It's never too early to start thinking Spring, and what better to celebrate the next season than a classic Fiat roadster? This 124 Spider for sale in Miami is a later variant that had a new paint job and convertible top replaced 14 years ago.
1981 Fiat 124 Spider
1981 Fiat Spider 124, ready to drive & enjoy! This handsome Italian car -designed by Pininfarina- is just with its third owner, after being among two members of the same family since it was first bought new in 1981.
Exterior
The black paint with pin striping was professionally done in 1998. The paint still looks very good for being almost 14 years old. There are a few areas near the wheel wells where there are bubbles under the paint (see pictures). All of the lights work and none of the plastic lenses are damaged. The horn, signal lights, brake lights and windshield wipers all work. The tires are in excellent condition and practically look new. The rims are original and were restored. The convertible top was replaced at the same time when the paint was done. It is in very good condition. The bumpers are beginning to show a little oxidizing. All the insignias are in place and the front and rear ones are new. All rubber seals are in place some have small cracks from age.
Interior
This is something unique not only because it is in great condition, but for the red color that was only applied to a limited number of units of this type, instead of the usual beige or black. The covered dashboard is in perfect condition and with no cracks. All gauges work, except the tachometer. All of the lights work and the radio is a recent Pioneer am/fm/CD. Console, seats and carpet are in excellent condition as well as showed in pictures taken just before the ad for this auction was posted. Among the interior parts replaced recently are the sun visors and arm rest chrome trim strips. Shift boot retaining ring was also replaced with a new OEM one.
Mechanical
The engine runs beautifully and it does not burn any oil. Regular scheduled oil and filter changes. Clutch works fine as does the transmission. Shifting through all gears is effortless. Emergency break works fine. Steering is fine as is suspension. As a part of mechanical restoration/maintenance, the following parts were recently replaced with new ones: Battery, original distributor cap, rotor, coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, electronic ignition module, water pump, oxygen sensor, fuel filter, brake pads, and exhaust system (including catalytic converter). The original radiator was also cleaned and restored presenting no leaks.
In general, this great car is ready to drive and enjoy with either the top up or down. Rarely and carefully driven and never out in bad weather. This car has not seen much use and has always been garage kept and pampered. 2 keys and original owner’s manual included. This car is being sold in as is condition with a clear title. Sold in “as is” condition with no warranties expressed or implied. By bidding you accept those terms. Please ask questions or come view the car to determine that it is what you expect prior to bidding. Feel free to send a message to the seller with your questions. Buyer is responsible for vehicle pickup or shipping.
These 124 Spiders offer a lot of style and oftentimes for less cash than a similar vintage Alfa Romeo Spider. These are a great starting point for the novice Italian car enthusiast, as they are not too expensive to buy and won't put you in the poor house when it comes to maintenance. One can expect to pay somewhere between $7,000 and $12,000 for a Spider like this that isn't a garage queen nor a clapped out basket case.
-Paul