Hello from Manchester, England

[DaveA]

Hello all,

My names David and Ive recently bought a ‘80 Spider 2000 in Ivory.

Its a ex California car that was first brought over here in 1989. I bought one of the new (2019) Abarth versions and it kindled my interest in the cars I saw rallying in Mid 70’s as a kid.

Ive known about this car for about 5 years and after a chance meeting with its previous owner, a deal was struck. Its been off the road for 6 years and needs work, but is all there, if not a little tired!

First job is to get it running (problem points to the dual relay thats been ordered) then into giving it a good service, sort out the interior, brakes and get it down to the early cars height with their bumpers too. Ive been racing and rallying Uk mini’s, Mgb’s and Ford Escorts mk1/2 for about 30 years and Im so impressed on how far ahead these 124’s were in their day. 4 link suspension, panhard rods, coils not leaves and 4 discs..not to mention the twincam engine.

Anyway, looking forward to my next mechanical adventure. Sorry in advance for the seemingly stupid questions!!

Dave

[bobplyler]

Mine was in Manchester, Tennessee from 1979 - 1981. I was working here
https://www.arnold.af.mil/.

Manchester,TN is MUCH smaller than Manchester, England.

[tomiaccino]

welcome on board!!!
I have been working on my '78 124 for a few months now.....found a lot of great info on the restoration areas of this site.... good people that know their stuff!!

[rdv]

Hi
and welcome too! Hope you get the car on the road again soon!

Just have a look if your beige 80 Spider is already registered in the worldwide Spider Register.
There a 9 Spider 2000 with beige color and fuel injection from England listed:
https://www.fiatspider.de/register?Fahr ... ective=All

It would be great to get you car data for the Register if it's not already listed.
Thanks for checking.

Bye, Ralf

[DaveA]

Hi Ralf,

Ive sent my details over in a separate mail to you.

Maybe mine has been registered on here before. Its had 5 owners in Uk since being brought over in 1989

Dave

[Nut124]

DaveA, welcome.

I think you would enjoy the ultimate book on the Fiat twincam engines by Guy Croft of England(?).

Look for it in used book stores or on ebay.

[DaveA]

Thanks Nut124,

I will look that up.

Dave

[nicks]

Hi David, welcome to the forum and the world of FIAT 124 Spiders. I live near Portsmouth but misspent my youth at Manchester Poly ( now Met) in late 70's early 80's and love Manchester.
You're a member of a very select club in UK, as you will be aware, very few old Spiders here. I have a red 1972 BS1 1608cc and take it out for a blast whenever the sun's out. Hope you get yours going soon.
For info this forum it great for advice and tech info, but there are also many Facebook groups including a UK FIAT Spider group which has new and old model owners. The Facebook groups are more social with photos and with items for sale, your grasp of Italian may improve as well.
Enjoy!
Nick