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A sad day...
#1631088
26/03/2019 17:31
26/03/2019 17:31
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,064 South Cambs
Barmybob
OP
Hon Club Member: 003
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OP
Hon Club Member: 003
Je suis un Coupé
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,064
South Cambs
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So today I took my Coupé out of the Garage for the last time. I gave the car a quick clean, checked all the levels, put a few more items in the boot and headed off to fill her up with some fresh V-power. Other than taking the car for the mot last week, in the village, I've not really driven the car for quite some time. I have become accustomed to my daily driver, an Audi A5. The A5 is quiet, really well built, comfortable, packed with toys and has one heck of a torque push. So getting back behind the wheel of the Coupé is all a bit strange. The large windows, that go low into the door line, make it feel a bit like you are sat "on" rather than "in" the car. The rear view mirror is remarkably close to your head and you soon remember just how compact the Coupé is. Initially everything feels really raw. there is a lot more road noise and oh yes I have to change gear! The car feels a bit too hard for the "B Road" heading out of the village and it takes some time to get used to everything. After the Audi this is a real assault on the senses. I arrive at the garage and pop open the fuel filler. Fellow in front has a really smart mid 90's 911 and is throwing admiring glances towards the Coupé. After he pays he pops over to say That's a "Fabulous Looking car." We then spend a few moments nattering before he leaves. I finish filling and as I return to the car another fellow is out of his van looking over the car. "Oh wow mate, a Fiat Coupé, not seen one of these for ages, I loved these when I was a kid, my uncle had one." Fuelling complete I head off towards Newmarket to give the car a bit of a run. The car feels much nicer on the "A" roads and I begin to remember why I loved this car. I get to the edge of Newmarket and spin around to head home. Car is now all warmed up and it sounds amazing, that has Miltek always had a nice sound when warm. The drive home is a little more spirited and I've got used to the car again. The coupé lacks the torque of my A5, the low down shove of that V6 Diesel, with the DSG changes is amazing, but the Audi has not got that high RPM punch of the fiat has. As the rev needle rises the Fiat sounds epic and is a real hoot. A BMW M140i went screaming past so I thought I would follow. We were stuck behind a truck and I thought he would easily drop me as we accelerated away, and indeed he did... but not by much I left the A11 and headed home, car was burbling and popping wonderfully has I went through the village Todays little drive has rekindled a little bit of the love I had for my Coupé. It's going to be a little sad to say goodbye tomorrow but I have a lot of good memories. I really hope that the TTRS, which will be next, is going to manage to combine some of the best bits of the Coupé with the best bits of the A5. Tomorrow the Coupé and I will take our last trip together
Gone Audi mad!
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631102
26/03/2019 20:17
26/03/2019 20:17
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 416 uk
OnlyItalian
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 416
uk
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The NAs are a little softer. Spring rates and smaller wheels with higher profile tyres. My VIS is quite comfortable compared to the LE.
"Proud owner of LE141 and a 99 VIS broomie "
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631103
26/03/2019 20:30
26/03/2019 20:30
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,064 South Cambs
Barmybob
OP
Hon Club Member: 003
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OP
Hon Club Member: 003
Je suis un Coupé
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,064
South Cambs
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My Coupé is on Billies and Apex springs. Joe (Magooagain) gave me some standard shocks and springs and I an letting these go with the car for the new owner.
Gone Audi mad!
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: mrc]
#1631109
26/03/2019 21:26
26/03/2019 21:26
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,064 South Cambs
Barmybob
OP
Hon Club Member: 003
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OP
Hon Club Member: 003
Je suis un Coupé
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,064
South Cambs
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Mate, it's been an absolutely pleasure getting to know you over the years and I hope you won't be a stranger on here or facebook! Cheers MrC, I'm sure Trish and me will turn up at and event or two and say hello. I do expect the future to hold some days of regret but hopefully the replacement car will help me through those days. To us our Coupé has been so much more than a car. It has taken us to some great meets, events and places. It has also enabled us to meet some fabulous people and make some really great friends. So, whilst the car is changing I'm sure I'll still be kicking about.
Gone Audi mad!
