We weren't expecting to find a Fiat Spider restomod service while searching for a car to post today. In fact, we didn't even realize that it was a restomod until reading the listing. The real reason for clicking on this Fiat Spider was to check out the hubcaps - look familiar? They're the hubcaps off of the Fiat 500 1957 Edition. Normally one of our favorite hubcaps, they are a bit too large for the Spider, and seem to make the car look shorter than it really is.
Taking a look at the ad description, the details of the restomod side of things are sparse. The car has been stripped to a bare metal and repainted. The suspension, brakes, and engine have been upgraded, but the exact details of the upgrades are absent from the listing. The interior work looks to be of high quality, and is inspired by Maserati on this car, apparently.
Year: 1983
Model: Fiat 124 Spider
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 25,000mi
Price: $89,995
Location: Barrington, IL
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Fiat Spider Restomod
This is a Roadster Salon Spider Tributo resto-mod based on a 1983 Pininfarina Spider with only 25K miles. The pictures show a version with some additional key options, like the hand made Spider America hood and body work, and upgraded engine. Lead times are currently 18-24 months. However this particular project was started for an older customer with health concerns that will prevent him from taking delivery. Car is in later stages of build, but can still be customized toyour particular taste. Lead time is Spring delivery, depending on options and trim selected.
Roadster Salon only builds about 30 vehicles per year, with a fraction of them Tributo models. These cars can be finished with Ferrari or Maserati influences. All are numbered and signed by our craftsman. The version shown has our exclusive Maserati tribute interior, and other touring features. Please call and ask about the detail differences between the two versions.
Every Tributo features bare metal tub and body treatments. Interiors from the finest leather hides, hand stitched with old world craftsmanship. The Tributo is the ideal car for enthusiasts who love the vintage looks of older sports cars, but do not like the old school driving experience. Roadster Salon upgrades all the most important safety and performance elements such as steering, braking, handling, engine and structural rigidity- so that the car feels like a contemporary automobile. Electrical components and wiring are also upgraded to a more modern standard, so that reliability is significantly improved.
While stunningly beautiful, the Spider Tributo is meant to be admired but driven frequently if desired. Please contact us for more specific details. This is a re-engineered automobile with full warranty coverage. It is not a conventional restoration. Efforts were made to improve the car in every respect, not adhere to tenants of originality.
Looking at the photographs, the car sure seems to be in good condition. And, the car comes with some sort of warranty. We would inquire as to what brand of parts were used in the mechanical side of the restoration, but suspect that high-quality components were utilized.
A new Fiat 124 Spider runs around $30k. Reviews of the current Spider are mostly positive, though the engine is a bit dated. The new Spider can't compete with the original on appearance, no doubt. But, if it were our money, we'd buy a new Spider for when we needed modern comfort, and a classic Spider when we wanted something more charming. Spending $90k for one Spider just seems a bit frivolous for our tastes. That said, we salute the builders of these cars and hope to see more like them - surely there are enthusiasts out there willing to pay for perfection.
-Graham