Two-Owner 1979 Fiat Spider 2000 Five-Speed

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

“The Spider 2000 is not a brute-force sports car, but it offers a refined and rewarding driving experience. The new 2.0-liter engine adds welcome torque, making it more relaxed at highway speeds,” reported Road & Track magazine in July 1979.

The 1979 Fiat Spider 2000 marked a significant evolution in Fiat’s long-running roadster line, originally introduced in 1966. Designed and built by Pininfarina, the Spider combined Italian styling with accessible performance, making it a popular choice in the U.S. market. In 1979, Fiat upgraded the model with a larger 2.0-liter DOHC inline-four engine, replacing the previous 1.8-liter unit, offering more torque and smoother power delivery. The Spider 2000 also featured refined interior appointments, including upgraded seats, improved instrumentation, and optional air conditioning — catering to American tastes. Mechanically, it retained its rear-wheel-drive layout and five-speed manual transmission, with independent front suspension and a live rear axle. 

Fiat’s partnership with Pininfarina remained strong, and the Spider’s timeless design continued to attract enthusiasts. Though not a high-performance sports car, the Spider 2000 offered a balanced mix of style, comfort, and open-top driving pleasure, or as Fiat’s brochure proclaimed, “The Spider 2000. For those who believe driving should be more than transportation — it should be an experience.” 

Highlights 

• Timeless Pininfarina design featuring classic Italian lines 

• 2.0-liter DOHC inline-four derived from Fiat’s Lampredi-designed engine family  

• Five-speed manual transmission 

• 15-inch alloy MST Motorsport Technology wheels with 205/50R15 tires 

• Aftermarket Kenwood AM/FM/Bluetooth/Satellite stereo 

Features 

• Recent maintenance includes: 

  • New carburetor  

  • New radiator 

  • New brakes  

  • New suspension and steering  

  • New wheels  

  • New muffler  

  • New interior 

  • New top   

  • New clutch 

  • Professionally rebuilt transmission and rear end 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor body imperfections  

• Heater core bypassed 

• No front bumper 

Included 

• Keys and fob 

• Original spare tire with Fiat rim 

Ownership History 

The consignor of this 1979 Fiat Spider 2000 states, “Second owner car, was in California until 2017. Since then, has been garage kept and only used on sunny summer days.”