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631126
27/03/2019 14:12
27/03/2019 14:12
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,064 South Cambs
Barmybob
OP
Hon Club Member: 003
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OP
Hon Club Member: 003
Je suis un Coupé
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,064
South Cambs
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And that’s it, I no longer own a Fiat Coupe. We got up very early this morning and Drove down to Portsmouth to meet the new owner who had travelled overnight from France. Yep, my Coupe is stealing my retirement dreams and retiring to France! It was a good drive down and slightly emotional but the new owner is a really nice fellow, It lsounds like the car is going to have a good life in the sun. Whilst in Portsmouth we took an opportunity to check out a TT for sale and the Audi dealer. A yellow car with a black wrapped roof. Absolutely horrible wrap and a salesman that had absolutely no idea about the product, why do they employ muppets like that? Yellow One
Gone Audi mad!
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: barnacle]
#1631139
27/03/2019 20:35
27/03/2019 20:35
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,064 South Cambs
Barmybob
OP
Hon Club Member: 003
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OP
Hon Club Member: 003
Je suis un Coupé
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,064
South Cambs
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...now what spares have you got for sale Now there's a question. I will need to get everything together, I have stuff everywhere, and then get the items listed. Already have several PM's after a few of the items Aye well, we knew it would happen... Bob has gone to the dark side! One could suggest that my journey into the world of Italian cars was my shift to the dark side My move back to Audi has just been me seeing the light
Gone Audi mad!
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631142
27/03/2019 20:53
27/03/2019 20:53
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 416 uk
OnlyItalian
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 416
uk
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That's fighting talk on here. I think from now on you should be known as Darth Oodi!
"Proud owner of LE141 and a 99 VIS broomie "
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: respace]
#1631174
28/03/2019 18:39
28/03/2019 18:39
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,064 South Cambs
Barmybob
OP
Hon Club Member: 003
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OP
Hon Club Member: 003
Je suis un Coupé
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,064
South Cambs
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That's fighting talk on here. I think from now on you should be known as Darth Oodi! Honestly, I've loved every minute of life with a Fiat Coupé. It's those cloudy headlights, don't forget Audi is 'vorsprung dark (side) technik' Indeed, after my A5 lamps the Coupé dipped lamps did feel somewhat lacking early yesterday
Gone Audi mad!
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631176
28/03/2019 19:45
28/03/2019 19:45
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,784 Auld Reekie
Edinburgh
Club President, member225
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Club President, member225
Forum veteran
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,784
Auld Reekie
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I can only sympathise with your parting Bob, I can't think what it would be like without one But it seems to be in caring hands at least, better than in a scrappy. As has been said before, you never know....
BumbleBee carer
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631190
29/03/2019 09:15
29/03/2019 09:15
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 295 Free State of Jones
clanger
Making a profit
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Making a profit
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 295
Free State of Jones
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New owner reporting in. Understand how you feel Bob, having recently sold a Moto Guzzi I had owned for 20 years. Although still deeply attached to it, it anchored me to a period in my life and memories I will never forget but I had nevertheless 'moved on'. Its tucked up here in France, will likely only see spring and summer (I will have to pick times when the farmers are not muck spreading and covering the roads as is their way) and the paper chase begins to get it registered on a French plate I will update with my progress registering and running the car and contribute to the forum where I can. A great resource particularly the 'how to's' many thanks to everyone that put it together over the years. Guy
E85
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631194
29/03/2019 11:58
29/03/2019 11:58
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 629 Bulgaria
french_coupe
Club member 773
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Club member 773
Enjoying the ride
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 629
Bulgaria
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Hi Guy, Where in France are you? I am near to Limoges and have 2 x 20vt's there. One is on French plates and I will be doing the 2nd one this summer. I would be interested to here how you get on. Have you looked into the CoC yet? Frazer
lost in space
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631195
29/03/2019 13:30
29/03/2019 13:30
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783 In the coupe.
magooagain
Club Member 259
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Club Member 259
Forum is my life
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783
In the coupe.
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Welcome Guy. I will have a check later in my coupe history as Mrs Magoo thinks that we have registered 2 coupes with the same CoC.
Mind it could be a lot different now that it's the ANTS system here.
Good luck with the coupe.
