RobiNZ Personal Blog

Ridelabelz laundering instructions for an Abarth

When AHBART was detailed by Final Touch it included ceramic paint protection. That came with very specific hand wash instructions so, although I never use car washes, when I saw this amusing accessory on an Abarth Group had to get one. Seems appropriate for the car and summarises those car care instructions :) I ordered it a couple of months ago and had almost forgotten when, thanks to COVID-19 mail timelines, it arrived last Friday. It is printed on heavy duty vinyl and Velcro attached; take a look at ridelabelz.nl for details. Read more →

The evolution of the Fiat 500

While Frank Stephenson did design the production new generation Fiat 500 it is a pity he did not mention, credit, Roberto Giollito and his Fiat Trepiùno concept car (below) which served as the inspiration. It was named for a unique 1+2 seat configuration where the front passenger seat could be slid forward, under a recessed dashboard, to create two full size passenger spaces beside the driver. Pity that didn't make production! Still getting a concept to production largely intact, past the bean counter cuts and real-world requirements, is no mean feat. Love watching him draw too. I wondered if he'd... Read more →

Austin Maxi Vs Fiat 128, no contest

Love this driventowrite.com series comparing the design and life of the Austin Maxi and Fiat 128. Although they were not direct competitors (the 128 is more 1100 sized) the similarities, of both cars and design history, are remarkable. 128 v. Maxi Part 1 : Last Tango of the Titans 128 vs Maxi Part 2 : Function over Form 128 vs Maxi Part 3 : Spring Song 128 vs Maxi Part 4: The Racehorse and the Donkey Continuing our meditation on the Austin Maxi and Fiat 128 Every Day Is Judgement Day. If you drive a front wheel drive car today... Read more →