Why I Want a Fiat 500: Reasons 301-400

| 12 Commentaries

Okay – so I gave everyone a break last week and decided to not write a Fiat 500 related post. White Cabana was beginning to look like a blog devoted to Fiats rather than one devoted to design in white. My family was getting especially annoyed with all my babbling about this car and I can imagine that some White Cabana readers may not be as entertained by my Fiat 500 posts as I imagine they are (I do try to entertain you though).

source

For those of you following this blog and my tweets, you already know that I am a big fan of the Fiat 500. I wrote about my initial interest for this speedy little car in this post. Since then I began a series of Fiat 500 posts related to reasons why I want one of these cars (one, two, three). I have even taken one for a test drive and even though it was red, I loved it. I don’t own one (yet) but I do think that when I do buy a car this is the one for me.

Today, in the fourth installment of this series of posts, I list reasons 301 to 400 for why I want a Fiat 500.

301. I love talking about it. And writing about it too.

302. It’s a perfect car for summer driving.

303. I would drive myself to the pool to cool off this summer if I had a Fiat 500.

304. I would bring my nephews too.

305. My license plate would be right at home on the Fiat 500.

306. Fiat added cup holders to the 500 before bringing it to North America (source).

307. The rims are emblazoned with the Cinquecento logo. Love this attention to detail.

308. It’s midnight and I’m writing about the Fiat 500.

309. It’s midnight and I’m also reading about the latest in Fiat 500 news.

310. It’s midnight and I’m wondering why I decided to begin this series of posts.

Fiat Art – Toronto Auto Show

311. Grazie means thank you in Italian. I’d say this if I got a discount on a Fiat 500.

312. A Fiat 500 requires stylish driving shoes. I’ve got plenty ready to go.

313. My sunglasses are ready to be worn in a Fiat too.

314. I could drive to Bayfield, Ontario in a Fiat 500.

315. I’d drive through the Hamlet of Varna on my way to Bayfield.

316. And I’d be sure to slow down in this 50km/hr zone (see #315).

317. Erica (@ECmothdesign) loved my last Fiat 500 post.

318. Erica (@ECmothdesign) thinks Fiat should discount the car for me/us.

319. Erica (@ECmothdesign) thinks we’d both look darling in them.

320. Erica is a smart, stylish and successful woman. I think Fiat should listen to her.

at the Montreal Auto Show

321. I could buy a Fiat 500 bocce set to match the car.

322. I don’t really know how to play bocce ball.

323. But I could learn.

324. I learned how to play Scopa a couple of weeks ago.

325. I’m getting back to my Italian roots one game at a time.

326. It would be nice to have an Italian-designed car to carry around my Scopa cards & bocce ball set.

327. How many decks of Scopa cards would fit in the trunk? Any guesses?

328. How many bocce ball sets could fit in the trunk? Any guesses?

329. I could also carry around the Scopa cards in this handy seat compartment (see photo below).

330. I’m not sure a whole Bocce ball set would fit in this compartment (see photo below).

Fiat interior

331. The Sport has 16″ cast aluminum wheels.

332. To tell you the truth, I can barely see the difference between the 15″ wheels on the Pop & Lounge and the 16″ on the Sport.

333.The Sport has a rear spoiler.

334. I’ve never had a car with a rear spoiler before.

335. What’s the point of a rear spoiler anyhow? Anyone know?

336. The Sport has fog lamps.

337. I’d have to figure out how to turn the fog lamps on. And then I’d drive in the fog.

338. Bright chrome door handles is a standard feature on the Sport.

339. I figure I could check my make-up in the shiny handles. Right?

340. I still don’t know what red brake calipers are. Anyone?

341. I’m still surprised that air conditioning is an optional feature. I think this isn’t right. But I still like the Fiat.

342. The Fiat 500 Sport has TomTom navigation.

343. I’d have to figure out how to work the navigation technology.

344. Hmm – seems like I have to learn a lot what with the navigation & blue tooth technology.

345. Since when did driving a car get so complicated

346. The head rests can be tilted forward & backward. Woah. Wild.

347. It has keyless entry. So cool.

348. It also has a tire pressure monitoring system. I’d love this!

349. I already know how to put air in my tires.

350. One less thing to learn if I got a Fiat 500 (see #337, 343, 349).

Fiat boots

351. I would have to get these boots. Not sure I’d wear them but I’d have to get them.

352. The Lounge has a vehicle information centre.

353. What is a vehicle information centre?

354. Twitter followers have lots of good things to say about the Fiat 500. @Milnoc did this Fiat 500 review.

355. Yes – people on Twitter are still sending me Fiat news.

356. I find it really interesting that automatic transmission is an option on so many cars in Canada…including the Fiat 500. Don’t most people drive automatic?

