Things seem to be slipping yet again 

Abarth today told me that the first 200 identical spec cars would be delivered "sometime" in March with the full launch of the regular customer spec cars sometime in April.

I was told today by the Dealer Principal at Research in Nuneaton that despite having paid my deposit in July - making me #53 in the official online order book - that it only really counted if I was going to have one of the original white 200 cars.
This was not mentioned on the website at the time or even now.

I must point out at this stage that this is not a swipe at Research who appear to be as tied with this as the customers. All they told me was what Abarth have told them earlier this week.

Furthermore, I was told if I was lucky I might get black leather as it would appear we're only getting cloth or red leather to start and if I really wanted a factory order (i.e not a white one) with esseesse kit, I'd best be prepared to wait until June.
The fact that I may now have to take my chances along with those who have placed a deposit since TG 3 weeks ago rankles a bit I must say.
Up until now, I'd been very patient regarding Abarth's baby but if this is how they are going to treat customers who have shown good faith by placing orders so far in advance, I'm really not impressed.
Not impressed at all. 

Have to agree with the comments above, I've kinda said what I think in other threads about my disappointment about the fixed spec.

Also taken from the 500 Abarth deposit site in the FAQ section:

"As with any car purchase, you will be able to choose the colour, trim, options, etc., at your local Abarth dealer when you place your formal order."

Bit misleading isn't this?

 

John,
I appreciate your comments. I suppose the reason why I was upset was because I'm only reporting what research told me.
They could neither tell me when the order book would open nor where my order would be in the overall scheme of things and I suppose that is what really grated, because I specifically asked if any of the first 200 people to order who didn't wish to take the white cars would be first on the order list and was told no.

Thanks for the comments again. I realise I was painting a fairly dreary picture and of course you are right, I need to see what happens when the order books open. Fingers crossed that Abarth can help ease our concerns.