The best year for a Fiat Spider.

[zachmac]

The best year for a Spider is 2010! As in keep the one you have running and enjoy it now!

[Foster48x]

Wait a minute Rick. My 82 was 100 miles away when I got the picture of the buzzards! It had crossed my mind though, that perhaps someone wanting an 82 had trained them to finish me off so that they could buy it from my widow.
Ron

Hmmmm... Interesting theory Ron. Someone's diabolical plan to rid the world of 82' owners? Brilliant! Good thing you weren't home. Oh but I forgot to ask? Who towed your 82' 100 miles away?

jk I would be honored to own your fabulous 82' after you get picked apart by buzzards.

Rick

[Gunsmith]

Send your Buzzards, I have a solution for that problem.

[Foster48x]

Send your Buzzards, I have a solution for that problem.

lol. you'd better bust out the big guns! These birds have bombs! Look what they did to N. Cal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy-9YLpC ... r_embedded

[Gunsmith]

This will not be a problem. I coud probably sell tickets to the show.

[jbills]

I'm still a newbie as far as being an owner, but I have to say I always lusted after one of the 81 anniversary editions that could be seen parked around my neighborhood. I was obsessed with owning a fiat before I saw that car, but that was the nail in the coffin. I really dig that "champagne" metallic earthy green color and how it sits with the tan interior. Some of the subtle accents are nice as far as emblems and badging, really seems to make it stand out from my '81 red, which almost seems to be a dime a dozen. I mean, seriously, there's even a red one the next block over from me.

I've seen a couple of those anniversaries up for sale recently in that price range - one in Silver Lake was under $4000, and there's one on the other fiat spider forums now that's dropped down to $5500, seems to be in great shape. Maryland I think it was.

I've yet to see a 1985.5 in person, but wasn't it the one that was reportedly "perfected" by paninfarina? better steering and brakes and a host of smaller additions, some just cosmetic. Those seem super rare and expensive when they pop up, always seem to be trophy cars without much use.

I actually like the later bumper style, but I know that puts me in the minority 'round these parts.

I can't speak to engines or reliability - mine's been pretty heavily modified. (in a good way) but in many ways, you can't really go wrong. they all seem to have their little subtle nuances depending on what you are looking for. Fuel Injected i would think would be the way to go, and then it's easy enough to source and swap out bits from older models if you like that styling. I've been having really good luck with the 2nd hand parts market since I bought mine. by the way, thanks again for those wheels mark! getting them on this weekend.

[Darsella1]

Hey now! My late '85 is not a trophy car with no use! LOL!

I think the reason why you see what's left of the late cars are low miles, original or restored is for a few reasons. They were all imported privately through back east so many did not survive and were parted out due to rust. My personal opinion is that the russian steel they used on the late Pinin's was of very poor quality (and expert that restored my car agrees). Plus, with so few made there were some collectors that bought them new just so they could sit on them for an investment. I would not say it's perfected at all. Just some extra bells, whistles and upgrades. Otherwise it's basically the same car. I do try and help educate people on how few left there are so I would like to see them cared for, saved & restored, and not parted out (when its rust free), molested or used as a daily driver. You can pick up a regular Fiat for that. Some of the unique parts are difficult & expensive to find. I have about 50 on my vin list, with about 8 that were parted out. Around 8 vins are unknown as to where they currently are. So that only leaves only 34 that I know are currently drivable.

I really miss my LE. It was such a great car. FYI- the interior leather/vinyl/carpet is not tan it's a very cream/ivory color. We got bored at one of the shows and compared for fun... he he. I do know of a very nice LE for sale as well as an 85.5.

Oh- my ugly smog/emissions stuff accidentally fell off my car and landed in the garbage. I just don't know how that happened... strangest thing??? It's emissions exempt now in my state.

My sister just bought a low mile "72 (?) Opel GT. It's been really interesting because it's so simple mechanically. A new toy in the family for me to detail.

[skumandeth]

I just want to say I enjoy the hell outta my '75. It's no where perfect but a p.o. had done the 2.0l short block swap, 1800 head. Smog stuff a thing of the past. Also has later model electronic ignition, (I do like that more then points) (Hopefully ID never goes emission state at least in the panhandle) The interior is rough, the top is toast, yet I still commute 60mi. round trip daily in the summer. As far as reliablity of a carb...let's be honest carb's were reliable for years, just like f.i. you have to keep the fuel system clean, and yeah sometimes they need rebuilt, a kit is much cheaper then an air flow sensor. The only thing I don't like is the tail lights that look like a last min. "oh shit, we need lights" I wrench for a living so I like the simplicity of a carb. It also starts quicker then a f.i. car. So to each there own, and my advice is find one that YOU like, these things are old and just remember to keep that in consideration. By the way, when you get to Spokane, let me know I'm not too far south in Moscow, ID

[Gunsmith]

I am still sure 82's are the best. That is until the day comes when I get a different model year if I can't find another 82 for my daughter.

[zachmac]

It also starts quicker then a f.i. car.

ReallY? My 80 FI car starts with a bump of the key. Do you carb guys just think about it and it starts?

[TX82FIAT]

Great discussion folks. I have an 82 currently and it did break down twice the first week becasue of really basic items like a lose air flow meter connection cable or the brakes were not properly maintained. It is absolutley a great date night car now. My wife is confident but my daughter will still find an excuse for us to use another car. She is the type that will never go to a well frequented restaurant once she has bad food once. A few years back I was able to drive manny different spiders from various years. Not a true Abarth however.

I owned an 83 Spider from 1993 to 2004. That car was the best. All the upgrades and never broke down. Performance was easy to improve and pininfarina built the car well. My vote is for the 83'

[ORFORD2004]

So, i'm lucky to have a 83 that i will start driving in about a week?

[TX82FIAT]

I think so! How many miles do you have on it and what is the color. Send a pic. The 83 I sold a few years back brought 10,500 on e-bay. I paid $3,800 for it with 48K all original. Sounds great but I never should have sold that car. Picked up the 82 to live the dream. love the 82.... but it is not the 83.

[ORFORD2004]

I will, just give me time. The color is blue metalic and the interior is black. It was tan but i change everything. The mileage is 115000 miles. I just change all the bearings in the transmission and put a short shifter. That car will be in top condition because i need to pass provincial inspection before i can plate the car.

John

[meangreenspider]

I love my 82 FI. I have had it since August of 09 and have already restored most of it. The best part is the $500 price tag from a friend of a friend who had owned it since 86 off the first owners lease. Car has 94k on it and sat for over 2 years. A new battery and a good cleaning to the entire fuel system and the car runs like a dream (few adjustments). Car has been driven from Az to Oh and back many times and has been driven from OH to CO many times. I have dumped a bunch of time and cash into it since purchase but it runs and drives so much better than the 80 model I had in 1990. I think every year has its own certain character but this certainly makes for fun/ interesting reading. Thanks