Made it to the sellers house. Seller (Doug) wasted no time in showing me the car and putting the key in my hand and instructing me to take it for a test drive. I needed to replace my ratchet, and while there was an hf nearby, Doug steered me to the closer walmart where I also wanted to grab some snacks for the ride too.
Who takes a test drive in a fiat to Walmart?
First impression is the car drives excellently. All controls are confident, engine starts immediately, revs and idles well, and the shifter is vauge but all gears are there. I'm very happy with the condition as delivered.
Upon returning from the mart of walls, Doug and I traded paperwork. On the bill of sale I told him I'd like to put separate line items for car, 13x8 three piece wheels, and rally wheels/tires, just in case I ever decided to challenge the car. Doug was unfazed and quickly wrote down (total price $2500 is what I paid):
1. Rally wheels and tires $1500 (apparently he just bought the tires and they cost about that much because 13s, the tires do look brand new)
2. 13x8 3 piece wheels $500
3. Fiat x1/9 $500
I asked him if that was realistic, and he looked at me and said "you do realize you're buying a 40 year old fiat right?"
Doug also had bought a wonderful barbecue dinner, so after exchanging money and signatures we feasted like kings and swapped car stories.
Doug is a great guy, and true car guy. I think he would love the challenge, I'm going to recommend he make the trip some year.
He does rockets (like no joke rockets, bigger than estes solid rocket motors stuff, stuff you have to have a license for), model cars, real cars, tons of cool stuff. Not only did I get to see his car stories, I got to hear about his rocket stuff too. Plus he's got some really cool rc cars and model cars (fiat x1/9s none the less).
Anyway. If you're curious what a fiat x1/9 looks like loaded up for a 1000 mile trip with 12 wheels, 8 tires, a separate windshield chrome strip, and a handful of other loose parts, here you go.
