Tag Archives: Fiat

Fiat

1967 Fiat Dino Spider

Introduced in 1966 at the Turin motor show, the exotic Fiat Dino Spider was an effort to homologate the Dino V6 engine for Formula 2 competition. The Dino Spider's 2.0 liter V6 produced 158 horsepower and was hooked up to a 5 speed manual. This made for a quick package in the day. The first Spiders were built at Fiat's Mirafiori plant, but by the time the larger engined 2.4 Spider arrived in 1969, assembly shifted to the Ferrari factory and these convertibles were built alongside the Ferrari Dino. Spiders are rather rare to find anywhere in the world these days; only 736 emerged from the factory in 1967. This example for sale in Bavaria is about the best Spider I've ever laid my eyes on.

1967 Fiat Dino Spider

This Fiat Dino Spider in the first series (AB) was prepared in June 1967 at Mirafiori and 1967 in Europe in the color "blu francia" delivered. The Fiat was bought by the current owners in 1993 imported from California to Holland. In the last 15 years numerous work was carried out on the car at Italo-Dutch specialists; verifiable restoration work:

The body was restored and repainted in 1999 by an Italian specialist in "azurro metallizato." In 2001, the interior was completely redone. The original 2.0 liter V-6 engine (135B000252) was rebuilt extensively in 1996. There were new pistons and camshafts, electronic ignition, bigger cooler (by 2.4 L engine), new oil pump and water pump installed. In 2002, the differential was rebuilt. The gearbox was rebuilt at 8000 km (2007) and new synchro rings were installed.

The condition of the Spider can be described as very good. The 12 year old restoration has minimal wear. The partly renewed chrome is in good condition. The body is fine, the interior is good with minor signs of wear. The technique, such as brakes and suspension are free from defect. Since the rebuild of the engine about 22,000 km have been done. The Dino has received an oil and brake service in 2010.

These Ferrari engined Fiats often command Ferrari level prices, and this Spider is no different at €62,000 (~ $81,000 USD). While the Fiat Dino Coupe had a sharp, fastback style to it, the Spider had more sensuous curves and metallic blue paintwork makes for one of the most beautiful Fiats ever made. With cars this rare, buy the best you can fine, as finding parts isn't always the easiest task. This partiuclar one certainly is certainly one of the better examples I've laid eyes on.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1976 Fiat 131 Abarth

We've covered a good amount of Lancia's rally history in this past week, but during their spate of wins in the 1970s and 1980s, Fiat had a few successes of their own. Namely, with this car, the 131 Abarth. This car is a three time World Rally Championship, winning the title in 1977, 1978 and 1980 along with 18 race victories between 1976 and 1981. Of course, to go racing, manufacturers had to homologate the vehicle they were entering into competition, which is the genesis behind the road version we see here. These cars had the twin cam 2.0 liter Abarth engine good for 140 horsepower fed through a five speed gearbox driving the rear wheels. The seller states this is about one of 200 of the original 400 built that still exist to this day. I was surprised to see such a rare, original piece of rallying history located a little over an hour due south of my ancestral home in Portugal.

1976 Fiat 131 Abarth

131 Abarth - the nightmare of the Escort. 1 of 200 survivors of the 400 built to homologate group 4. Unique in Portugal. Four time winner of the Rally of Portugal, three times with Markku Alen (1977, 1978 and 1981) and one time with Walter Röhrl (1980). World Champion in 1977, 1978 and 1980.

2000cc, independent suspension, limited slip differential exclusive original model (same as group 4), 155-160 hp, lightweight fiber exterior panels built by Bertone, Aluminum doors. Two Weber 44 IDF carburetors with Abarth intake manifold (optional). Cromodora Wheels 15x7 "original manifold and carburetor preserved and included as standard. Engine and chassis numbers correct and original. Totally original/never restored. Imported from private collection in Italy. Much better than having money in the bank!

Beyond its pedigree and butch looks, the 131 is a significant car for me because my mother drove when I was born. Granted, her car was a pale yellow 1978 131 Mirafiori two door with a GM sourced 3 speed automatic transmission, but it still possessed the crisp Italian lines and quite comfortable seats which proved their worth on long trips. It wasn't the most reliable car, evidenced by the fact my parents traded the 131 in for a 1983 Honda Accord hatchback and owned Hondas for 15 years thereafter. Even still, it hasn't soured me on Italian cars and now, over 30 years on, cars such as this 131 Abarth have become a legend in their own right.

