Sunday, August 4, 2013

In Palm Beach

We made it to West Palm Beach!  I can positively confirm that the 500 is a wonderful car to drive cross country - 1400 mile trip in two days.  No back aches or stiffness.  It was a comfortable and economical drive.  The trip computer did register 40 to 42 mpg on the trip.  The first half of the trip was 42 mpg but the Smoky Mountains dropped it to 40 mpg.  The higher speeds driving through Florida assured that the fuel economy would not return to 42 mpg.  One thing I noticed on the whole trip - the wind from passing semi-trucks did not disturb the composure of the little Fiat 500c.  I have driven much larger cars that were often pushed by the drafts from the trucks.  Crosswinds did not disturb the car either.  The impression of driving was that of a much larger, very solid and stable automobile.

Which is Bigger, the Jaguar or the Fiat 500

On my way to Florida I stopped at gas station in Kentucky.  I parked my car and when I turned back to look I noticed something that seemed to be an optical illusion.  The Fiat looked like it had a bigger interior than the Jaguar I parked next to.  So the question in my mind is which is bigger?  The Jaguar is the "X" Type which is the small four door Jaguar but we usually don't think of them being smaller than a Fiat 500.  The "X" type is based on the Ford Mondeo (Contour in the U.S.) so it shouldn't be smaller than a Ford Focus.  Truth ids the Fiat is tall and is mostly interior volume.  I have been in a Jaguar "X" type and they sit low and are not known for being spacious.  But the Fiat is a bit narrower and definately shorter.  So if you are not the driver or the front seat passenger, the Fiat is smaller.  I have also noticed this wierd size phenomena with the Toyota Yaris which is about the same size as the Fiat 500.  The size prioty on the Yaris is for interior volume and when parked next to mid-size cars the Yaris appears to have an interior that may be larger also.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

FINALLY!


Lorelei's First Top Down Convertible Ride

Our new 2013 Fiat Cinquecento Cabrio Pop
The Little 500c looks huge next to 82 Fiat X1/9


"Eye Candy" with Avorio (Ivory) and Rosso Corso d'Italia (Italian Racing Red)


Saturday, June 8, 2013

I've Been Chalked!

We have taught our daughter not to draw on walls, furniture and many other things.  We have never told her not to draw on the cars!  Fortunately chalk washes off very easy.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

2012 Milwaukee Masterpiece - Club Day


My 1982 FIAT X1/9 in the FIAT-Ferrari-DeTomaso Corral



Lorelei admiring and commenting on Ferrari Dino

She found the one with the biggest smile and eyes!  Ran straight to it and was telling me all about how happy it was.

Black Forest Auto Repair sponsored the children's art car - a c.1975 Mercedes Benz 450 SEL painted to look like a cow.

Beautiful Alfas and Lancias there.



Gorgeous Mercedes Benz 300 SE Coupe

Beautiful Oldsmobile Rocket 88 in White over Salmon Pink

FIAT X1/9 more Lorelei's height.