Freaking out @ FREAKOUT 2015

[4uall]

I love these cars and the people who drive them

Four years ago when I bought Fiona I knew that I had found something special. Then after finding this forum and some local people it became a certainty. I have made friends both online and in person.

Over the years Freakout was unfortunately not within my reach http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php ... &sk=t&sd=a The stars aligned for me this year and the excitement grew until two weeks prior to my departure a few things happened http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php ... 37#p240737 and http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=30898 Twelve hours prior to my departure I picked up Fiona from Dan (formerly Canadan) and words cannot express my thanks and gratitude. Fiona drove 900 km's one way, all around Pittsburgh for five days and back without a single issue. Special thanks also goes phaetan, spiderdan and arik for all their help along the way.

FFO 2015 people, events, show and weather was awesome.

Too tired to post and size everything on my last night of vacation, so here is a sample

https://goo.gl/photos/6zpcGUsDj4Wec4EB8

LOVE YOU
LOVE YOUR SHOW

[AriK]

These will be forever memories! I will never forget. Thanks for posting! Awesome night shots in there. I submitted a couple to FCA, i hope you did not place any copyright infringement
Btw, don't forget to personally email Csaba and Ramzi that surprise snapshot as promised. They are still waiting for it.
Cheers!

[4uall]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAAUObyd-sc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk_CJld ... e=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LiRPn4TF1I

[Redline]

Fallingwater... you guys have good taste!

[spidernut]

Great photos Jay! Looks like a real blast.

[dparnas]

Loved seeing all the pictures. Would so much like to attend one of these, but just can't imagine trying to drive my Spider all the way from Northern California. Do they have awards for best 124 Spider? Best X19? Things like that? Seems like they should. Wondering what was the best 124 Spider you saw and why, other than your own of course.

[phaetn]

Turns out Ari, Jay, and I also managed to get into a promotional Fiat (official) video that they made:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSpkvhfo78Y

Yes, California would be a long haul. 2250+ miles each way sounds crazy. That said, we weren't sure about our cars, either, and they made the 1200 mile round trip with very few issues and no breakdowns. Jay had a screw in his tire and wipers-falling-off issues (easily resolved for $10), and Ari just had to secure some connections for his starter that were getting iffy. Otherwise it was all good. I have a totally new-found confidence in my car now.

FFO sorted awards by class. So there wasn't a best overall Spider, but broken down by groups of years, e.g. 73-74, 79-80 etc. They change it according to how many cars register each year; there were a bunch more X1/9s this year than others, apparently, so they made more classes for them. Best Spider? That would have to go to my buddy, Ari, who won best in class for 79-80:

(to see Jay's full images just Right-Click and choose "View Image")

I also very much appreciate Jim Aitken's (past President of the Fiat Club) '74, if only because it is the same year as my car and its stance is just right. 14" Campis and the right springs make all the difference.


I think the the best Fiat award was to a Dino.

For me the coolest overall Fiat had to be the double-bubble. A 600cc engine bored out to 750 and a racer all the way, with a real pedigree to match. I had a very pleasant conversation with its owner about what he had done to it and its history (I think even at the Mille Miglia, but I could be mistaken)


Cheers,
phaetn

[azruss]

my first introduction to fiats was thru a classmate with a double bubble and a mono 1000. He also had a roommate with an MGA twin cam competition with a B motor.

[AriK]

Turns out Ari, Jay, and I also managed to get into a promotional Fiat (official) video that they made:

Actually they didn't find me too attractive, they only shot a close up of me wiping down my car. Then, at 0:42 they hid me behind my trunk lid, LMAO!
You guys, however, you were da bomb! Very photogenic! I'm very glad it turned out!



[FFO sorted awards by class. Best Spider? That would have to go to my buddy, Ari, who won best in class for 79-80:]


Actually now that you mention it, thank you, yes i earned myself a plaque It was quite the surprise, because there were some other pretty nice spiders on the golf course. I was very honored!


We actually had another winner (1st place) from our forum in the 75-78 class. Congratulations Doug! Your car ROCKS! I'm very happy to have met you, despite it being as brief as it was!


[I think the the best Fiat award was to a Dino.]

Actually this award which is called the Peoples Choice Award (Best of Show) went to this 1959 Fiat Jolly:

[phaetn]

Ah right, excuse me. I remember that now. I know the Dino walked away with something (as did the double bubble).

Congrats to Doug for his win! I hadn't noticed that. I think I was distracted by the Fiat rep girl. Not the one on the stage, the one at our table.

Cheers,
phaetn