It’s been over a year since departing sports scribe Greg Hall made fun of my Fiat…
Imagine.
And what was that one dude’s name – Rogger – who wanted to bed my girlfriend on a losing bet he made about when Kansas City’s first Fiat dealership would open.
Then of course there were the Mini Cooper devotees who couldn’t get over that the new Fiat 500 got better mileage, had a better ride, sold for on average $4,000 less than similarly equipped Coopers and was seven inches shorter but still had a 50 percent larger trunk and substantially more backseat legroom.
The Cooper was a bit faster, they argued and they were right, but that was about it.
Well, now I’ve done the unthinkable and sold my limited Prima Edizione Fiat.
Traded it in, actually.
For a Mini Cooper? Nope. Lotus Evora, a la Craig? Not a chance.
I bought a Rosso Fiat Abarth.
Same car Scribe hero Charlie Sheen zooms about his house in in those TV spots with smoking hot supermodel Catrinel Menghia.
So yes, I’m giving up two MPGs city and four highway on t
he proposition, but it still gets 28 and 34. Plus it’s definitely a little barn burner, and if worst comes to worst, I can loan it to Craig to try and pick up older chicks.
Because when you drive a Cinquecento, women go out with you in spite of the car.
In any case, the Abarth is killer cool looking, still gets great mileage – that’s extremely important, even for Republicans – and while the Mini Cooper S is still a little faster, who cares? The Abarth blows it away in rarity and hipness.
And finally – I repeat, finally – I drive a car my wife (and former girlfriend’s) 13 year-old son would not only not be embarrassed to own or drive. In fact he wants one.
I know, I know, small step for mankind.
Man, you sure do have a thing for crappy Italian cars don’t you?
You know there are good reasons Fiat pulled out of the American market in the first place, right?
In all fairness, Fiats have improved since then. They were piles of junk back in the day though. Remember the “Fix It Again Tony ” joke?
Yeah, I guess they couldn’t get any worse, huh? No way but up?
Congratulations. I hope you enjoy it. I wouldn’t bet on Glaze trading cars with you, however.
Well to each their own I guess and I am not going to rag you on your choice of cars.
I guess if I lived say in Mission Hills or Fairway all the time and wanted something to putt to the club or maybe the Plaza area or Village for a little shopping I might think about one of the Fiats.
But I saw one of these Abarths just the other day as I was zipping down I-35 and the shear size of it compared to me scared me to even think about being out on the highway in one. I know they get great gas milage and only take up a fourth of the garage but till the playing field in size of cars is more evened out I am going to find it hard to lay my money down on one. But I do have to admit I really like the new VW Bug looks for a small car.
Hey if its good enough for Charlie Sheen…..wear it in good health…smooth.
It doesn’t hurt to get a big fat paycheck to sit in one does it?
I bet the Italian car Charlie Sheen actually drives has a long name on it ending in the letter i.
Hey, folks, check out my new ride –
My little “Italian stallion”;
Room for Two and a Half Men (or four “hotties”) inside …
Gets 34 miles per gallon!
Great pic of J Mirabile.
One of my favorite people.
Get a Venetian to go, and don’t forget the red sauce to dip the sandwich.
The Ravioli is unbelievable.
Every now and then even a blind pig finds an acorn, Mike Lombardo made me some gravy with “ribs and balls” this week. Wow. the best. 🙂
Is that hearne in the pic holding a donut in his right hand?
No.
From the same factory which produced the Yugo. Italian engineering and Iron Curtain technology.
I’ve seen some potent cycle engines stuffed in them and they make a sweet ride then.