New to the Forum from Florida

[texanbrit]

Hi All, I'm also from Florida, Central Florida, where Mickey lives. I was made aware of this forum by "texanbrit" while trying to solve a stuck brake line's M10 Flare nut on the right rear. It just spins and will not separate from the rubber hose female fitting. I look forward to conversing with you all.

Welcome to the group

[sarasotabill]

Another Floridian here, from Sarasota. Welcome to the forum.

[Rael Nema]

Actually had a Blue 57 on my bumper today. Ended up losing her in traffic. Car and driver were cute.

And right after that a regular Turbo with my exact paint scheme (Red stripes on white ) passed me at a light and he lost me in traffic. Starting to see a lot more of us. I count at least 7 in my town of 20k. There's hope if people would just buy something new once in a while.

[MadFiat]

Actually had a Blue 57 on my bumper today. Ended up losing her in traffic. Car and driver were cute.

And right after that a regular Turbo with my exact paint scheme (Red stripes on white ) passed me at a light and he lost me in traffic. Starting to see a lot more of us. I count at least 7 in my town of 20k. There's hope if people would just buy something new once in a while.

Some cars have a much more popular second life than new life.

Usually that indicates they were one of a few things:
1) Too expensive new. Don't think the Abarth falls into this category really despite what some say.
2) Marketed to the wrong audience. Possibly true. Fiat really pushed the European "Fiat 500s are Stylish and Chic and Sexy" early on. The US doesn't buy stylish and chic. The sexy message alone wasn't believable.
3) The car's market simply doesn't buy new cars.

I think the issue is #2 and #3.

Fiat 500s are popular first cars. People who buy first cars though typically buy used, not new. There, the Fiat 500 is an exceptional bargain. Gearheads don't typically buy new unless they are relatively well off (in which case the Abarth seemed too basic and underpowered), or the car is an exceptional bargain new (2020 Corvette, etc). That leaves not very many people to buy them new.