Buying 1981 Fiat 124 (pictures)

[seventil]

As much as I want a Fiat, I think I'm passing on this one for now.

Hopefully Stefan can help me find one over in Germany, where the selection may be better. If I can't find one in a few months I might see if this one is still available, since the owner hasn't had any luck selling it in a couple months already.

The various mechanical problems, unknown milage and possible floor replacement added onto the import difficulties of a '81 model (needs to be 1980 or before to classify as a classic car in france) are the reason for passing.

Hope I haven't made a bad decision!

[katsi]

Hi everyone,

Update for today... car only has 12k miles on the register, and the gauges look like they're relatively new. Basically no idea how many miles the car has on it! Current owner didn't change them (was 10k when he bought it I guess)

Should I be happy or back away slowly? Hi everyone,

Update for today... car only has 12k miles on the register, and the gauges look like they're relatively new. Basically no idea how many miles the car has on it! Current owner didn't change them (was 10k when he bought it I guess)

Should I be happy or back away slowly?

Yeah, mine said that it had 32.5K original miles. HMM It was 30 years old. I'm guessing 132.5K to 232.5K. But she runs great. If you're looking for a perfect Fiat Spider, good luck finding it. I don't think it was ever built much less still in existance.

[narfire]

Think there was a volumex for sale in Austria asking 40 g though

[seventil]

Well, after seeing the prices in Germany and Italy, I'm fairly certain I could put a coat of wax on this car and sell it for double the price!

[seventil]

Decided to go for it, will be picking it up this weekend or early next week.

I'll be sure to post before and after pictures... just washing it and giving it some TLC! (and maybe some new tires...)

Thanks again everyone. I'll try to document the experience as well as Jaime has! I think I'll do a short video 'tour' of the car when I get a chance.

[wachuko]

Decided to go for it, will be picking it up this weekend or early next week.

I'll be sure to post before and after pictures... just washing it and giving it some TLC! (and maybe some new tires...)

Thanks again everyone. I'll try to document the experience as well as Jaime has! I think I'll do a short video 'tour' of the car when I get a chance.

That is great and congratulations!!

[seventil]

That is great and congratulations!!

Thanks!

Jacked it up yesterday and found a hairline crack in the gearbox casing which was causing the oil leak. Just driving it 2-3 km would dump oil everywhere (sorry, southern France!). Ordered a new one (20 euro) and will put it on this weekend or early next week.

Was hoping to have it to start on this weekend but looks like it'll be raining all weekend anyway... must be patient!

[seventil]

Update!

Still waiting on the gearbox cover, got lost in transit so they sent a new one.

Had someone start doing the electrical and found that the steering chassis was hosed, ordered a new one.

Lastly, I tore a bunch of ligaments in my ankle playing basketball and can't walk/drive for 3-4 weeks. So trying to get some things done on it while I wait... a bit frustrating, the weather has been nice finally here!