357. Seems to me like car companies – including the Fiat 500 – are just suckering people in to make more money with the automatic transmission feature.

358. I know how to drive standard and automatic so would it be wise to invest in standard to save some money?

359. Two of my uncles like the Fiat 500.

360. The Fiat 500 gives me lots to talk about with said uncles.

361. This week I’ve been teaching both of my nephews (1 and 2 years old) to say Fiat.

362. My dad has changed the words of Jingle Bells – instead of “one horse open sleigh”, he sings “Fiat 500”. My 2 year old nephew laughs at this. And corrects him. Sweet, right?

363. My nephews would look so cute in Fiat apparel. They look good in white.

364. On my last four trips to Toronto (driving on the 401 for two hours) I have only seen one Fiat 500.

365. My sister thinks this is weird (see #364).

366. I think it’s kind of weird too (see #364, 365) but I’m trying not to think about it.

367. If I had a Fiat 500 I might be the only one driving from London to Toronto on a regular basis.

368. Talk about prime advertising opportunity (see #367).

369. Oh – and I’d drive from Toronto to London too. That’s a lot of kms worth of advertising time.

370. If Scott Schuman (of The Sartorialist) snaps a photo of it – it must be cool.

photo by Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist)

371. I’d probably need to keep a regular supply of biscotti in the Fiat 500. For guests. And for me too.

372. If I had a Fiat 500 I could stop writing these posts (sometimes in the middle of the night – when I’m losing sleep over all of this car stuff).

373. I would write other Fiat 500 related posts. Obviously.

374. What music would you recommend I listen to while driving this car?

375. Just browsed through the Fiat 500 Canada Facebook page. Nice photos. I’d definitely add a few of my own.

376. I’m going to try and go to the Fiat (and other cars) meet-up in Woodbridge, Ontario tonight that @MaranelloFiat told me about. I’ll post about it if I go.

377. If I had my own Fiat 500, I’d probably take it to the Thursday night meet-up.

378. And I’d have a gelato at La Paloma.

379. If I had a Fiat 500 I’d drive it to Leslieville (Toronto) and have a yummy pizza at Lil’Baci.

380. Pizza, just like the Fiat, makes many Italians proud to be Italian.

381. I generally go for a simple margherita pizza. I wonder what the Fiat folks go for?

382. I wonder if any of the Fiat folks know how to make pizza.

383. I’m getting side-tracked with my reasons, I know. What do you expect? I am coming up with 500 reasons afterall.

384. I would drive my Fiat 500 to Toronto to visit Johanne.

385. I would drive my Fiat 500 with Johanne to the next LG Fashion Week in Toronto.

386. I would drive my Fiat 500 to Kingston, Ontario to visit friends.

387. I would drive my Fiat 500 to Ottawa to visit my friend (and loyal White Cabana reader) Shannon.

388. I might even drive my Fiat 500 to New York City to visit my family.

389. It would be easy to drive and park around NYC.

390. There was a red Fiat 500 in the movie Letters to Juliet.

Letters to Juliet

391. I haven’t seen this movie…yet.

392. The fact that there’s a Fiat 500 in this movie makes me want to see it.

393. I think the actors drive a red one in the movie (thanks Erica for the tip).

394. The Fiat 500 has been a great conversation starter.

395. Did you ever play that game, (Name a colour) punch buggy, no punches back? My sister and I did every time we saw a VW bug (the original). It occupied a lot of our time on summer road trips to Florida. I wonder if there’s a similar game for Fiat 500s? There should be right?

396. For any Fiat 500 Canada product related concerns you can call 1-800-521-9900.

397. Maybe I should call this number (see #396) to discuss my concern about my growing Fiat 500 obsession.

398. Did this person really buy three white Fiats?

399. Apparently Fiat is going to release a larger version in Canada in the spring. I don’t want the larger version.

400. I have mixed feelings about the fact that there are only 100 more reasons to list in this Fiat 500 series of posts. Any recommendations?

Why I Want a Fiat 500: Reasons 101-200

| 3 Commentaries

Last week I began a new series of posts which will eventually list 500 reasons why I want a Fiat 500. You can read the first 1-100 reasons here. Lucky for me (and for Fiat), the reasons keep coming so here are the next chunk of reasons. If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment, email me or find me on Twitter. I hope this entertains you at least a little bit (many of my friends and family are getting annoyed with me now – and we still have 300 reasons to go – yikes!).

