1981 Fiat 124 Spider 2000

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Hagerty Marketplace is honored to offer a selection of vehicles from The SugarCreek Collection. This private collection in southwestern Ohio is supported by its own in-house restoration and maintenance shop, with a full-time staff of craftsmen. The passion of one car enthusiast can be benefited by all to enjoy, as cars return to the road after extensive builds and care. The garage is a true spectrum of car enthusiast dreams, ranging from unfinished restorations to million-dollar builds, American muscle to European classic, drag racers to off-road machines. There is truly something for everyone in SugarCreek. 

This selection of vehicles offered by SugarCreek feature premium American classics, as well as a wide assortment of European enthusiast cars. 

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“With its classic proportions, the Spider 2000 is a timeless roadster—equally at home on winding mountain roads or cruising the boulevard,” stated Fiat’s brochure. The 1981 Fiat 124 Spider was part of the final generation of the iconic Italian roadster before Fiat handed production over to Pininfarina. Originally launched in 1966, the 124 Spider was designed by American Tom Tjaarda at Pininfarina and built on a shortened Fiat 124 sedan platform. By 1981, the model was marketed as the Spider 2000, reflecting its 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which featured fuel injection for the first time in U.S. models, boosting output to around 102 horsepower. 

The 1981 model retained the classic styling and nimble handling that made the Spider popular, especially in North America. It featured four-wheel disc brakes, a five-speed manual transmission, and a simple, user-friendly convertible top. Despite its modest power, the Spider offered a refined driving experience, thanks to its well-balanced chassis and Italian flair. 

This year marked the beginning of the end for Fiat’s direct involvement with the Spider. In 1982, production was taken over by Pininfarina, which continued to build the car under its own name as the Pininfarina Azzurra for the U.S. market. The 1981 Fiat 124 Spider thus represents the last full year of Fiat’s stewardship of one of the most beloved affordable European sports cars of its era.  

Highlights 

• Offered from The SugarCreek Collection 

• Finished in Azzurro (Blue) 474F

• Crème leather interior 

• Powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC Inline-Four 

• Five-speed manual transmission 

• Four-wheel disc brakes 

Features 

• Recent maintenance includes: 

  • Oil change   

  • Replaced vehicle battery  

  • Spark plugs   

  • Spark plug wires   

  • Fuel filter   

  • Fuel gauge sender   

  • Cooling fan thermos switch   

  • Coolant flush with new thermostat   

  • Cigarette lighter   

  • Blower motor   

  • Cold start injector    

  • Overheating warning switch   

  • Replaced front shocks 

  • Replaced two fuel injectors   

  • Replaced the fuel regulator  

  • Replaced the fuel pump relay 

Known Imperfections 

• The powered antenna looks to have been replaced with an aftermarket antenna pole 

• Small chip in the windshield, unsure if it has been sealed before 

Included 

• Two new keys

Ownership History 

This 1981 Fiat 124 Spider 2000 joined The SugarCreek Collection in August 2019

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.  

Contact: Matt Lowney    Phone: 623.308.2640    email: mlowney@hagerty.com