Defying Stereotypes: The 500,000 Mile 1980 Fiat Brava
Not suitably impressed by the recent 446,000 mile Neon? How about a 1980 Fiat Brava with a half-million miles, on its original engine no less! It just goes to show that anything can be kept going forever, with the right attitude, perseverance and a (full time?) dedicated mechanic. 818now.com has the full story on Gil Cormaci (is chauvinism at work here?) and his stereotype defying Fiat that recently rolled over its odometer for the fifth time.
Yes, his mechanic Tony Jamie Morar of three decades has the paperwork (and yacht) to prove the Fiat’s exploits in longevity. Cormaci drives it 150 miles daily on his commute. He even claims that the air conditioner and sliding steel roof are both functional, and it gets thirty miles to the gallon, since he (Jamie, presumably) converted it to a manual transmission in the early nineties. Now that’s commitment.
In his own words: “Fiats are great cars, but were misunderstood and abused by drivers who didn’t properly care for them, Cormaci argues. He is in the process of restoring a 1969 Fiat Coupe.
“We actually had three Fiats,” Cormaci lamented. “We had a 128, but that isn’t with me anymore.”
The secret to Fiat immortality: “He attributed the longevity of his Fiat Brava to regular oil changes, routine mechanics visits and smooth, moderately-paced driving.”
More by Paul Niedermeyer
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Ahh, a Brava and a turbo = what more could one ask for? Really... Fiat powerplants were stone-axe reliable for forever, if you changed the oil, and adjusted the valves here and there. Pre-Bosch electricals? Not so much, but i digress...
I really hate anglo americans when they talk about Fiat. and theyr steriotypes!! They took it as a menace when fiat came to the states and choosed to apply the commercial crime thing because they knew theyr things couldn't even corner properly and with one hit in the doors they ripped open like empty soda cans those big ugly thirsty fords, I am certain that fiat has very strong engines, you can even go home without water or oil in the engine block. Never try that with any other brand! If mantained properly a fiat can go on forever, just avoid ice melting salt in the winter ad inspect the monocoque underbody regurally. adjust valves change spark plugs oil, oil filter and air filter and she will never let you down! a 131 handles great and has alot of power to offer (depending on engine up to 150 HP) abarth tuned 250!! I will buy me a fiat punto soon and laugh at all anglo amercan stuff when i go with 95 HP en 3,5 liter 100 km 7 airbags and a reinforced structure around the driver and occupants, what can I ask more?