Well it was in a domestic garage to be honest.. but an actual Irish one owner absolutely genuine and original top of the range and last of the RWD Fiat twin cams ....originally heard about over two years ago. Two years of trying to get to see it resulted in a viewing just before Christmas and eventual purchase 2 weeks later.
The owner (aged 76) was a long time Fiat fan and bought this car in 1982 just to chauffeur his Mum around. It was put off the road in 1996 probably around the time she became too ill to travel in a car and he replaced his daily driver (a 126) with a Cinquento Sporting which he still has and is in mint condition.
It was rust proofed at new by Fiat (costing ?300) and garaged all of it's life. The owner even kept the factory plastic on the doors and carpets and in the garage, it was covered in sacks, blankets, etc to stop it deteriorating.
The owner had tried to sell it once without success. After all, this was Fiat's lemon car and when new, you couldn't give them away. Luckliy for me, he gave up and mothballed the car....just after a full service, four new Pirelli tyres and a Bosel exhaust system.
I had regular long conversations with the owner and luckily convinced him that I would be a good custodian for his long cherished Fiat twin cam. A deal was done and the car was collected last Sunday week. It was looked after by a fellow Fiat enthusiast before the journey south from Monaghan to Limerick. This was completed at 7.30 am on Thursday and after some re-commissioning the car was running and driving that night. It's still having work done and should be on the road soon. Just waiting for some parts to arrive.
Sometimes you get a really good feeling about a car and although I've not driven it yet, I have listened to the engine and it is sweet and quiet. I think that mechanically, it will be very fresh. Pity about the "plough on steering" and "oops was that a corner" suspension that the car is "blessed" with but condition wise I've been very lucky to find one in this condition. Even better, it's in my favourite Fiat colour of Azure blue. Now I have my 138 feet of stainless steel all wrapped around what I think is now, belatedly, an Uber cool motor. I'm also unlikely to meet another one of the road!
Here are some pics from the pick up. It was probably it's first bath in 18 years and it wasn't long before the dust and straw was washed away. The car came with both sets of original keys, original brown tax book, mint handbooks and still smelling like new ...and the good wishes of the previous owner.
Thanks to Chris for the introduction. Whilst my collection is not complete (will it ever be?) I'm delighted to find this car and I'm sure I'll get as much fun from it as I do my 131s.
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