1979 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 went on to power cars such as the Fiat 131 Mirafiori, Special T, Lancia Beta Montecarlo, Delta Integrale and many others.

The example offered here is a later 1979 model with the more desirable 1995cc engine fitted; finished in silver with contrasting red interior it looks super. The paintwork is in great condition as the result of a recent re-spray and with the bumpers not yet fitted it really shows off the shapely Pininfarina body design.

Along with being re-sprayed recently the car also benefits from a front suspension overhaul with new brakes fitted (which still need bedding in we are told) and replacement black powder coated wheels. The interior was also attended to with the addition of new carpets and a new hood. The vendor tells us the car is mechanically sound but, that in his opinion, the engine would benefit from a good service.

Offered at no reserve this is a great opportunity to snap up some bargain Italian flair in great condition with only minor finishing touches needed. Bellissimo!