Project Description
Fiat 124 Spider
Fiat’s hugely successful Pininfarina 124 Spider Europa 2.0 Litre
Price
SOLDYear
1984Mls/Kms
55,779 milesSold in
GermanyHistory
The Fiat 124 Sport Spider is a classic convertible sports car that was produced by Fiat from 1966 to 1985. It was designed by and manufactured at the Italian carrozzeria Pininfarina factory and made its debut at the November 1966 Turin Auto Show, showcasing the work of designer Tom Tjaarda. One of the notable features of the Fiat 124 Sport Spider was its monocoque construction, which means that the car’s body and chassis were integrated into a single unit. The car was front-engine and rear-wheel drive, following the traditional sports car layout. It gained significant popularity in the United States of America and became a sought-after model during its production years. As indicated by its chassis number: 5501736, this specific example was built in March 1983 during the models peak production period of 1981 – 1984. It’s interesting to note that this particular car made its way back to Europe in 1997 as a German import; this phenomenon of classic cars returning to their home countries after many years is not uncommon, and it speaks to the enduring appeal and nostalgia associated with these vehicles. Since arriving in Germany, the car has had four owners, each keeping it for a substantial period of 4-5 years before selling it. As of now, it has German Historical Registration, indicating its status as a historical vehicle. The recorded mileage on the car is 55,245 miles, which is considered relatively low for a vehicle of its age and suggests that it has been well-preserved.
Exterior
The car boasts an exquisite Chiaro/Garbato metallic finish, with paint code 612A – Grigio, that elegantly complements its overall appearance. This understated color choice lends a discreet and refined aura to the vehicle. It harmoniously contrasts with the meticulously maintained mohair hood, which fits snugly and retains its superb condition. Fiat has always been lauded for its user-friendly convertible roof systems, and this car is no exception. Raising or lowering the roof is a hassle-free experience, providing a cozy and sheltered environment when raised. For added convenience, a factory-supplied rear tonneau cover is included to protect the convertible top when it’s down. While the exterior impresses with its overall condition, it’s worth noting a minor scratch on the rear passenger side wheel arch. However, please be aware that this scratch can be expertly painted over upon request, ensuring the vehicle’s exterior remains in top-notch condition. One notable feature that adds to the car’s character is the presence of its original US-style bumpers, which retain their classic design without being obtrusive. In summary, this car presents itself as a charming and well-maintained vehicle with a tasteful color scheme, user-friendly convertible roof system, and minimal external blemishes.
Interior
Inside the vehicle, you’ll find a classic and elegant ambiance that perfectly captures the essence of its era. The focal point is a beautifully matched wooden steering wheel and gear knob, complemented by a tasteful wood-veneer dashboard – a hallmark of its time. The presence of numerous Pininfarina badges adds a touch of prestige and underscores the car’s Italian design heritage. The seats, crafted from PVC materials, and their coordinating head restraints are true to the period and price category. The door cards remain in excellent condition, as does the all-black carpeting that extends throughout the interior. One of the standout features is the ample space behind the seats, thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger soft luggage bags or other cargo, enhancing the car’s versatility. At the heart of the dashboard, the Becker Europa tuning radio takes center stage, retaining its functionality and adding a vintage charm to the driving experience. Electric windows, while standard for the time, operate at a slightly more leisurely pace compared to modern cars, which is characteristic of many Fiat models from that era. Enthusiasts with an eye for detail will appreciate the discreet after-market choke switch, a thoughtful addition for optimising cold starts. Furthermore, a security-conscious touch is the immobiliser fuel pump switch discreetly positioned just below the passenger side of the dashboard.
Engine & Transmission
The four-cylinder engine used in the spider is a double overhead cam, aluminum crossflow head version of the sedan’s pushrod unit. It started in 1966 with a capacity of 1438 cc, progressively increasing to 1608 cc in 1970, 1,756 cc in 1974, and finally 1,995 cc in 1979. The Fiat Twin Cam engine was designed by ex-Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi. Bosch fuel injection replaced the previously used Weber carburetors midway through 1980. Our chassis number 5501736 fits right into this category with production in March 1983 offering 1995 cc and 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 5,500 rpm. The previous owner, who was a real Fiat enthusiast, made some noteworthy modifications to enhance the car’s functionality and security Immobiliser Protection: They added a fuel pump breaker-switch, which serves as an immobilizer protection feature. A Solenoid Relay-Switch improving the starting reliability and security of the vehicle. A Cold Start Valve Control (choke). It’s interesting to note that these modifications not only add functionality but also reflect the owner’s commitment to improving the car’s overall experience.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
The light alloy (made in Italy) Cromodora 8-spoke wheels are all in fine condition with no apparent scuffs or marks and are shod in 185/60 R14 – still with plenty of good tread – Pirelli Cinturato P1 tyres. The car pulls well and straight.
Underneath
