Koen Bogaert

How is it to drive a 55 year old car?

Tuesday 5th

Forget about touch screens and sensors; in this bad boy, you've got a direct connection with the car. And by that, I mean it may sometimes feel like you're wrestling with it. Push the pedal and wait for the car to think about it.

The handling is less like modern precision driving and more like convincing an old Italian nonna to change her pasta recipe. Charming, but be patient and persuasive.

A/C is you winding down the window. GPS? That’s shouting for directions. Power steering? Well, think of it as your daily arm wrestling match. Every. Single. Turn.

Some cars give you predictability, and then there’s the Fiat 124 Sport Coupe. Let’s just say it has the whimsy of a cat on catnip – thrilling, but always keeps you guessing.

Oh, and did I mention the Abarth exhaust? It doesn’t just growl; it speaks fluent Italian opera. Who needs a car stereo when every rev is a Pavarotti high note? You won't just announce your arrival; you'll serenade the block!

In short, my Fiat 124 Sport Coupe, with its blend of vintage charm, Italian opera from the exhaust, and unpredictable quirks, doesn't just transport me from one place to another; it takes me on a whimsical journey back in time, making every drive feel like a playful adventure. It's nostalgia, performance, and pure Italian flair rolled into one – how could you not smile behind the steering wheel? 🚗🇮🇹😄

The 1968 Smurf

Thursday 24th

Among the classic gems that grace my collection, there's one car that holds a special place in my heart - the 1968 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe. Not only because of its sheer elegance and sporty allure, but because it shares its birth month with me: August 1968. Our shared timeline is just the beginning of the connection.

Driving amidst the sun-kissed lanes of Sardinia, Italy, this Fiat was not just any car; it was a staple in the life of a pasta maker's family. From ferrying bags of freshly made pasta in the trunk to carrying giggling children on joyrides, the Fiat was an intrinsic part of their daily tapestry. However, as time wore on, it was retired to a shed, where it lay forgotten, gathering dust and memories.

Years later, fate intervened. This Italian beauty was rediscovered and taken to mainland Italy. There, it was treated to a technical restoration, rejuvenating its spirit and restoring its former glory. It was around this time that our paths converged, and I became its proud owner, bringing it to Belgium. Today, it sits in splendid company with my other classics (ok the paint is faded at some spots )

For those unfamiliar with this model, the 1968 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe was Fiat's answer to the sportier car demand of the era. This wasn't just any Fiat; it was the epitome of style and performance. The fact that mine came with a 5-speed manual straight from the factory is testament to its sporty pedigree. With a light kerb weight of just under 1000 kg, the Fiat's 96bhp 1438cc twin-cam engine with dual throat Weber carb can sing happily to 6500rpm and beyond with a top speed exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h).

Every time I take it for a drive, I'm reminded not only of its storied past but also of the rich tapestry of history and innovation that it represents. And just like a fine wine, it only gets better with age. Just like me 

Getting behind the wheel for The Distinguished Gentleman's Drive

Tuesday 8th On Sunday, September 24th 2023, I'll be taking part in The Distinguished Gentleman's Drive. Together with thousands of classic car enthusiasts around the world, I will be raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health for the charity, Movember.

Before the dapper day, I'll be looking to raise as much as possible for the cause, to help men around the world live happier and healthier lives. With men's chances of developing prostate cancer later in life increasing, and one man dying every minute by suicide, we must do all we can to prevent more men from suffering.

This is something that affects us all and together, we can make a change. Please give what you can.