Frank L. Di Gioia
True Classic
Bit of nostalgia/history here. I first was introduced to Fiats in around 1964/5 as the rumor of a fantastic little "circus car" swept Granada Hills High school. The buzz was that a tiny, I mean mini, car was blowing everything off at the local 1/4 mile! Next Sunday San Fernando drag strip was packed. Once things got to the class finals it came out. A Fiat 600 from Glendale sponsored by Rich Motors. Actually their national champ H production sedan, or whatever class it was in. They beat Al Cosintino out nationally. First up was a 413 Dodge Ramcharger with the dealers name pasted all over the side. I think it was from Ventua Blvd. The little guy ate him out of the hole and walked away on the top end!!! Next was a 425 HP 396 Corvette. Same thing! I was hooked on small bore cars after that, Fiats in particular. That place called Vietnam interfered with my following up for quite some time. Next installment (if anyone cares to hear anymore semi-senile rambling) will be a visit to Rich Motors, Glendale California around 1969. This was in the days that a 289 Cobra could be bought used, you choice of colors, on Wilshire Blvd. all day long for $3400. Yes, I'm as old as dirt....