done and it runs perfectly. No rust, I mean not a spot, and only 85,000km. People often ask if it's a new car.
Price is €6,900 but I will go down a little. They're selling for over 7k here now in Italy.

Here she is ready for winter but it will probably be a few more weeks before I suspend the insurance.

 

[Davefridge]

Hi Richit. Sorry to see that your selling your B. It looks good in the pics and would be a great buy for anyone. I've enjoyed your posts and pics this year.
Good luck with the sale.


PS. DO NOT buy a kitchen with the money!!

 

[Dave-M]

Hi Rich, sorry to see that you moving on, but that's life I suppose. Enjoyed reading your posts , they have been interesting and in formative, so thanks for that. Suggest you start looking for another car right now, just so that you don't get any silly ideas about that kitchen.

 

[SB1500]

Don't sell it!!! It's what your 1995 Bank Manager would have waannnttteeeeddd

 

[StevePD]

Good luck in your future endeavours, if I had the money I'd buy it.
SteveD

 

[richit]

Thanks guys! It's still here so who knows...? It might live in my hands another summer.. I'll keep you updated!!!

 

[eramosa]

It really looks amazing, nice work. Best of luck with the sale, always best to leave on a high note.

 

[richit]

A 'mature' couple came to see it but said they had others to look at. They called over the weekend and it looks like they'll go ahead and buy..

 

[Barchetta Bloke 440]

A 'mature' couple came to see it but said they had others to look at. They called over the weekend and it looks like they'll go ahead and buy..

That's pretty quick sale but the good stuff always sells easily.

I wonder if there's a market in taking good cars back to Italy ?:idea:

 

[richit]

That's it.. It's going tomorrow. Just one viewing and they didn't even drive it. I did take her for a drive around the local hairpins and hills (and scared her a little ).

It makes me think there might not be too many good ones left here as there are a lot for sale. But also Italians like buying from Brits as they see us as organised and honest. They don't trust their countrymen at all . When you show them a documented history they're amazed anyone would even bother but it makes the sale. But for sure, there aren't many good ones left. They don't rust but they are abused.

I'll post a photo of the final moment tomorrow and a note of thanks!

 

[richit]

All done! I am no longer a valid member of this forum, as I no longer own a Barchetta..

The sale was long and complicated as it is with everything else in Italy. The buyer has to pay for vehicle transfer and the cost is according to the BHP of the car... what a rip off. €600!!! They tried to get me to pay half but no way. I put in €100.

We had an hour's drive to deliver it in to them and it was fun. I gave it one last blast and hit the limit (this is on the road that Boris Becker famously tried the limit in his 911 turbo). It was a great little car but it was time to move on.

So, guys... thank you all so much for taking the time to post all your experiences and invaluable knowledge that made owning this car a breeze and a joy. I never had to take it to a garage even once, apart from an AC recharge. If you're ever in the area (Torino - Asti -Alba) be sure to get in touch and drop in for a glass or two or the amazing wines we have here and I make an awesome pizza (if I do say so myself!! ) in our wood-fired oven.

I wish you all the best and will no doubt 'drop in' now and again in case there's one thing I know that no one else does.. fat chance of that! We've decided to sell our 2nd car (BMW 120) and replace it with a 3 series cabrio so no need for three cars.

Happy Barchetta motoring!!! Ciao! Arrivederci!


Me with the new owner:

 

[Barchetta Bloke 440]

I passed through your region in 2013.

 

[richit]

Hey great! I pass this spot 3 times a week.. outside the museum. Next time!!

 

[SB1500]

She looks pretty damn pleased with the sale anyway!

Hopefully it's off to a good new home

 

[gar074]

That's one very lucky new owner!

Ciao, and don't forget to come back & visit us on here...