1978 Fiat 124 Spider

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Beginning in the 1950s, Fiat offered a series of attractive convertibles (Spiders) in the U.S., usually designed by Pininfarina. Offered as a less expensive alternative to Alfa Romeo Spiders, the Fiat 124 Spider was introduced to the U.S. market in 1966 and was offered here through the mid-1980s. The original model was powered by a 1500cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine that over the years went up and down in displacement. 

The 1978 version of the Italian roadster featured a 1.8-liter inline four producing about 86 horsepower, which — although modest by today's standards — provided a spirited driving experience in the lightweight Spider. The ’78 Fiat 124 retained the classic design that made it popular, including its sleek, low-slung body, distinctive front grille, and flowing lines. 

One of the key features of the 124 Spider was its excellent handling, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and balanced weight distribution. The car's four-wheel disc brakes, a notable feature for a car of its price and era, provided plenty of stopping power. 

This 1978 Fiat 124 Spider has received numerous upgrades and won a number of show awards since its current owner purchased it in January 2022. 

Highlights 

• Finished in PPG Ambulance Orange paint over black interior with black vinyl seats and orange trim (photos were taken with two different cameras and one color shifted orange to red) 

• Powered by a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated at 86 horsepower 

• Five-speed manual transmission 

• Black convertible top 

• Upgrades by current owner: 

  • Rebuilt fuel system, including new gas tank, rubber lines, and Weber DFEV carburetor 

  • Replaced brake system, including two new brake lines 

  • Updated cooling system with a new aluminum radiator, water pump, thermostat, and hoses 

  • Converted ignition system from points to Pertronix electronic ignition  

  • Installed gear reduction starter 

  • Replaced rusty original bumpers with Abarth-style bumperettes 

  • Refinished Cromodora wheels 

  • New Toyo Eclipse A/S P185/70R13 tires 

  • New rocker panels and driver rear side quarter panel replaced and painted 

  • Custom upholstery, new carpet and insulation, leather steering wheel, and color-coordinated cocoa floor mats 

  • Original radio replaced with a digital, period-correct-looking AM/FM/Bluetooth/USB stereo with auxiliary 

  • New leather shift boot and console cover  

Features 

• Previous owner replaced timing belt and installed a new Stayfast convertible top 

• Previous owner repainted the car in PPG Ambulance Orange, Code 61503. Under the hood and in the trunk are still the original Fiat 193 paint

• Glass pack muffler 

• Four-point seat belts 

• 140 mph speedometer and odometer, 8000 rpm tachometer, and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature 

Known Imperfections 

• Suspension squeaks while driving 

• Trip meter works but does not reset 

• Right quarter window lock is off (and is in the glove box) 

• Some spotting on inside of convertible top 

• Glass pack muffler can be too loud for some people 

• Not an imperfection but the gearshift lever has a lockout for 5th gear and reverse which if gearshift lever is not pushed down. This may cause a clashing of gears to the unsuspecting driver 

Included 

• Receipts 

• Two spare tires: One is the matching Chromodora wheel and tire as on the other four wheels. The wheel has some flaws, but the tire is new. The other spare, in the spare tire well, is a Fiat steel wheel with a new 155/80R13 tire. 

• Box of miscellaneous Fiat bolts, nuts, original seat belt brackets, and other small parts 

• Several ounces of PPG Ambulance Orange paint for touchups, as well as a spray can of Fiat 193 and a touchup pen of Fiat 193 

Ownership History 

The Louisiana consignor of this 1978 Fiat 124 Spider has owned it since January 2022 and has completed numerous upgrades (listed above). The Fiat, competing in Sports Cars and ‘70s Cars classes, scored two firsts, two seconds, and one top 30 finish in local auto events in 2024. “It is a very fun car to drive. I built it to keep for the rest of my life for cruising and car shows, but due to significant changes in my wife's health, she can no longer ride in it.”