Wow, this is a genuinely warm welcome. Thanks!
The last time I drove a Fiat Spider was sometime around 1975 +/-. A friend of mine bought a brand new Spider and brought it over. I had a 62 TR-3 at the time. I just couldn’t believe how fast and nimble his Spider was. And the top! It took me 5 minutes to take mine off and 20 to put it back on the TR-3. His was down and back up in about 30 seconds. It’s taken me this long to get around to buying (soon) one.
As for what I am looking for? I am pretty open. I am interested in driving and maintaining, rather than a restoration project. I like the reliability of F.I., and the later cars would seem to be the recipients of years of refinement. On the other hand the carbed cars seem to offer more potential for tweaking and getting a little more HP out of, and though I’m not a hot rodder the notion of doing some mods for HP in the range of 130-150 is appealing. Ultimately I want to start with the best car I can find for around $4,000. + /-
Yes, I saw the Illinois car, and I would love to go look at it. I am still figuring out the PM system here, but I am interested. I am sorry to hear that Mike Bouse sold that ’75, I wanted to get in line behind his sister. I looked like a real beauty, coming from a knowledgeable source.
Mike, I just put the FLU MI. Pizza Party on my calendar. Pietro’s is in my end of town. I look forward to meeting and talking with everyone there. I am also interested in any other local contacts you might have. I’ll send you an email.
Anyway, thanks again to everyone; I feel like I have back up on this plan.
New Member in Grand Rapids, Michigan
-
mbouse
Re: New Member in Grand Rapids, Michigan
That is great. I look forward to meeting you as well. Sorry about the '75... That is one cherry car.
anyway, i have at least two options for you if you're serious about spending at least $4k. That is good news to me. Please send me an email, and we can chat the night away, share pictures... etcetera.
I just sold a '69 Spitwad. I fully understand what you mean about the time it takes to pop the top. Certainly, once down, you don't wanna put them up right away. when i drive my Spider, i wait until the rain is unbearable before i pull over and put the top up in that same 30 seconds your buddy did.
anyway, i have at least two options for you if you're serious about spending at least $4k. That is good news to me. Please send me an email, and we can chat the night away, share pictures... etcetera.
I just sold a '69 Spitwad. I fully understand what you mean about the time it takes to pop the top. Certainly, once down, you don't wanna put them up right away. when i drive my Spider, i wait until the rain is unbearable before i pull over and put the top up in that same 30 seconds your buddy did.