It's completely rotten underneath Rear chassis, above the fuel tank, sills, front footwells, front inner wings, etc, etc
That, coupled with the extensive lacquer peel on the roof and bootlid, the criminal damage/scratches along the drivers side and things like a cambelt being due, etc., then it's not viable or safe to keep it on the road much longer

I knew the rot/rust was getting bad, but didn't realise the extent until it went into the garage for a couple of jobs last week and I asked them to check it out.

My MOT bloke has been very good, especially the last couple of years, but I can't ask him to risk his license to enable me to keep my Coupe on the road any longer

Coupes have gone up in value, so can't afford another, so before November this year, my 10 years of owning my Coupe will come to an end

Started coming to terms with this last week, but still gutted and will be hard to imagine my life without a Coupe now.

I'm probably one of the few left that still uses it every day, still loves it as much as the first day I bought it, hasn't got rid of it due to family, etc

Hi Theresa,

I'm really sorry to hear your sad news and find myself racking my brain, wanting to find you a solution. Your dedication to the car, the club and fellow owners over the years, has been amazing.

I'm sure that your efforts for the club have at times, felt like a thankless task, but the other responses on here prove otherwise. Some good suggestions have been made and unless you have time and facilities to break and sell off the parts, maybe you could consider keeping it for a bit, to see what opportunities turn up in future. After all, a Scrappy will only give £100-200 max, I guess.

With the values rising, as you pointed out, even rotten cars may soon be worth repairing/restoring.

Or what about we all have a club whip-round to help with a repair fund? If enough of us gave, say £10-20, you'd soon get there. This wouldn't be charity, by the way, but a reflection of the appreciation other club members have for you.

To put my money where my mouth is, I'll pledge £50 towards repairs.

The club could consider making an in depth "how to save/restore a coupe" video documentary series?

As barney says...would need someone responsible to look after the car after respair...

So sad we are all facing the same unfortunately , why so bad from last year though ?

I really want to be able to find a cheap Sprinty, so I can swap everything over and make it look like mine, but without all the issues

Same chap has three Coupés for sale and refers to each as "My" Coupé. I guess he's a bit of a trader. Cars look ok though.

(I've had 'interaction' with him)

Not if you keep on top of it every year or two. Only an issue if neglected. These cars need TLC and that costs money. Unfortunately, some owners don't even service the cars properly, nevermind addressing the tin worn issue and think they can drive the car forever and just put petrol in.

Noooo! This makes me very sad T. Nobody loves their coupe more. You deserve a coupe. I think a nice cheap one will come along and you shall be back in one in no time. I've just bought a house and cannot afford any big bills from my own car or it'll have to be sold/scrapped the first time the MOT man looks at me with that look! There's got to be a sugar daddy multiple coupe owner millionaire reading this? Give this girl what she wants and she'll be putty in your hands forever more
Seriously though, really sorry to hear this. I think you should let us start a fund to get you back on the road. I'm in!

Matt x

Wow, so many replies - wasn't expecting that!

I have tears in my eyes, but also a smile on my face reading all the good wishes and suggestions, etc

Thanks so much for all your comments, thoughts and suggestions, they are all appreciated.

Especially appreciated is the offers of money to help keep my Coupe on the road
Everyone on here (except proccy ) have been kind to me over the years, but as proccy has said, I'm afraid I can't accept anyone's money to help fix my Coupe although I'm extremely touched and thankful for everyone's offers - thank you

Many people have been in the same situation as me and will be in the future and it's not fair that they won't be offered the same help.

I'll still always stay around here, I love this Club, I still love the Coupe and still love the people on here and the friends I've made through here.

I haven't asked for a price on the welding work as I know it's going to run into 4 figures due to the extent of what's needed.
The garage I take my Coupe to is an Italian car specialist and is where I also worked for 10 years or so and they know their stuff.

I'm also thinking about buying an Alfa 147 2L TS from him that he said I can have cheap, so that may be my next car.
I would rather give my money to him for an Alfa 147, than the same money to a random Ebay or Facebook seller for something like a Ford or Vauxhall, etc.
The 147 which is a car I've always liked and know through working on and driving customers cars I'd love a GTA, but can't stretch to that

I just don't know what to do with my Coupe when the time comes though

I can make room for it on my driveway, but as it'll be outside, it'll become more rusty and damp/mould, etc.
I don't know whether to take all the good bits off, sell them and scrap the car or keep all the bits in the hope I can eventually buy another Coupe or just pay for storage somewhere and keep the car there, intact, in the hope that I'll be able to afford to get the work done one day

Whatever happens, thank you all for your offers of help and kind words

(I may get in touch with the local college though, as I used to go there and know one of the lecturers still there)

Not having this T ,
If you can get the car to me and your not in a huge rush I will throw it on the back ramp and get it welded up for you On a few nights after work.

No charge.

Not having this T ,
If you can get the car to me and your not in a huge rush I will throw it on the back ramp and get it welded up for you On a few nights after work.

No charge.

Thank you for your offer John and again, thanks to everyone else for theirs, it truly is appreciated and I'll always be thankful, but again, I will be declining, for many reasons.

I know there are discussions going on via pm's, etc., on how to help me, but please, this is not what I want.

All I wanted was a bit of understanding and sympathy, but nothing on this scale and only thought you should all be informed about my Coupe, seeing as I'm President of the Club and all that!

I now wish I hadn't posted anything and just scrapped the car when the time came and then told you all

I have a couple of plans in mind which I'm thinking about and my MOT doesn't run out until November, so still have a few months to decide what to do.

There are many Coupes out there that need to be saved and are in better condition than mine, so please consider that and use your money for those instead or even your own Coupe.

I really do thank you all and appreciate you all for trying to help though, please don't think I'm being ungrateful

Hi T

I understand that you might have reasons for still allowing the Coupe to go, despite John's generous offer. Life changes and people move on.

However, if its a bit of pride that's stopping you from accepting, then please think again.

I'm a firm believer that people reap what they sow. Plenty of Coupes have gone to the scrappy over the last few years, but very few from such a devotee to the Coupe "cause". Without you and the small band of people that run the Club and the forum, this place simply wouldn't exist and we'd all be the poorer for it.

Its just a shame that the work needed doesn't involve some mechanical parts, otherwise I'd be happy to help out from our stock at Motormech.

Regardless, I think the President of the Fiat Coupe Club UK should accept a bit of heartfelt recompense for the countless hours that you've selflessly committed to other people over the years.

Pretty sure everyone will respect your decision whichever direction you choose

There's nothing I could disagree with there Nigel but it's only fair to say that all the 'conspirators' that I know of have called off the chase now, being faced with the prospect of losing a good friend.

So, if you all want to help me, find me a dead cheap Sprinty please

Check out Steve Rs on facebook, selling a 20vt for 2 grand, looks to be a bargain . Sprint blue as well !

I just felt I need to put in my two penn'orth while I had the chance

sprinty on gumtree in manchester for 350 quid, needs engine swap, cheap though at 350

sprinty on gumtree in manchester for 350 quid, needs engine swap, cheap though at 350