photo by Jordana

101. Si of French By Design approves (read original comment here).

102. There is an enthusiast club called Fiat Lancia Unlimited that I could join. (Thanks for this info TK!)

103. It would make my commute more enjoyable.

104. I’ve never had a brand new car.

105. I’ve never owned a Fiat.

106. I’ve rented a few though.

107. Pop, Sport and Lounge are great names, aren’t they?

108. I think I prefer the Sport. With a sunroof.

109. I never owned a car with Sirius satellite radio before.

110. Aren’t the side view mirrors nice?

photo by Jordana

111. The white one is nice.

112. So is the red one.

113. I’m a good driver.

114. I’m a good backseat driver too.

115. In @SashaG’s words: “Come on @FIAT500Canada …. Give her a car … or at least a TShirt!” I like the way he thinks.

116. I could write a picture book about the Fiat 500.

117. Wouldn’t London, Ontario look prettier with another Fiat on the road?

118. Fiats make the world a better place.

119. Silvia thinks that Fiat should donate a Fiat to me. (Read original comment here.)

120. I know some journalists who might be interested in a “Blogger Wins a FIAT” story.

121. Why should Justin Bieber get all the attention? Did you know that he now has a fragrance? Weird.

122. Did you know fiatare is an italian verb meaning without saying a word?

123. FIAT is actually an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino.

124. I appreciate live art. It seems that Fiat does too.

125. I know that Sergio Marchionne is the CEO of Fiat.

126. I also know how to pronounce his name.

127. I’ve been to Fiat of London – the only Fiat dealership from Windsor to Toronto. Impressive.

128. I took the Fiat 500 for a test drive at Fiat of London.

129. I fit perfectly in the Fiat 500.

130. I look good in the Fiat 500.

photo by Jordana

131. Look at the above photo. I just gave Fiat of London free advertising.

132. Maybe Fiat of London would be interested in giving me a free car? Or at least a discount?

133. Driving through the construction zones in London, Ontario would be much easier if I had a Fiat 500.

134. It would make me happy.

135. I don’t want a Toyota Corolla (sorry K & P – but thanks for the suggestion).

136. There’s enough leg room for me.

137. Mackenzie thinks we’d look great in the Fiat 500 and, in her words, “we can model the car which will lead to more sales”.

138. More Fiat 500s on the road will lead to more sales too.

139. I like the dashboard.

140. I like the hands free bluetooth option. (Wait a minute, I don’t even know if my cell phone is bluetooth. Maybe I need a new cell phone too).

141. It’s got style.

142. My family would be happy because I would stop whining about how much I want a Fiat 500.

143. I would still talk about it – but I wouldn’t be as whiny.

144. A two door car would suit me fine. Well – three doors if you count the trunk.

145. It would be fun to drive to IKEA in a FIAT. Don’t you think?

146. I could probably fit a whole IKEA dining room set in the Fiat. Or, maybe not.

147. I could definitely fit a whole IKEA patio set in the Fiat 500. Especially this table & chair set.

148. I could paint my nails to match the colour of my future Fiat 500 car.

149. Are car mats included in the price of a new car? Or are they just thrown in?

150. It has four cup holders.

151. It has Bose speakers.

152. It has a trunk that would fit my luggage.

153. The back seats fold down.

154. I haven’t seen any on the road in London. I could be the first.

155. I’m also a fan of Chrysler.

156. My Jeep is from a Chrysler dealership.

157. My mom’s van is from a Chrysler dealership.

158. My family has given so much money to Chrysler over the years.

159. Maybe it’s time for Chrysler to give back?

photo by Jordana

160. Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat, was born in Abruzzo, Italy.

161. So was my dad (see #160).

162. It must be a sign (see #160 & 161).

163. My nephew has a Fiat. Well, it’s a toy.

164. Fiat fans run in my family.

165. Heck, Fiat fans are born into my family.

166. I like the (optional) sunroof.

167. I like the automatic/standard gear option thing. Not sure what it’s called but it’s cool.

168. The pedals work well.

169. The brakes work especially well.

170. The power windows come in handy on sunny and warm days.

171. The air conditioning kept me cool on the test drive last week.

172. Driving at a speed of 100km/hour is smooth. (Of course I didn’t go over – I’m responsible!)

173. It would be nice to spend less money on gas and more money on…shoes?

174. It would be nice to spend less money on gas and more money on…purses?

175. It would be nice to spend less money on gas and more money on…Fiat accessories?

176. I could make a Fiat 500-specific play list.

177. I don’t want to lower my car standards.

178. I don’t have a picture with me inside a Fiat 500 yet.

179. Sitting inside a Fiat 500 would make a great Facebook profile photo.

180. There’s even a 500 in the lights. It’s like a hidden treat.

photo by Jordana

181. Good things come in small packages.

182. I would pin a photo of my Fiat 500 here.

183. I would also post a photo of my Fiat 500 at work.

184. I would drive my Fiat 500 to work. Obviously.

185. I’m a hard worker.

186. I’m determined.

187. Doesn’t every hard-working, determined girl deserve a Fiat 500?

188. I’m beginning to learn a lot about cars.

189. The Fiat 500 is a good teacher.

190. The Fiat 500 is manageable.

191. It’s also quite a speedy little thing.

192. I see a future blog post (if I had a Fiat): Five Fun Fiat Adventures (for our Friday Five feature)

193. You can control the volume from the steering wheel. (I think this is a pretty standard feature nowadays but it would totally be a new thing for me.)

