Re: Buying New Alfas/Da Silva

["Josie and Chris" <josiechris@domain.elided>]

Re: Walter Da Silva and the 156 at the '98 Concours Italiano

> He doubted that more
>than a handful of the Alfisti in attendance had purchased their Alfas new.
>He then asked for a show of hands from the crowd of those who had ever
>purchased a new Alfa. Out of the large group, only a few raised their hands.
>At this point DiSilva moved on.


We were there too but I heard it in a different context. Keith Martin, after
pumping up the crowd with his "Give me an A! Give me an L! Give me an F!..."
and as Alfa-friendly an MC as one could ask for, asked Da Silva how much
that particular model 156 on the ramp cost in lire. Da Silva told him and he
did a quick conversion to US$. It came out to about $30,000 and some change.
Martin then asked the audience how many would buy the car, and NEARLY EVERY
HAND CAME UP (I think I raised both hands). I mean, Martin gave us all a cue
and we went for it! I think Da Silva was probably prepared for it, and it
was then that he commented:

"It's Not Enough."

FIAT was never interested in bringing in any new Alfas. So why bring a 156
over at all? We were incredulous when Da Silva said they brought the 156
over because they wanted it to appeal to obviously well-heeled U.S. buyers
who wanted to buy a (preferably Italian) car "to use in Europe." I don't
think you can possible get smaller in terms of market segment (probably the
same people who flew in on the Symbolic Motors courtesy helicopter!!), but
maybe it was all B.S.

It will be interesting to hear from any FIAT -types this weekend. Have fun &
drive safe!

Chris and Josie Robyn
El Cerrito, CA
'84 GTV-6
'91 168
'88 Milano

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