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: magooagain]
#1631198
29/03/2019 15:11
29/03/2019 15:11
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 295 Free State of Jones
clanger
Making a profit
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Making a profit
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 295
Free State of Jones
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Hi Guy, Where in France are you? I am near to Limoges and have 2 x 20vt's there. One is on French plates and I will be doing the 2nd one this summer. I would be interested to here how you get on. Have you looked into the CoC yet? Frazer Hi Frazer, I'm about 30 mins south of Rennes. I've registered cars here on the old paper based (Madam says "Non") system and the new ANTS (computer says "Non) system - all times it went OK but its still just pushing paper really. Looking at Fiat France regards the CoC their homologation department claims they can provide for any Fiat car after 1996. There are a couple of others but I would rather provide them with a French doc. to head off any "computer says... Welcome Guy. I will have a check later in my coupe history as Mrs Magoo thinks that we have registered 2 coupes with the same CoC.
Mind it could be a lot different now that it's the ANTS system here.
Good luck with the coupe. Thanks - Joe? Bob talked about you several times. Have sent you a pm.
E85
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631221
30/03/2019 10:19
30/03/2019 10:19
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 295 Free State of Jones
clanger
Making a profit
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Making a profit
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 295
Free State of Jones
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Hi, Yes that was a process I followed for an old Merc E class (happily now departed). The ANTS system has changed things a bit, mostly for the better especially regarding the CT versus MOT!!
E85
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631239
30/03/2019 13:17
30/03/2019 13:17
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 629 Bulgaria
french_coupe
Club member 773
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Club member 773
Enjoying the ride
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 629
Bulgaria
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I haven't had the pleasure of the ANTS system as yet, but will do later on this year. I would be grateful if you can let me know how you get on.
I know that Fiat France will give you a CoC. I believe that it is 200 euros. An alternate is Eurococ on line. I haven't tried them, but the reviews are good. I don't know how they can be cheaper than Fiat, but the cost with them is about 170 euros.
lost in space
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631241
30/03/2019 13:46
30/03/2019 13:46
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783 In the coupe.
magooagain
Club Member 259
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Club Member 259
Forum is my life
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783
In the coupe.
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In 2009 I paid 180 to Fiat France for theCoC. Frazer do you still have the CoC for the first coupe you registered? I have mine I'm happy to send you a copy and you should be able to put your coupe info In place of mine.
Last edited by magooagain; 30/03/2019 13:47.
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631242
30/03/2019 14:37
30/03/2019 14:37
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 629 Bulgaria
french_coupe
Club member 773
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Club member 773
Enjoying the ride
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 629
Bulgaria
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Hi Joe, I don't have the one from the yellow car, no. I didnt actually realise that you can use them for more than one car, but makes sense now that you mention it. If you don't mind can you email a copy to frazermyers@hotmail.co.uk
Its time now to get the blue plus on French plates. No more trips to the UK for an MOT. Probably should have done it before Brexit came about, but I wasn't going to keep the car all these years. Cannot seem to let it go though.
Frazer
lost in space
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631243
30/03/2019 14:49
30/03/2019 14:49
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783 In the coupe.
magooagain
Club Member 259
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Club Member 259
Forum is my life
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783
In the coupe.
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I don't think we are supposed to use the CoC more than the once. But if you can change it so it looks original then why not!
Let me have your email Frazer.
Last edited by magooagain; 30/03/2019 14:50.
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631285
31/03/2019 16:35
31/03/2019 16:35
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 629 Bulgaria
french_coupe
Club member 773
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Club member 773
Enjoying the ride
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 629
Bulgaria
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Thanks Joe
OK. Why not. I like your thinking. Email address is frazermyers@hotmail.co.uk
Frazer
lost in space
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Re: A sad day...
[Re: Barmybob]
#1631323
01/04/2019 12:35
01/04/2019 12:35
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,609 S. Wales. Way beyond my means
Gripped
Club member 1924
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Club member 1924
Forum is my job
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,609
S. Wales. Way beyond my means
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It is a truly sad day Bob. Can we start a wager on how long it takes before you get another Coupe ? Maybe you could get a cheap one just to bring to FCCUK events? Or.... I could rent you mine ? Joking aside, I hope we'll still see you about at the odd event etc. Bring the Audi !
Last edited by Gripped; 01/04/2019 12:49.
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