Hundreds of Fiat and Abarth owners from throughout North America gathered in Orlando last weekend as Fiat Club America celebrated its 35th annual “FIAT FreakOut” national convention.
Held at Walt Disney World and nearby attractions, the organizers’ dubbed this year’s event as “The Most Magical FreakOut on Earth.” The event registered as one of the most highly attended national conventions in FIAT Club America’s history.
A husband and wife even drove their new-generation Fiat 124 Spider cross-country from Tacoma, Washington, to attend this year’s festivities.
Created and executed by Fiat enthusiasts, the FIAT FreakOut event is an annual four-day event that rotates throughout the country. This year's event included driving tours throughout Disney properties and a scenic trip through orange groves and Florida’s backwoods to the Lakeridge Winery.
Members were also treated to festive-themed meals, including a private dessert party at the Italy showcase in Epcot.
The main event was the Concorso Di Eleganza vintage car display, which was followed by a banquet and award ceremony.
The oldest vehicle that appeared in this year’s “Concorso D’Eleganza” was a 1952 Fiat 500C Topolino. Other vehicles on hand included a 1977 Lancia Scorpion, 1984 Pininfarina Spider Volumex, 1986 Bertone X1/9 Dallara and an original factory-raced Fiat 131 Abarth rally car from the collection of John Campion.
A highlight of the gathering included the attendance of Anneliese Abarth, the wife and partner of the late Carlo Abarth, who served as the keynote speaker during the members annual banquet.
As the widow of the legendary automotive designer, she carries on his legacy, actively representing Abarth at classic car events and international club meetings throughout the world.
“Each year, we strive for the FIAT FreakOut to be the best ever,” said Doug Von Koenig, president of FIAT Club America. “And this year we achieved that goal by providing our members with a thrilling experience at Disney and having Anneliese Abarth on hand as our keynote speaker.”
“The passion and loyalty of FIAT fans were on full display at this year’s FreakOut,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “With a full range of fun-to-drive vehicles spanning multiple decades, this is the perfect annual event for owners to celebrate FIAT’s iconic Italian heritage and design."
At the conclusion of the members banquet, the club announced that next year’s Fiat FreakOut event will be held in Greensboro, North Carolina on 10-14 July.
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