Fiat 124 Spider

Launched in 1966 Turin Motor Show, the Fiat 124 Spider was such a huge success that it remained in production right up until 1985. 

The classically Italianate bodywork was styled and manufactured by Pininfarina, while the running gear and platform was based on the Fiat 124 Coupe but with a shorter wheelbase. Power initially came from Fiat’s lovely free-revving 1.5-litre twin cam with an aluminium cylinder head designed by ex-Ferrari chief engineer, Aurelio Lampredi, although by 1974 this had grown to 1.8-litres in capacity. Suspension was by coil springs all round (independent double-wishbone front / Panhard rod-located 'live' axle rear) with four-wheel disc brakes and worm-and-roller steering.

With a very roomy cabin and features like an optional five-speed gearbox, intermittent wipers and a hood that could be raised in under twenty seconds, the Spider took many sales from the likes of MG and Triumph in America, where some 75% of all Spiders were sold – it was never officially available in the UK or in right-hand drive.

Dating from April 1978, this particular Spider has the 118bhp 1.8-litre engine which gave a top speed of 115mph and could crack 60mph in 9 seconds. The vendor imported the car from California early last year and states that it had been fully restored in America shortly before he bought it. We are told that the work included a full mechanical overhaul, a new beige interior piped in maroon, new marine grade hood and restored frame plus a quality respray in beautiful deep maroon. The chassis has also been undersealed.

Said to be in excellent, rust-free condition throughout, the car has only had very limited use since the restoration was completed and has only covered 88,000 miles in total, mainly on the salt free Pacific Coast Highway. While all import duties have been paid, it has not yet been UK registered. With specialist dealers charging over £30,000 for fully restored 124 Spiders, this example looks to be a relative snip by comparison.
 

PS: This car has an MOT until May 2014.