The asking price of €66,000 (~ $87,000 USD) is very strong money, even for such a limited run, championship winning vehicle. The exchange rate has not been kind to the dollar, but having been listed for almost two months, I can't help but think we are around $20,000 above the proper price point for this car, especially when you have low mileage Lancia Delta Integrale Evolutions out there in the $25,000 to $40,000 USD equivalent range. Granted, those cars will not be street legal in the US for another four years. For me, though, it would be worth the wait.

-Paul

Fiat, Uncategorized

1975 Autobianchi A112 Abarth

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Autobianchi was a joint venture between the bicycle manufacturer Bianchi, Fiat and Pirelli set up in 1955. The mission of this company was to test out new technologies and advancements for Fiat that would eventually make their way into the lineup. Introduced in 1968, the A112 was marketed solely as a 3 door hatchback and saw over 1.2 million examples produced over an 18 year time span. It was also the vehicle which helped bring front wheel drive to Fiat's range in the form of the 127.

Along with the standard A112, Abarth tried their hand at souping up this diminutive runabout and debuted the A112 Abarth in 1971. The 1975 model of the A112 Abarth brought about improvements to the model, most notably a larger displacement engine with 69 horsepower and a 5 speed gearbox. These were raucous little cars that were sought out by young enthusiasts and rally drivers. As a result, few mint examples survive today. This particular 1975 A112 Abarth for sale in Belgium is quite tidy, has a breathed on engine cranking out 90 horsepower and has only a little bit more than 11,000 miles on the clock.

1975 Autobianchi A112 Abarth

Rally prepared, FIA papers, 1054cc engine, engine prepared to 90 HP. Excellent technical condition and well maintained interior.

For under $7,500 USD, this is a unique piece of Italian racing history and is a good alternative for those who think a vintage Mini Cooper is a bit too boring. Autobianchi ceased operation in 1996, the last car to wear it's badge being a version of the Lancia Ypsilon. Today, the official Autobianchi club, Registro Autobianchi, owns the rights to the company name. These loyal and passionate enthusiasts of the mark see to it that owners have a forum to help keep hot hatches like the A112 Abarth around for many years to come.

-Paul

Fiat

1959 Fiat 750 Abarth Allemano Spider

The Fiat 500 was the basis for a plethora of model variants, as we saw with the Giardiniera version featured two days ago. Carlo Abarth is no stranger to Italian automotive enthusiasts. Born in Vienna as Karl Albert Abarth, he started his career racing motorbikes and after World War II helped form the company Compagnia Industriale Sportiva Italia, or CIS, this firm would later become Cisitalia. The Cisitalia project fizzled and he founded Abarth & C. in Turin, using the Scorpion, his astrological sign, as the company logo. The influence he wielded over the diminutive 500 was impressive, having created a wide variety of competition versions. This particular vehicle was one of them. Crafted by Carrozzeria Allemano, this coachbuilder was known for variations on famous models such as the Lancia Aurelia and Fiat 1500 and even had a hand in creating a few Panhard models. With a breathed on engine from Abarth, only a few of these 750 Allemano Spiders were created for competition use. This one has been restored to like new condition and would be a fantastic piece for vintage racing.

1959 Fiat 750 Abarth Allemano Spider

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1959 Abarth 750 Allemano Spider. Sold new to USA, in Europe since 1991. Full aluminium body. Restored, ready to drive condition. The car is present on the book Italian Car Registry written by John De Boer (see attached photo). Custum duty paid in Europe, old USA Title comes with the car. According with many Abarth publications only 20 Abarth 750 Allemano Spider has been built for race use. Dr. Lorenzo Avidano (Abarth Racing Director) in front of the car during Carlo Abarth Centenary Celebration in Turin (2008).

This car is a great piece of Fiat history and with no reserve should test the waters for vintage Abarths. I'm fascinated that this car was sold new in the United States around the same time '59 Cadillacs with their huge tailfins roamed the streets. It took a special kind of enthusiast to go for such a car at the time. Now, with the new Fiat 500 Abarth being reintroduced to the US market, it's a great time to look back at these machines to see where it all began in post World War II Italy.

-Paul

Fiat

1966 Fiat 500 Giardiniera

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The Fiat 500, or Cinquecento, was Italy's answer to the people's car and had staying power. With a production run of twenty years, these cars still dominate Italy's roads, although the population has been waning a bit as of late. There were many variants of the 500, from the sporting Abarth, the canopy topped Jolly and the Multipla, which could be considered the progenitor of all small MPVs. There was also a longer, estate version of the 500, called the Giardiniera. This car had the engine laid under a flat boot floor and was the only 500 model to continue on with suicide doors into the 1970s. While not as well sorted as the 500 we featured last month, this example is complete and uncommon on these shores.

