Metro Detroit will see a wave of Fiat automobiles next year when the FIAT Club America brings the annual Fiat FreakOut back to the Motor City.
2017 Fiat 124 Spider reveal.
This will be the first time since 2007 that the event has been in Detroit, and it will come just months after FIAT revealed its newest model – the 124 Spider.
“Having a big event like this in the shadow of Fiat’s USA headquarters at the time of the launch of a new enthusiast-based vehicle is perfect,” said Thad Kirk, vice president, FIAT Club America. “The club’s historical roots are based on the Fiat 124 Spider as it was the most popular model that Fiat ever sold in this country and for many years it was the most popular model among club member ownership. Bringing the largest group of Fiat 124 owners to headquarters to see the new model will be exciting.”
The Detroit Chapter of the Fiat Club America is hosting the Fiat FreakOut 2016. It will be held July 27-31 with many events planned in the area around the FCA US headquarters in Auburn Hills.
Some of the events include a racing day, an autocross and a visit to the Walter P. Chrysler Museum.
FreakOut dates back to 1983 when a small group of FIAT owners met on the infield of the Pocono International Raceway for a one day gathering. Since then, the event has been held in Poughkkeepsie, N.Y. (site of Fiat’s first American operations); Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Nashville, Tenn.; and Chicago.
It has grown to attract more than 500 people over four – or more – days, and expanded from a car show to include events such as an awards banquet with guest speakers, driving tours, track days and local sightseeing visits.
Billed as the “the largest family gathering of Fiat owners in North America,” the event truly embodies the Italian concept of a “la famiglia” gathering.
“That very Italian trait of feeling the connection, helping each other and treating every other member like family is very much present in the club,” said Simone Bonino, of the Fiat Club America, Detroit Chapter. “There are no ugly or bad cars at our shows, it doesn’t matter who has more power or the best show queen, what matters is to have fun with good friends, old and new. For this reason, our Freakouts always show a nice combination of driving events, social and sightseeing events and lots of tailgating with friends in the parking lot.”
Visit the club’s website to learn more about Fiat FreakOut 2016.
