Greetings from Aus

[DobsonCo]

So yesterday I became the proud (but somewhat unexpected) owner of a 1979 Spider. I have to be honest and say that while we’ve been looking for a vintage Italian sports car for some time, when the Fiat came up (they were never sold new in Australia, so all are imports) we didn’t have any time to do any research…not ideal! The price seemed fair (all cars are relatively more expensive in Aus than in the US or Europe) and we’re expecting to do and pay for a total overhaul. What I was a little surprised about was that the VIN 124CS20150193 suggests it should be carburetted as far as I can tell…but it’s FI - which looks to be authentic Fiat. BUT we don’t get the car until tomorrow, when we’ll be able to check more closely if this is the original engine, a different engine or a modification. I know there’s a grey area surrounding this changeover period in ‘79-‘80, but if anyone could shed any light? Very excited to get it underway!!

[rdv]

Hi Barb,
congratulations to your FIAT decision! I got your car registration for the worldwide Spider Register too.

And because I already got your car earlier from a sales ad in 2006 and 2020 I can show the relevant pictures for you engine question:




Perhaps the named Australian Company Spider Italia PTYLTD has converted the car?
Other Spider with chassisnumbers around your one got the engine 132C2.040 with carburetor.

Any other?

Cheers Ralf