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Fiat gave up on the American sector soon after 1982, not returning until nearly 3 decades later, but sellers listed here still experienced model-new 124 Sport Spiders out there all the way to the conclude. Commencing in the 1979 model calendar year, this car grew to become identified as the Spider 2000 that’s what we have obtained as present day Junkyard Gem, noticed in a Denver-spot self-assistance yard past thirty day period.
The 124 Sport Spider designed its debut in 1966. Since it was constructed on the exact platform as the 124 sedan, it is consequently cousin to the authentic VAZ-2101 Lada. I have normally appreciated the trunk lock that hides in the ultimate zero of the engine-displacement badge.
The 124 Sport Spider marketed very well in the United States all through the 1970s (in reality, this automobile was available only in the North American market during the latter 50 % of that decade), and I have uncovered quite a number of illustrations during my junkyard travels over the decades. Immediately after Fiat departed our shores in 1982, Malcolm Bricklin continued selling these automobiles (with Pininfarina Azzurra badging) by 1985.
This 1 is in substantially nicer issue than any 124 Sport Spider I’ve seen in lots of several years, it’s possible stretching back again to the period when you could however get these automobiles new.
There’s reasonably new physique-straightening get the job done, suggesting that an individual undertook a restoration effort and hard work.
This may even be a new-ish convertible leading.
Power came from this Fiat Twin Cam motor, rated at 102 horsepower in 1981. The 124 Sport Spider’s extensive-phrase rival in the American sector, the MGB, had its very last design year in 1980, with the Triumph Spitfire departing at the exact same time. That left the considerably a lot more expensive ($14,895 compared to $9,899, or $49,500 and $32,895 in 2022 dollars) Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce as the Fiat Spider 2000’s key competitor for the ever-shrinking two-seat convertible sector.
A 5-velocity manual came as the default transmission in this auto, though a GM-sourced three-speed automatic was out there at a price tag of 520 bucks (about $1,730 right now). I have seen exactly a single slushbox-equipped 124 Activity Spider in my existence.
This is a person of the coolest-on the lookout shift-pattern labels in automotive record.
The EX. Gas SENSOR warning mild was made use of to alert of an overheating catalytic converter. I like to use these Fiat indicator lights for different assignments, however they have develop into scarce in the latest decades. At the very least I’ll under no circumstances operate out of early-1970s FASTEN SEAT BELT lights!
So, if you happen to be wanting for a vintage sports activities-car undertaking, be guaranteed to contemplate the Fiat 124 Activity Spider. Pieces are abundant and it truly is (somewhat) more rapidly than an MGB or Spitfire.
Just the car for attracting Rolls-driving ladies with disco sun shades … at the very least right up until the light modifications.
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