1978 Fiat Other

Convertible

Gasoline

Manual

124CS1 0139451

Clear

Gasoline

I purchased this car last autumn when we were waiting for a new au pair and needed a third car. I always loved these cars when I was in high school, and was overjoyed when I found one because it was more fun than an older Honda Civic. The au pair didn't work out, and with two little kids at home, it's really not practical for me to keep this vehicle. This car definitely attracts attention and people want to talk about it when I take it out for a spin. - Body is in unusually good condition and engine runs strong- New canvas convertible top professionally installed 10/2011- Tires in good shape, have most of their tread remaining- Passed Virginia inspection, certificate good through 10/2012- California car until about 10 years ago, Virginia car since then.- Comes with a printed copy of the original Fiat service manual Vehicle was registered in California in the Bay Area until about ten years ago when the previous owner purchased it and brought it to Virginia. Engine runs strong, and this car has potential to be a daily driver or a weekend convertible. It is in remarkably good shape (the state inspector went nuts when I brought this car in!) and would also be a good candidate if you're looking for one to do a partial or full restoration. Odometer currently reads 9,864. The title indicates that 9,xxx is the actual milage, but the previous owner mentioned that he thought the odometer had been replaced at some point and that the true milage was probably around 80K. There is no documentation for this, and a search of public records did not turn up any additional information. Even though the title says the mileage is 9,xxx, please be aware of the possibility that the odometer is original and mileage is actually 109,864. The inspection documents from the previous owner show that the car has only been driven several thousand miles total in the last 10 years. Navy blue is the original color -- there is a sticker on the underside of the trunk lid indicating this. The paint appears to be original and will still shine up nicely with some Maguiars #7 gloss and #25 wax. There are a few places where the paint has chipped and rust has been spot-treated. The underlying sheet metal is in amazing shape — the only rust spots are in these few places where paint has chipped (and in most cases, treated with a rust-neutralizing primer) and on the metal parts of the bumper where the chrome has worn off. Overall, this car is in better condition than most of the Fiats I've seen on eBay, and reflects that it was a California car for most of its life. Of note: some substance kicked up onto the lower panel on the drivers side. This is not a scratch (see photo) and looks like it could be removed if you have the right type of solvent. I did not want to risk harming the paint, so I left this alone. Also of note: There is a small ding on the windshield, but this is not in the driver's line of sight (behind the rear-view mirror) so it wasn't an issue in the state inspection. The pistons for the bumpers are slightly uneven. Car is exempted from the Virginia emissions test because of its age, but I have a test document from the last time it was required in VA showing that it passed. The engine runs strong and shifts smoothly. We've only put about 700 miles on it, and it's been a reliable car for the short time we've had it. Fun to drive and definitely a "drivers" car — you really feel connected to the road when you're behind the wheel. I upgraded the top from the original vinyl to canvas, and had the new top professionally installed last October. See additional photos at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fjgs16t2dlornqv/tG9gXGMJwz Car is available for your inspection and a test drive if you're able to come to Springfield, VA. I've done my best to document this vehicle's condition in both the description and the photos. Please drop me a note before you bid if you have questions, want to schedule a time for a phone call to discuss, or want to arrange a time to see the car in person. Car is offered as is, where is, without any warranty. A deposit of $500 is required within two days of auction end, and remaining balance within seven days of auction end. Deposit via PayPal, and remaining balance via cash, money order, or certified bank check. Buyer must take delivery of the vehicle at my residence, at a mutually-agreed upon location within 60 miles of Washington, DC, or arrange shipping to your location at your own expense.