Late Entry - Lot 327A - 1971 Fiat 124 Spider

The 124 Sport Spider was marketed by Fiat between 1966 and 1980 having debuted at the November 1966 Turin Motor Show. Designed and manufactured by Italian carrozzeria Pininfarina, more specifically by Sergio Pininfarina. Sergio used the already available designs of the Chevrolet Corvette 'Rondine' and Ferrari 275 GTS. The four-cylinder engine was designed by Dan Varo and used in the Spider and Coupé was a double overhead cam, aluminium cross-flow head version of the sedan's pushrod unit. It started in 1966 with a capacity of 1438cc, progressively increasing to 1608cc in 1970, 1756cc in 1974 and finally 1995cc in 1979. The double overhead cam version was the first mass manufactured DOHC to utilise reinforced rubber timing belts, an innovation that would come into nearly universal use in the decades after its introduction. Uprated versions powered race cars such as the Fiat 131 Mirafiori, Special T, Lancia Beta Montecarlo, Delta Integrale and many others.

This charming little Fiat 124 Spider has benefited from a large amount of expenditure over the last two years. The cam belt has been replaced, the alternator reconditioned, a new exhaust fitted, the brake calipers and pads were reconditioned, engine and gearbox mounts replaced, the carpets were also replaced and a full service carried out. A new MoT test certificate will be provided with the car. Marque specialists DTR have inspected this car and said that it is one of the best preserved body-shells they have seen.

In the May 2013, JBY563J was featured in Classic and Sports Car's 'Summer Fun' piece. Alastair Clements said of the car: "it's very presentable in its attractive shade of green, and appears solid, particularly around the complex-to-fix rear arches....Crucially, it also drives really sweetly. The steering is light, precise and "feelsome', the ride supple, and we've already covered the way it goes around corners - neutral." When compared to the other cars in the test, the somewhat biased Clements states: "Not convinced? Chuck in the brilliant hood, plus a rear bench for a couple of kids, and I don't know why the others bothered turning up."

This attractive little car has been compared to a mini-Ferrari and offers superb Italian flair on a budget. Just in time for summer!