Developments, part II

(A souvenir, but not from a gift shop.)

For most non-famous people, it can be slightly awkward when you see a photo of something you own – or yourself – on the internet posted by someone you've never had the pleasure of meeting.

This happened to me recently: it turns out that my Fića is interesting to more people than I thought...someone who also has a taste for "old-timers" (there are in fact more of us mental patients out there) came across my car, snapped a pic, and posted it on the internet.

Since my embargo is truly global, the individual in question was surprised when I told him that it was actually my car. As a wise thinker once said, the internet is a marvel (internet je ćudo – majke mi). Indeed, the truth has been spoken.

Developments, part I

(My Fića is third from the bottom.)

When one plans a trip, one does everything possible to keep negative externalities to a minimum: people like to ensure that they stay at a good hotel and that their flight leaves at an agreeable time (seems logical). When they arrive at their destination, people tend to focus on the experience at hand, blocking out thoughts of unplanned events that are yet to present themselves.

However, rarely does one consider that positive externalities could also occur... So, imagine my sentiment when I learned that the opportunity to visit the Fića in person before it gets shipped was to become a reality.

Review: 2010 Mazda3 GX

In its day, the Fića was an affordable car meant for the masses; today, there are many contenders in that class. Here is my review of one of them.

The city I live in is known for many things: its natural scenery, its relaxed way of life, and its upcoming sporting events. However, something that the mega-hamlet is definitely not known for is the exemplary skill of its drivers. A few weekends ago, I managed to dodge this abundance of road awareness for long enough to successfully meet some friends at a café.

Being the three-leaf clover that I am known to be, I ended up sitting by a window with my parked car in plain view. While listening to stories about the army and electronic book readers, I was subject to the Chinese water torture that was watching how the very thing I tried earlier to avoid was attempting to park itself around my car.

Hybernation

Now that the Fića's restoration is finished, all that's left to do is to arrange and execute shipping. However, all is not as seamless as it seems since there exists a slight obstacle, in the form of what you see in the picture above.

Namely, the Fića will wait out the winter (albeit in a garage, unlike the one in the photo) due to the logistical risk the snow presents itself as. When winter is on its last legs, the car will then start its journey to the other side of the globe.

Plus, some companies don't even ship cars during winter anyways...

¡Finito!

After almost a year, my Fića's restoration has finally been completed! It looks even better than it did new... All that's left now is to wait for its arrival and, of course, show you how it turned out. However, instead of showing the finished product outright, I have decided to reveal it a different way.

My Fića now looks like one of the following six, in no particular order:

Option 1: Fića Helicopter
I have converted my car into what you see here on the left. I always wanted to learn how to fly a helicopter, so here's my chance to do it in style.




Option 2: Drag Racer
I have made a drag racer of my car to use for fun on the weekends. There's nothing like blowing away over-pompous muscle car drivers in an Italian micro-car.



Option 3: Fiat Jolly
I have turned my car into this Fiat Jolly. During 1958 - 1966 Fiat sent some 600's to the Ghia design house for conversion. The rich used them to go about on their yachts, and 32 'Jollies' were taxis on the island of Catalina (near L.A.) in the early sixties.


Option 4: Police Car
I have made my car into a police version, siren and all. Wonder if people will slow down and use their turn signals when they see this thing driving their way.




Option 5: Abarth Replica
I have converted my car into the Abarth version (it is to Fiat what AMG is to Mercedes). Parts and info are very abundant for this legendary street-legal racer. Its hood (at the back) is fixed open for better aerodynamics and cooling. And it has a Hemi.


Option 6: Former Glory
I have taken my car and restored it to its original factory specifications. If you're gonna own a piece of history, you should preserve it and keep it original, not mess about with it.




Voice your choice in the comments section!

Flashback

It seems that I forgot to post some pictures back when they came in... Better to include them now than after I reveal the Fića's final form. The following forgotten photos are of the undercarriage before it was treated (and well before the suspension was overhauled).









To see the "after" versions of these pics, click here.