New Member in Grand Rapids, Michigan

[star1ner]

I should probably introduce myself; I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I registered here some months ago but as I am pre Fiat, I felt that I had little to contribute. I grew up driving, and fixing, sports cars. Those were Triumphs (3), Sunbeam, Austin Healy, and a battered but fun Porsche, but I have never owned a Fiat. It has been nearly 30 years since I had my last true sports car. I started thinking about it again recently. As I started going through the options of reasonably priced, fun and attractive cars, process of elimination lead me to the Fiat Spider. Reading this forum has been very educational. You all have made me into a much more informed buyer. The photos and discussion have really fanned the fire. You will probably hear little from me until I actually purchase a car, but I am sure I will be posting questions often after I have. This is a great group and a valuable resource for keeping these fun little cars on the road. Thanks, JP

[racydave]

Welcome! You will hear from Mike Bouse. He will tell you about a great Fiat Club called West Michigan FLU ( Fiat Lancia Unlimited ) . I have gone North and participated in some events, they are a great group!

[rlux4]

Welome JP. I believe that when you get your Spider, you'll be how fun and affordable they are. Plus, if there's another group that has such a great sense of comraderie, I don't know about it. You'll definately be hearing from Mike Bouse, he's a perfect ambassador for Fiat people.
Ron

[pope]

You should look at the '82 in Illinois that is for sale. I looks like a beauty and reasonably priced with nothing to do.

[So Cal Mark]

welcome, and good luck finding the right car. What are your preferences?

[kristoj]

The twin-cam engine, Pininfarina styling and trickest folding top ever made set the Spider apart from the other sports cars you have owned in the past. Plus you get a 5-speed and disc brakes all the way around for a price that even has the rubber-bumper MG guys scratching their heads. The Spider is truly one of the best -- probably the best -- overlooked collector cars around. You'll find plenty of advice here in your search for one. Don't be shy about posting just because you don't have a car yet.

[mbouse]

JP -

Though i believe they exaggerate a might, yes! You will hear from me. If i do not hear from you in reply, i will be very sad. please send me an email to mbouse at chartermi dot net and introduce yourself

I represent FIAT LANCIA UNLIMITED as the Membership Director, as well as represent the WEST MICHIGAN chapter as secretary/treasurer. check us out at http://www.flu.org

we are having a Pizza Party in your backyard next week Saturday, February 21st, at 3:00 pm. The party is at Pietro's Restaurant on 28th Street. Are you familiar with that area? EVERYONE that reads this is invited, you and your family as well. Fiat owners and those interested in becoming Fiat owners. Italian car lovers of all shapes and sizes are welcome. Don't fear, we are buying the Pizza and soft drinks, all you need to do is show up. check us out at http://flumichigan.italiancarclub.com/

additionally, as the guys said... what kind of car are you looking for? I just sold a cherry 1975 Spider, and am always on the look out for yet another... if i only knew what you were interested in. Carbureted or fuel injected? Big bumpers or little bumpers? Cheeze... anything except an '82. Those seem to be over-spoken for. The car mentioned by Pope in Illinois looks like a beaut. I have friends over there that would be willing to inspect it if they knew a friend of FiatSpider dot Com was interested in buying it. i have a mechanic friend who works near muskegon, on only foreign cars. He has knowledge of a few cars that are quietly available in your area... and i am in contact with the detriot gang as well on a regular basis, in addition to the Chicago crew.

PALEEESE send me an email. We can getcha hooked up and into Fiating in grand style. the best way to enjoy this hobby is to get involved personally.

[mbouse]

i just remembered. if you are interested in a ’76 Lancia Beta Coupe project car... i know where one is readily available.

it was a running car before the restore project began. current owner discovered that he likes Crosleys better than Italian iron.

I know what he paid for it, and i know what he has invested. he needs the space and the operating capital for his Crosley.

would make for a very nice entry into the Italian world for the right guy.

[ronarthur]

Geez, with all of those connections, you should be able to find Jimmy Hoffa

[mbouse]

Ron, he's in Detroit. Ask Pope.

cheeze....

[ga.spyder]

Welcome to the forum!Your story sounds very much like mine..many years between sports cars and research leading to the conclusion that the Fiat Spider is the best choice.One more thing,Mike B. would love to have an ultra dependable 82 added to his chapter!! That car in ILL. looks like a bargain.If was in the market ,I would pursue that one !!

[ronarthur]

Mike:

You sold the 75? Did your sister take it or someone else???

[mbouse]

a member of CHI-FLU, and a good friend, just lost his Spider to cancer... a long and lingering death. he took the vehicle in for a garage day, and the mechanic gave a D.N.R. order.

i felt pity for him, and released the vehicle to his care.

[ronarthur]

Sounds like it found a good home. May the old one RIP.

[mbouse]

well, i am postive that parts of her will live long among the CHI-FLU community. just another important reason to be INVOLVED with your local club chapter!!


By the way -- JP -- i found a Spider for sale in Detroit. Send me an email and i'll send you the seller's information.