I've had my spider 13 years since importing from California. It has a few little dents but considering its 30 life the paint and bodywork are in really good condition. I've refurbished the interior and I'm thinking about the dents repaired an the car resprayed but am concerned it will detract from its authenticity.
I'd like to post pictures but unsure how to do so on this site.

Cheers Rob

Rob,

Do what makes you happy. These aren't Ferrari's and who ever gets your nice Spider next isn't going to be too concerned about original paint or not.

JSYK, I'm a long time fan of original preservation cars in the old car hobby in general. I also love my Spider. But unless your car was shrink wrapped and cryovaced for the last 30 years its originality isn't a defining feature.

Just enjoy it.

rob1962 wrote:I've had my spider 13 years since importing from California. It has a few little dents but considering its 30 life the paint and bodywork are in really good condition. I've refurbished the interior and I'm thinking about the dents repaired an the car resprayed but am concerned it will detract from its authenticity.
I'd like to post pictures but unsure how to do so on this site.

Cheers Rob

I own an 85 (not 85.5) and am in the same boat. I have "dedented" the car and painted. I have done a few mods, but one I can undo if needed. I have removed the bumpers and install Abarth bumperettes, K & N airfilter, new steering wheel, removed the antenea, removed the rear license plate lights and now I am starting on the interior. I have made new door cards. If I can repair them I plan on installing a pair of 93 RX7 seats. Eventually I want to customize the dash, buy removing the OEM heater and integrate a hot rod heater/AC unit.

You are wise to think of future value. I have had the same dilemma with a number of cars in the past. What I did once I determined a new paint job was the best choice was to take some pictures...many close-ups showing the quality of the body before any work was done.
Personally I would not buy a car that had been repainted within 5 years without prior pics. Paint covers too much.
Jim

Jimb wrote:You are wise to think of future value. I have had the same dilemma with a number of cars in the past. What I did once I determined a new paint job was the best choice was to take some pictures...many close-ups showing the quality of the body before any work was done.
Personally I would not buy a car that had been repainted within 5 years without prior pics. Paint covers too much.
Jim

It doesn't really matter with me. I have had my spider 17 years and have no planes to sell ( as much as I bitch about it). I am doing the mods for me, but I am also leaving open the possibility that at some point I may want to return to stock.

Exit98 wrote:These aren't Ferrari's .

I like to think our cars are mini Ferrari's with out the price tag...
Engine designed by Ex Ferrari Engineer
Body deigned and build by Pininfarina (same as Ferrari)
And Ferrari of that era used a lots of parts from the Fiat parts bin...

But as most have mentioned do what makes you happy, maybe get it repainted in the original colour.

Mine had been butchered prior to my ownership so I have modified it slightly but it has had stuff done that can be put back to original.

Not Ferraris, but everyone who sees mine at a car show, or visits the house, says: "it's a mini Ferrari!" so that is fine with me!

Thanks Guys

I think it's one of those antique versus classic purist questions. If you think about it, how many 1920 something fords do you see with an original paint job. Most restorers have reprinted their rides. Heck even those six figure cars for the most part do not have original paint. I wouldn't over think it. If you want fresh paint, I say go for it.
R/

P.S. The paint of today is of a "higher quality" to that of the era of our cars. Two stage paint out performs old style lacquer
In durability and fading characteristics. Application and workability and special equipment needed for application are a whole different discussion.