Not to brag but...

I was just thumbing through the Ricambi Fiat Lancia Unlimited newsletter and discovered that my Ferrari Mondial took second place in its class at the 2009 Fiat Freakout-- Which is a national gathering of a kazillion italian cars (I mean its italian cars as far as the eye can see). I had no idea I won because I left early. I didn't even prep my car for the event---just showed up, I had the top down, 348 wheels on, etc.! A few months prior my little Mondial took Gold at the Reading Concours D'Elegance (which is a very prestigious Ferrari show in the North East) --same deal.

I feel like a proud papa!

VIVA MONDIAL!!!

 

To be fair, as I previously said, the Fiat Freakout is open to all Italian cars. There were lots of Ferraris, Maseratis, Alfas etc, but also tons of beautiful italian cars, many of which I have never seen before or even heard of. Some of these cars, on beauty alone, could stand toe-to-toe with Maranello's best.

I know nobody has said anything yet, but I can almost anticipate the Fiat mocking. Its a shame, I have found FIAT/ALFA owners to be just as passionate as Ferrari owners, and equally welcoming. Unfortunately, Ferrari owners often fail to return the favor and tend to act snooty----pretending they are not related. I think this is silly and offensive. Alfa Romeo gave Enzo his start and FIAT saved his marque...oh and by the way, Enzo would have been just as happy to let the customer car die a quick death if it could mean he could continue focusing on racing, so we should not pretend that all of our cars are Enzo's beloved. Our cars may share the DNA, but they are definitely Daddy's unwanted children. I feel very comfortable with Ferraris place within the FIAT empire and I don't kid myself that my Ferrari, or any other Ferrari, has not benefited greatly from having access to Fiat's giant pool of resources.

I would proudly display my car among FIATS, and would not have the audacity to stick my nose up when doing so. My first car was a Fiat, my second favorite car I have ever owned was a Lancia Zagato, and I would buy ANY new Alfa over just about any car sold in this country for a daily driver.

When I went to the car show, I saw a field of beautiful, well cared for timeless italian classics. I did not believe that the prancing horse on my hood entitled me to special privileges or a spot at the top of the line, nor did the nice guy with the 430 parked near me. Quite frankly, I am surprised and honored that my car was even recognized in such fine company...

So lets NOT turn this thread into making fun of other people's cars.

I'll get off my soapbox now...

 

If they were REALLY friendly, I would have taken Platinum

 

Thanks! BTW, it was great meeting you at the event. Your Spider is an absolute stunner. I couldn't get over the color!

 

LOL. While I definitely drive my car more than most (almost 5K in 15 months), I try and keep her looking as nice as possible. I don't want to get to heavy with this, so let me just say that, like most of us, I wanted a Ferrari since the first time I saw one. The Mondial is among my favorite Ferraris of all time. I worked hard, never thinking I would ever be able to buy one. Now, every time I go out to the car, its a reminder to me of life's infinite possibilities, and a dream come true. Dave's right, I keep my car in very nice mechanical and physical condition, but its (1) out of adoration for the car (2) out of respect for all it took to get her! (3) out of respect for a marque that I have admired since a little boy.