FFO 2011

This year the Fiat Freak Out 2011 was held in Nashville Tennesse USA.

125 cars were on show with about 20% being the new Fiat 500.

Fiat was there this year again like last year with the Fiat Pavilion set up in the lower parking lot complete with new cars for test drive along with the Fiat Models. Nashville was hot this year as temperatures hovered in the 100 degree F range. The models were offering Expresso and Gelato for anyone on the parking lot till 11 PM each night the show was opened.



One of the drives took us to the Jack Daniel's sour mash whiskey plant. The return drive was through heavy Thunder storms that at times had my X driving through 6" of water.
The picture taken was at 3:00 PM in the afternoon.



Friday dinner was in the swimming pool court and there was a 1 1/2 hour open bar for all attending (200). Seated in front is Melody and Bob Martin from Kentucky and Sarina and myself just behind. Bob has a very nice 87 X that has won a lot of shows.



In the hotel lobby Fiat set up a simulator for anyone to try. The 500 shown does not have an engine but actuators that link into the computer screen infront of the car. The road course is timed and scores are posted on the screen.




Here is a shot of the Pavillion at night, Fiat made sure to place the cars around in a display fashion each day. A very nice presentation.



The cars were displayed on a show field in Nashville in front of the Parthanon, a replica of the same in Greece.








The Fiat 500 Rag top in Light Green, some love it others hate it, while still others say you have to let it grow on you.



The Fiat 500's took the back row of the event, one car was sporting a cloth cover that looked like a Fiat 500.




After the show field an hours drive through the country side of Tennessee.



Saturday evening was the awards banquet hosting 250 in attendance. Bob Raynor and Fiat North American president Laura Soave spoke at the dinner.



TonyK.

Thanks Tony. Looks like it was a great event ! Were there many X's there ?

I counted 17 including my own. More on this event latter after work.

TonyK.

Hi Tony
what about a write up for the club mag?

Nik, Sandra and I were at the 2002 FFO held at Grand Island. We flew into Washington, then drove to Tennessee to meet up with Jim Seabolt then drove two days to Grand Island. Met up with Damon Kayne, Brett, Sherman and the famous BOB.

Would love to be back, especially if you ever go to Arizona

Ewen

say hi to the gang for me

That is an hours drive from my home.


Daymond, Brett and Bob Raynor were there, I am not sure about Sherman.

Daymond I have always found distant and have never gotten past a hello. He has organized some terrific drives for the cars in Valley Forge and the Pocono Mountains.

I am not sure you want an event in Arizona in the summer time as the temps can be about 120 degrees in the summer months. Many complained about how hot it was for this year's event. Litteraly you are soaked in sweat when driving those little cars.


TonyK.

wow! now thats what i call a mega-meet....great pics,thanks for sharing

Thanks Tony for allowing us to share your National event on the other side of the pond

perhaps that should be International event ,,,,,

Looks like a great time you had. Any idea where next years event will be? Would be nice to see the new 500's and meet old friends and new. I have a plan ...... :roll:

Ewen

Is Detroit as Fiat will be in full swing sales of the new 500.

I did hear some conversation with promanate club memebers trying to perswade the north chapter to consider hosting the show there.

As well the organization of the event may get farmed out to a 3rd party as it has become a large event that requires a lot of planing. Time will tell, I will post when I hear of anything.

TonyK.