Re: cup holders

[Tanthor@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 9/12/98 12:18:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time, owner-alfa-
digest@domain.elided writes:

<< 
 I have cup holders in my '87 milano Gold.  I bought the car from the
 original owner.  When I first saw them in the car, they looked so good I
  thought they might have been a dealer option.  Actually, they were
 bought at Sears many years ago.
 
 There is one mounted on each door panel.  They are black plastic and
 when not in use appear as a black square about the size of a 3.5" floppy
  disk and a little thicker than a CD case -  picture a black CD case (but
 only 3.5" x 3.5") mounted flat against the door panel.  There is also a
 subtle and neat emblem of a cup on the holder.  Like the CD case, the
 cup holder opens.  The cover folds down and stops when horizonal to form
 a sort of table for the cup, etc. to sit on.  Then there is a big ring
 that fold up and stops when horizontal to keep the cup, etc. from
 spilling - neat.
 
 I've not seen anything similar for sale.  If anyone else has, let me
 know - I would like to have some more.
  >>
I know of several places these can be purchased.  My local Benz dealer, and a
company called Precision Auto Designs 1-800-222-7253.  I have had great luck
with this Co. they don't have any Alfa parts though.  They sell the car
storage bubbles, car covers and other car care products along with a large
selection of MB parts.  The cup holders are ... well I can't find a price for
the vinyl covered ones.  The Burlwood is $79. each.  I am pretty sure they
have vinyl ones in most colors for $39 but don't quote me.

As far as why the Alfa's don't have cup holders.  A similar thread on the MB
digest came up with the theory that very few European cars have cup holders
because the idea of carrying a drink with you everywhere is an American thing.
The Europeans only started putting them into cars for shipping over here when
they realized how much we wanted them.  Any thoughts?
Ed Gibbs

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