[passanha]

Finally making my first post. Thanks for approving me. I started my car ownership journey in 2003 with a Fiat Palio 1.2 NV Sport in Pune. Still have that car, will make a post about it later. Since then I have moved to USA and have owned Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, BMW 335i, Acura MDX, Nissan Leaf, Mini Cooper, Tesla Model S (Twice), Subaru Outback and now Fiat 1100D.

I always wanted Premier Padmini to be my first car, however, by the time I could afford it, it was history. So finally got a 1100D from Germany. Did a frame-off restoration and here is the result. I know some puritans will disagree with the deviations, so please don't beat me down for it.

[sandeepmohan]

That is a beautiful car and a very good restoration job. The right shade of red sure makes the car stand out too.

What is the manufacturing year of your Fiat?

I can see what looks like a hose taken off the water pump line going into the cabin. Is that for the heater core? Was this original fitment?

How easy was it to source parts for the car? I've been looking for the windscreen washer pouch and plunger in India and can't find one. The transparent brake fluid reservoir is good as you can see the color and level of the brake fluid.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by passanha

So finally got a 1100D from Germany. Did a frame-off restoration and here is the result.

Welcome aboard. What an intro man! That is the most beautiful 1100D I have ever seen in my life. Perfect colour of the exteriors & interiors. You must really love this car to import it to the USA and then restore it. How much did you spend on the restoration?

I know some puritans will disagree with the deviations, so please don't beat me down for it.

Enjoy your car, man . Purists can take a hike. Even with my 23-year old Jeep, I don't care two hoots about originality. If something superior is available mechanically or cosmetically, I go for it.

[landcruiser123]

Hi Passanha,
Welcome to the forum. Your 1100D looks amazing. Did you buy it in DE and import it or did you buy an imported car in CA? The restoration looks sweet, did you get it done in CA?

BTW, looks like we might be neighbors (I live north of Apple HQ.) We could probably meet sometime when the conditions permit - and I could ogle at your car for a few hours.

Originally Posted by GTO

Enjoy your car, man . Purists can take a hike. Even with my 23-year old Jeep, I don't care two hoots about originality. If something superior is available mechanically or cosmetically, I go for it.

People are divided depending on how they use the car and what they intend to do with it.

Originality matters a lot if you’re attending shows/competitions and want to make a reputation as a seller of ‘pure’ classic cars. Some original cars can make some serious $$$ for sellers. Most people who care about originality won’t drive their car as often as you drive your jeep.

I do get your point of view knowing how much you actually like to drive & use the jeep. It might not fetch you big $$$ in a resale, but I doubt you care as your jeep makes you smile every time you drive it.

[deetjohn]

Wow! Amazing! This was our first car at home and I learned full autonomous driving in the little Fiat. Love that engine bay, so clean!

Not a fan of that red on the 1100D, but it is really not my place to comment on that. What's the deal with wipers? And any interesting encounters with the cops on the road to share?? Really curious to understand their reaction when they see this magnet on road. I have a feeling they will totally appreciate this. And how do you manage the acceleration when joining the freeway? CA got some good legal speeds and great roads for this old fella!

Have loads of fun with it in the CA sun.

[deepakhon]

Wow! It looks very beautiful. The color suits the car.

[punterccrx8s]

WOW!. That is one of the best looking 1100D Ive seen. Welcome to the Forum.

[Vinod_nair]

Welcome to the forum.

What a neat restoration, I just love a clean uncluttered engine bay.

You even have the water thaili for the windscreen wash, top $$$.

Regards

[silverado]

What a beauty!
Can we request you to start a proper thread on your FIAT 1100 please?
I am eager to hear its exhaust note.

[Samurai]

Welcome to Team-BHP... WOW! That's a great restoration.

I am a bit confused about the lack of wipers or seat belts. Is that street legal in CA?

[GrandTourer]

Welcome aboard!

Wow! This is the most immaculately restored Fiat I have ever seen (that includes TBHP). That engine bay is so much more cleaner and uncluttered compared to any new car.

Also, looking at the amount of space available in the engine bay, you can also think of a larger engine swap a few years down the line, when you want to spruce it up a bit more. I'm sure engine swaps aren't as expensive or even illegal in the US, unlike back here.

Happy motoring!

[moralfibre]

Welcome aboard Passanha! That has to be one incredible restoration. Given the labour costs in California, it must have cost a bomb to get it done up. Would love to see a thread on your experience right from acquisition to restoration.

Have shared your thread with a Fiat fan who stays up in Vallejo. He'll be thrilled to see this.

Would love to check it out in person when I visit next.

[roamer012]

Originally Posted by Samurai

I am a bit confused about the lack of wipers or seat belts. Is that street legal in CA?

Must be covered under the import rule of vehicles older than 25 years.

[AZT]

That back seat is pure royalty. What a restoration! I've never driven a car with the Padmini type gear shift so it's one of those bucket list things for me

Enjoy this beauty. 5 Star thread

[ninjatalli]

That is one pretty Fiat! I'd say red would probably not have been my ideal choice - these cars go really well with light shades but I'm not complaining - it's wonderful to such it in such good shape!

BTW what's that blue bag/packet for in the engine bay?