The New Babe

After years of putting it off I finally went for the plunge in Dec. Great condition 43K Dark Red Metallic. I have had to sort a few minor niggles: OK I think I have fixed everything:

Centre console coating gone sticky. Removed with alcohol and sealed
Electric windows sticking...WD40
Some rattles...WD40, blutac and tightening bolts
Heater manual control fault...changed heater potentiometer
Heated rear screen/mirrors....changed relay
Rear view mirror loose....Removed assembly and tightened
Replaced wipers with Bosch flat blade
One of the Turbo logo fell off..repainted and superglued
Some screws wouldn't tighten.. replaced
Replaced exhaust and mounting...don't like aftermarket sound!
Warning light button cracked...replaced
Sunroof cover a bit stained...washed and hoovered
Original Car mats smelled of dogs..tried washing but didn't work. Replaced with sports mats. Air fresheners.
Locks a bit stiff...wd40
Fitted radio remote locking (actually an electrician did it)

Many thanks to adam16vt for seconhand parts!

Wow...a dream babe now!

Years of training on the Puma paid off!

Looks Great.. well done!!

Welcome to the fold! She looks great.

And coupes respond well to a bit of TLC....actually they don't. They often fume at TLC and something else brakes.

But a good owner, and the gremlins sorted and they do put a smile on your face!

Enjoy your coupe!

Regards

MM

Nice work Kevin, keep on top of the bodywork too

Strangely enough the bodywork truly is immaculate...so far! Must have been professionally restored at some point.

Very nice, it looks beautiful.

From a fellow wine Red owner.... Looks stunning mate.

Its my favourite colour of the reds - Dark Red Metallic 180A. All the reds are here:

https://carpaintcode.vernicispray.co.uk/4-en-276-32-fiat-coupe-red.jsp

OK I have been a proud owner 6 months now so here is my review of the FC to date

Very relaxed driving experience. Remarkably quiet and rattle free. Can barely hear the engine, even at 90! Actually the most relaxed car I have owned. Steering is light but with good feel. Gear change OK but not as slick as my Ford Puma. Turning circle abysmal, but this car is definitely a GT and not really ideally suited to Milton Keynes driving/parking anyway, although it seems perfectly happy with the roundabouts.

Can't understand the comments about rattles/squeaks. I think the coupe relies on screws rather than studs to fix a lot of things and I did have to tighten a fair number of these.

The ride is generally very smooth and bump free - smoother than my Puma, except where there are major undulations in the road and it then seems to jiggle a bit. With minor undulations it smooths them out beautifully.

I did do the Gtec1 remap and the car really flies with your foot down - quite remarkable actually. I am still getting 30 mpg on average - that is spirited driving in and around MK/Buckingham. I seem to get a few more mpg on the motorway at around 85.

The car has done 46 K now and really drives like a new car - no issues developed since I bought it other than the rear wiper mechanism slipping - Adam kindly sent me a replacement assembly an all sorted quite quickly. I am amazed how easy it is to get secondhand replacements quickly and fairly hassle free, especially with the help of this site - goldmine!

So in all its definitely passed its probationary period and every drive is a joy - I am often feeling the urge to just go out for a spin for the sake of the great driving experience. Certainly the best drive to date overall. I have driven many of cars in my time but nothing really as sporty as this. Just the brakes alone are a revelation compared to the likes of Audi - no lurch or grab, just progressive, controlled efficiency.

Should have made the plunge a few years ago but the beauty of lockdown is that petrol is just over £1/litre and the roads rather emptier than usual.

KJW

Good to hear the joy.

Bear in mind though KevinW that the forum cannot be seen to condone speeds over the legal limit. There are places, such as tracks, where one can press the loud pedal with impunity but take care that your enjoyment is not encouraging anyone else nor indeed someone to tell tales of something they've spotted on a public forum - or, if they happen to be "the law" and read this, lay in wait for you.....

Just to re-iterate Your Honour, no-one has ever driven a Fiat Coupe at speeds in excess of the legal limit on public roads (cough). Gentleman concerned was of course talking about KPH.

KPH for sure....I think. Can't remember was drunk at the time

Gentlemen is obviously confused no doubt as result of the , er, cough medicine.

KevinW you have a PM...

Glad to read that she is behaving and no issues!

Totally agree that without this forum and the collective knowledge - parts finding and diagnosis would be extremely complex!

Hope you can find some private roads or track areas, the coup really is a bit of a secret GT weapon - I took mine on the Autobahn (interesting how the Germans have ended up freer then us in so many ways) and she really enjoyed being allowed to push on from the 70 mph here in UK.

Glad your enjoying the ownership!

Regards,

MM

Making good time and spirited drive are a couple of chosen phrases that is used in the Coupe fraternity

Along with check your oil

You're the Headmaster at Gordonstoun!! I claim my £5

Out of interest I would be interested in the approximate market value of such a FC as mine. As described. It does not have leather seats or a/c (but the sunroof gives a refreshing blast of cool air when required, which I actually prefer). Mileage 46K. Bodywork and mechanics excellent. I can then see if I overpaid, and if my insurance really does cover it

Kevin W you have PM

Thanks for message jimboy but It erroneously seems to answer a question I did not ask! Something about a base plate!

[quote=KevinW]Out of interest I would be interested in the approximate market value of such a FC as mine [quote]


Speaking as someone who has the knack, no the unbridled skill to buy a car at the top end of its value. And then find its at the bottom of its value when you come to sell - things are only ever worth what anyone wants to pay you.

Your car is likely worth what it was when you bought it -. Give or take all the work you have done.

Mind you I am sure there are skilled car sales men and women who could find the perfect buyer and get a larger price. Even during covid, lockdown and global warming terror we read about every day.

I think there are 3 sections of coupe prices - and they are under valued for what they represent at the moment.

Regards

MM