1971 Fiat Spider

124 Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

124BS10041632

Gasoline

For sale is a 1971 Fiat Spider 124 with a 1608 cc 4 cylinder engine. This was built prior to the new US import requirement for larger bumpers and so has the much more attractive chrome bumpers front and back. I am the second owner of this vehicle - I purchased the car from a couple in Texas who drove it for fun for many years until the husband passed away. It sat in the garage for a few years and then the wife decided to clear it out. It has never been in a winter, has no rust on any of the body panels, always stored indoors, driven only in the summer up north and is in great driving shape. The low usage rate has translated into a ridiculously low mileage on the car - I bought it with 33K on it and it now has 43,134. Condition - I would classify this car in very good condition. There is nothing you would need to do to drive this vehicle right now. It starts perferctly, runs great, looks good and is a blast to drive. That said, it is not a show car. The paint is solid but has some hazing from the Texas sun. At some point, someone had the car repainted from the original orange. Big improvement. The only way you know is by looking around the inside of the fuel filler area (not visible outside). The front seats are comfortable but have a few small rips and cracks in them. Almost everything works, with the exception of the turn signals and the clock at the moment. Very safe and clean. I have driven it almost daily for several summers now and have never been let down. The Pros - What I have done to this car since purchase: 4 new tires - fall 2011; Engine block seals replaced 2009; Brake pads and line work 2009; New Weber rebuilt carb installed 2009; Replaced wiper mechanism 2010; New mechanical fuel pump 2009; New shocks all around 2009; Replaced original stereo with a cassette and 6 disc changer (CD magazine is trunk mounted) - custom front speakers and boxes and a sub for the back seat (UNreal sound!) - 2010. New wire set, rotor and cap and oil cap 2009; New belts 2009; Electronic Ignition replaced 2008. New model air filter attached 2009. Compression is excellent, oil pressure is excellent and the timing has been adjusted so it runs very smooth. The 5 speed manual transmission shifts well, the boot cover looks good, the heater and blower work, wipers work, all lights/brights and hazards work, defrost and floor controls work, all gauges except the clock work, seat adjusters work and no rust on any floor panels! Great on gas and quick off the mark. Nice exhaust tips with a cool throaty growl :) The Cons - Things you might do in the future: Being a Fiat, it uses a little oil (the mechanics call it "blow by" - I add about an extra quart over the course of a summer) Black soft top in good shape, windows (glass within the top) are in good shape, top seals tight but some of the stitching around the cables needs to be redone A little hazing on the back window in the top - but who drives with the top up? Seat leather cracked - covers are on right now Turn signals not operating - seems to be a matter of tracking down the right wires (not a fuse issue) Red paint is hazing on hood and trunk due to Texas sun. Scratch and slight indent on drivers side about 3 inches long. Looks fine from 10 feet away but would look brand new with a spray job. Paint below the trunk (only spot) seems to have been redone, but not professionaly. Trunk latch cover is missing - the latch works fine but you might find the cover on eBay. Boot cover needs one new strap and a couple of new snaps to fully secure it - I have used one small bungee for a few years. Overall, a rare car given the mileage, rust-free condition and general working order. This is a great car to drive, and one that really needs nothing right now. The other cool thing is that parts are very cheap and easy to get on line. Most repairs can be done by the owner - very basic engines. It is located in northern Michigan (near Traverse City). Buyer is responsible for shipping / costs. If you live within the state, I would say drive it home. Anything further and you might be happier having it shipped. Good company in the area I can recommend - shipped an SUV for me from Florida to Michigan for $450. Happy to help with any shipping issues. Closest airport is Traverse City (TVC). I recently purchased a 1979 MGB which is my next "fun" project - so this Fiat needs a new home! Please feel free to email with any questions - the car is still in storage but it is my facility so I can access it anytime for more pics, etc.