My next car/project process: Started with Spitfire, Spider, Alfa Romeo Spider, 914, Opel, and Classic Mini. I ALMOST pulled the trigger on a nice Mini last week, but held off because it's not really what I want deep down. Maybe later. A need a droptop for sure. The 914 is close, but not quite the classic look I'm looking for, and Alfa maybe looks too cute, heavy. I've looked a little for a while, and I'm in no real hurry. If you asked me a month ago, I was sure I would get a Spitfire, but the Spider has come on strong lately.
My philosphy: I have owned mostly stock cars, like my '67 GTO convertible (wrong year engine), and have owned heavily modified like my Rotary powered BMW 2002. I'm looking for a happy medium, with tasteful mods and modest performance mods. I like light cars (see list above) thinking it's neat to squeeze performance out of losing weight, like I did on my boat. I like cars that handle, and quick and nimble is now more important than fast, 47 tickets later.
I like big brakes on small cars. In my mind, I need to improve what the designer didn't ($$$) or couldn't do because the technology wasn't available. I like European influences like exterior lighting, bumpers, etc. I love the Abarth look, and many cars I've owned had no or European bumpers.Spit plusses: Seems to be a bigger aftermarket, engine, suspension, etc, mods are unlimited. A lighter car with more opportunity to lighten it further, many aluminum, fiberglass parts out there. Who doesn't dig a flip up bonnet? Hardtops are much more available, and more attractive. More wheel options, and better suspension. Things I like (but my opinion only) are the rear end and the Spit dash, though similar to Fiat. It's made in an English speaking country, making websites from the homeland easier to read than Fiat native italian Spit minuses: Anemic motor w/ old technology, no 5 speed and an awkward shift position, clumsier interior, too much cardboard, no rear disk brakes, and apparently not as reliable. I can modify many of the minuses like 5 speed and brakes, but $$$$$$.
Spider plusses: 5 speed, disk brakes, nicer interior, higher tech engine w/ more power and better looks w/ twin cam. Better forum! Love the bumberless/Abarth look. Spider minuses: Heavier (what can I get it down to?), aftermarket parts slim pickins, suspension has less options, wheel options, a hard to find hardtop which is odd looking IMO, and I love the Spit hardtop look. It's like 2 cars in one, and I want to drive it in the winter.Hard to read Italian or convert the many italian sites.
I didn't list some areas, like rust, becasue that is an issue with both, or a dashboard that's easy to modify, or that neither are trendy like the MG and both like to leak oil. (Love your fiberglass dash Mark) These are off the top of my head. I have spent maybe 20 hours a week researching for much of this year. I'm going to a British meet next week, and hope to find a Fiat event nearby, Louisville KY. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Stephan
) or for $3K extra I could have had a Dino 206, not prisitine but very nice. Back then, it was the bastard child of Ferrari's with it's lowly Fiat 6 cyl. Having GTO's my whole life, I chose the V8 of course. The car was an epic disaster (electrical nightmare and then some) that I couldn't ever get fixed, either due to skill level or $$$$. I did sell it and broke even, and those cars are still relatively affordable today. The Dino's on the other hand can go for $250,000 or more!!!! Ive always had an interest in Italian cars since then, I just never dabbled.
However, having said all that, I find they have much better ride quality than say an MGB, but not as good as the 124. Also the strange camber angle on the rear wheels means the tyres (sorry, tires to you) get scrubbed on the inside. 