What model Spider is this?

[rockdad]

I'm looking to buy a Spider here in England (they're rare here as Fiat never imported any). I've found this one, the dealer says it's a 1974 ex-CA car, with an older restoration. Does it look like a '74 to you guys?

[rockdad]

I'm looking to buy a Spider here in England (they're rare here as Fiat never imported any). I've found this one, the dealer says it's a 1974 ex-CA car, with an older restoration. Does it look like a '74 to you guys?

Oops – forgot the link:

http://www.sterth.co.uk/124.html

Best regards, John

[Zulu]

From that picture I'd say it's either a '73 or a '74, due to the bumped hood and blade-style bumpers. However, California cars had big rubber blocks on the bumpers in 1974. This car doesn't have those, just the standard pre-75 bumpers with over-riders. Then again, if it's been converted to right-hand drive, who knows what other modifications have been made. And the rear "124 Sport" emblem is the 1974-style. I'm gonna say yes, it is a 1974. Not sure about it being from California.

Zulu

[katsi]

Looks right. Not the original dash but then again, it looks converted to right hand drive. Good looking car too. Somebody put some work into her . Nice door cards and seats - I would guess they are not original but nice . How much are they asking for it? I saw one of the Brittish car shows do a short story on the Fiat 124. Said they were going for about $3,500.00 (pounds - I don't know how to write that - sorry) for a really good one. A pretty good driver here in the US will run between $2,800.00 and $5,000.00 US depending on how much you know about them and how much you're willing to fix. I've seen the advertized for over 10K but I don't know anybody who has purchased one of those.

Check for rust on the shock towers, where the rear suspension boltes to the rear cross member and where the steering box bolts to the body. Also, check the cross member for cracks or welds or just plane old being loose. Then for rust, rust and more rust. The rest can be fixed. Oh yeah, open the trunk and look for rusted rear shock towers as well. Lift up the carpet and look for rust arround the drain holes. Bubbles or soft spots in the "Hardened Goo" usually has rust underneith. It doesn't look like you will find any but it doesn't hurt to look A fresh coat of paint and some fancy seats can really make a turd smell like a rose.

Looks really nice though. As for it being a CA car, can't you run a carfax on it?

[johndemar]

From that picture I'd say it's either a '73 or a '74, due to the bumped hood and blade-style bumpers. However, California cars had big rubber blocks on the bumpers in 1974. This car doesn't have those, just the standard pre-75 bumpers with over-riders. Then again, if it's been converted to right-hand drive, who knows what other modifications have been made. And the rear "124 Sport" emblem is the 1974-style. I'm gonna say yes, it is a 1974. Not sure about it being from California.

Zulu

Check the VIN on it. 71650 through 88792 should be a 74. And you'll need it to run a Carfax on in anyway, that is if Carfax goes back that far. Not sure on that point.

[rockdad]

Thanks for the advice guys. The price being asked for Spiders over here will make you blink Katsi (rarity value?) they're wanting £8000 = $12500, but the state of the economy is slowing sales big time. This one:

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/cla ... rno/126161

has dropped in price from $11000 to $8500 since the spring, and still hasn't sold. So I'm sitting on my hands and waiting to see if there are more big price falls to come.

All the best, John

[courtenay]

John - that '80 with a spare engine and transmission appears to be 5500 pounds now. That could be a pretty good deal if there's no/minimal rust in the important spots. You will generally find that the Fi cars are much easier to work on and somewhat more reliable than the carbed versions. (look out - there will be a lot of comments coming on that statement...)
Cheers,
Bruce

[katsi]

Thanks for the advice guys. The price being asked for Spiders over here will make you blink Katsi (rarity value?) they're wanting £8000 = $12500, but the state of the economy is slowing sales big time. This one:

Wow , Yep, that set me back a bit. For that money, I would be looking at a BMW Z4 or maybe a nice used Mazda Miata. I love these little cars but PERSONALLY, I would not pay that kind of cash for one. Even at L5500 = $8,415.00, that's really putting a premium on top of tippy top dollar value for a 74 Fiat spider. But, if you get one, you've come to the right place to keep her on the road.

[GTO]

Checkout the link below. Details suggest it is a 1974 model. Someone has converted it to right hand drive. Still has it's original temperature operated choke/carb fitted.

h**p://w*w.motorbase.com/auctionlot/by-id/8014267