Ken/Karen DicksonThis car is know as "Red" a 1971 1608 spider, pretty much original with only period correct modifications. This is Red's fourth MOFLO and has seen a lot of freshening since the first one where the interior was shot, and the exterior was tired. Red was purchased as a driver to substitute for our car that we lost in the great flood of 93. Red has served that role well and has be rewarded with major upgrades and detailing.
Kris and I almost didn't make MOFLO this year. We have been recently delivering Fiats across the country. We first went out to Lancaster Ohio to pick up an 850 for Jeff and deliver it to LA where we picked up a beautifuly rust free green 71 and brought it back to St. Louis. We didn't arrive until Wed. before MOFLO and by the time we unloaded the car, put the wheels back on Red, and mowed the grass it was time to pull out for MOFLO. If we looked a bit blitzed, it is because of the 5,500 miles on the big green van pulling Fiats. We may soon be a three fiat MOFLO with two red and one green car in the autobarn.
For this MOFLO Red received new Cibie headlights, a new wood dashboard, with new and restored guages, drilled and slotted rotors with polished calipers, a single hose thermostat conversion and complete engine detail and polish to go with some vintage Redline cast aluminum air cleaners replacing the "correct" tutleback from last year. The only thing left for Red's complete restoration is the paint though you can see that for a driver, red is very presentable.
The last three MOFLOs have been very special for me as we have brought our son and his car with us and have enjoyed watching him get along with the other Fiatsi present. It seems a shame to have the outing over so soon after so much preparation with the other members of the RC staff, but all good things end so soon. This year is the best year ever even though we didn't have as many different types of cars this year, the quality of the cars is constantly being raised. It is amazing to me how the cars improve each year.
We are lucky to live only two and a half hours away in nearby St. Louis. This area of the Midwest is loaded with two lane country roads, wonderful wine vineyards, and resturaunts. It is truly a sport car paradise, and it is wonderful to hear that so many folks enjoy not only the MOFLO outing but also the drive here and back.
Kris, Karen and I enjoyed seeing many of our old firends and hope to see you and your car next year at MOFLO. We are making plans now to make next years outing bigger and better. In the meantime, get out there and enjoy your neat little car.