Spotted: Italians.

"Berang" (berang) 03/06/2016 at 18:41 • Filed to: car spotting, fiat x1/9, bertone, alfa romeo giulia super, vintage cars

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I came across this Bertone (Fiat X1/9) at the autoparts store. When Fiat left the U.S. Malcom Bricklin (of Subaru 360, Bricklin SV1, and Yugo fame) continued to import these as Bertones. They look great, and the MR2 didn’t exist yet, so this was probably Bricklin’s best idea ever. But then I saw...

An Alfa Giulia Super. It’s probably safe to assume that the Japanese were inspired by boxy Italian machines like the Giulia and Fiat 124 when they started bringing over equally boxy Coronas, etc. in the late 1960s. But - would you believe it? There was another Alfa in the same parking lot.

This one was a ‘73, same year as my saab.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Berang 03/06/2016 at 20:02

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Always loved the older Alfa Romeos...and I’ve always thought the X1/9 was a pretty decent ride as well. Not as easy to find parts for, but apparently once you finally get them dialed in, they’re not too bad, even in terms of reliability.

Spridget > Berang 03/06/2016 at 20:38

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That Fiat looks great with those retrofitted Euro bumpers- the American ones were quite possibly the worst on any vehicle.

It looks as though you stumbled on a meeting of Italian car drivers. Did you meet any of the owners?

smobgirl > Berang 03/06/2016 at 21:01

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That looks like a pretty happy day.

Berang > Spridget 03/06/2016 at 21:36

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The Alfa guy lives here and I’ve spotted those cars running around a few times, but this is the first time I’ve gotten a chance to get a pic.

The Bertone I’ve never seen before, possibly somebody visiting or a newly finished restoration? It looked pretty spotless.

Berang > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 03/06/2016 at 21:38

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They were pretty good cars when new, but suffered from typical fiat rust which is why it seems none are around anymore.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Berang 03/06/2016 at 22:03

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There seem to be a surprising number for sale on classified sites up here in Canada in decent condition....of course, no telling unless one looked at them up close, but most of them seem to be in good shape and are driveable / restored! :)

pip bip - choose Corrour > Berang 03/07/2016 at 02:46

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i’ll have the silver Monaro next to the blue Alfa.

Berang > pip bip - choose Corrour 03/07/2016 at 02:51

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I think that’s actually a pontiac, since we don’t have holdens over here.