194. Driving it would make me feel like I’m in Italy (sort of) and I LOVE Italy!

195. I could stop making lists of 500. Who does that?

196. Surely I’m setting some kind of world record here.

197. I might have to consider getting these Gucci Fiat 500 driving gloves. Crazy, right?

198. I could drive back and forth to Toronto and spend very little on gas. This would be amazing!

199. I might take a panino with me. 😉

200. Why shouldn’t I want one?

Obsessed with FIAT

| 5 Commentaries

Well, if you’ve been following me on Twitter then you are already aware of my new found obsession with the FIAT 500. (Thanks to Caroline from Paloma’s Nest for getting this obsession going.)

Now, let’s be honest, I’m not really into cars. I don’t really like learning about them, I don’t remember makes/brands/model numbers and as far as car maintenance goes, well, let’s just say that I’ve got car washes under control.

I currently drive a Jeep and it’s the only car I’ve ever had. I really, really, really love it. But, now it’s getting old and it might just be time for me to invest in something smaller and more efficient.

In comes the FIAT 500.

FIAT 500 Pop

FIAT 500 Sport

FIAT 500 Lounge

The FIAT 500 made its début in North America just a few months ago. Founded in Torino, Italy, FIAT has been designing and manufacturing stylish and efficient cars since 1900. The concept behind FIAT was to design a car as beautiful as the hills, towns, and coasts it was built to explore. In 1957, the Nuova (new) 500 was marketed as a city car. Dante Giacosa, its designer, described it as a scooter with a roof. In 1972, the last model in the 500 series was made and production ended in 1975.

A vintage FIAT in Abruzzo, Italy; photo by Jordana

Now, after over 35 years since production of the original 500 ended, FIAT has brought a new and improved version to North America. Hip hip!

This zipity zip car just might work for me. The differences between the three models (Pop, Sport, & Lounge) don’t look to be much of a big deal (for my untrained eye, anyway) so I’d be happy with any of the three. I’ve rented Fiat cars on many occasions in Europe so I already know I like driving them. Not only that, it’s Italian. Need I say more?

FIAT rental cars in Italy and the Canary Islands (1. Panda, 2. Panda, 3. Punto; parallel parking is so easy!)

Me: The Happy Driver

If I do ever get a FIAT 500, I’d obviously have to get all the accessories to match! How perfect that this car company loves white just as much as I do! I think it might be a match made in car heaven.

First, I would get a tumbler for my latte. There are cup holders galore in this little car so maybe I’d have to get two – to treat my passengers to an authentic Italian beverage.

Ceramic tumbler, $18.95

I would use the FIAT pen to write down my grocery lists and driving directions.

FIAT Mokina ballpoint pen, $150.95

I’ll need this tote for my groceries. Wouldn’t my pasta, tomatoes and basil look good in it?

tote, $12.95

The super white FIAT watch (and the FIAT 500 car) would get me to meetings and appointments on time.

FIAT slap on watch, $24.95

Although I don’t need cuff links, I would have to get them just because they’re extra cute. I’d probably make some sort of DIY project out of them. Maybe.

FIAT 500 cuff links, $69.95

I’ll need the FIAT wallet for gas money. That’s just a given.

FIAT 500 wallet, $124.95

Now onto wardrobe. Well, first I would get some sort of cool driving gloves (but FIAT doesn’t make any). Then I would put some of the Fiat clothing into rotation – to make me feel like a hip Italian race car driver, of course.

FIAT Technical sweatshirt, $99.95

FIAT technical jacket, $174.95

And for my wee little nephews who will be passengers while I’m on babysitting duty, I would give them each one of these:

FIAT infant body suit, $12.95

So what’s stopping me? Well, it’s a major purchase. Major price tag. Major decision. Oh – and it still makes me sad to think about giving up my Jeep.

If you understand Italian, you might enjoy the videos and additional information provided on the FIAT Italy website.

In some countries (but not Canada), the 500 by Gucci is available for pre-order (if you can manage to get on the Priority List). It’s sleek and black. Click here to learn more.

For a review of the FIAT 500 from someone more experiences than me, click here.

Photos of FIAT Pop, Sport & Lounge, and FIAT merchandise courtesy of FIAT USA.