1966 Fiat 500 Giardiniera

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1966 Fiat Giardiniera, only 327,000 produced! Rare car! 2 doors (suicide doors) 4 seats + rear door. Rear mounted engine 2 cylinder.

Specifications: FIAT/Autobianchi 500 'Giardiniera' Station Wagon.
Engine: Rear mounted, 2 horizontal in-line cylinders with overhead valve layout, air-cooled four-stroke of 499.5cc giving 17.5 bhp at 4,600 rpm.
Engine Lubrication: Pressure
Maximum Speed: 95 kph (59 mph)
Fuel Consumption: 5.2 litres per 100 km (54 mpg)
Gears: 4 speeds forward with 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears in constant mesh, plus reverse.
Final Drive Ratio: 5.125 to 1.
Brakes: Foot operated, manually adjusted hydraulic drum brakes to all four wheels with hand operated mechanical brake to rear wheels.
Note! the brakes of the 'Giardiniera' are larger than those used on the saloons.
Suspension: Front: Independent with transverse lower leaf spring and wishbones.
Rear: Independent with semi-trailing arms and large coil springs.
Note! Although the rear suspension layout is the same as the saloons, the trailing arms and coil springs are stronger to accomodate the weight of the longer body and extra cargo loads.
Telescopic shock absorbers to all four wheels, the rear ones being stronger than those fitted on the rear of the saloons.
12 Volt electrical system.

This car was remodeled approx 8 years ago, it has not been driven for about three years it would be wise to have the car serviced before taking out on the road! People will stop and look as you drive down the street, more then any other cars. Also the extras will go with car, two tires, seat covers, whatever is there I will included with the sale! I also believe that I have a copy of the manual, not the original but good enough.

I'm not sure how "only 327,000 produced" constitutes rare, but there's no telling how many of these little estates exist anymore, especially in the United States. With a bit of tidying up in the interior and a bit of polish, this could be a nice, unique urban runabout.

-Paul

Fiat

1964 Fiat 1500 Cabriolet

Taking public transport to work everyday isn't a joy. Ask anyone. Attempting to zone out the misery, I was listening to one of my favorite albums on my iPod, "La Musica Italiana." It's a compilation of Italo-Disco and other pop classics that helps me ignore my miserable commute and transports me back to the Old World. Why is this pertinent to this post? On the cover of this album is a red Fiat 1500 Cabriolet, just like our feature car. The 1500 shared little with its sedan counterpart, other than the 1.5 liter, 72 horsepower four cylinder engine. While the 1500 is a tad overshadowed by its successor, the 124 Spider, for me the 1500 represents the classic Italian sports car.

1964 Fiat 1500 Cabriolet

History: Launched in 1960 the Fiat 1500 Cabriolet had similar styling to the Fiat-Oscar model, although minus the other cars bonnet bulge. With only a 1481cc engine the 1500 Cabriolet was also slower than the Oscar model although its performance was far from disappointing. Standard equipment for both the 1500 Cabriolet and Coupe included servo assisted front disc brakes and a generous level of interior trim. The body itself was styled by Pininfarina and was extremely elegant. These Cabriolets were also commonly known as Spiders. Production of the 1500 sports range lasted until 1967.

Details
Car Condition: High End Level
This beautiful 5 speed Fiat is red with tan interior and a black top. It features an aluminum engine, 155 SR 14 Z X tires with steel wheels, bucket seats, roll up windows and 91,850 miles showing. It is a 4 cyl, 9:1 compression engine and is rear wheel drive with a lever carburetor. It is a sporty, fun and economical car that would make a great addition to any Fiat collector’s garage.

While the seller doesn't list the price, my best guess is this car would realistically fetch around $20,000 to $25,000 on a good day, making it a more financially reasonable alternative to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. It looks to be a survivor with a bit of freshening up, but presents very well. And who couldn't love that white Veglia tachometer?

-Paul

Fiat

1970 Fiat 500L

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With the reintroduction of Fiat to the United States market in the form of the 500, let's take a look at the car's spiritual predecessor, the (original) Fiat 500, or Cinquecento. Designed by Dante Giacosa and introduced in July 1957, the 500 was Italy's answer to the Volkswagen Beetle. It was designed as a car for the masses and to be simple to maintain and repair. With a 479 cc air cooled two cylinder engine, it produced a paltry 13 horsepower.

By the time the L, or Lusso, version arrived, the engine was pumping out 17 horsepower. This doesn't sound like much, but keep in mind these vehicles weighed slightly over 1,000 lbs. The L included a redesigned dashboard and other interior upgrades. In 1975, the original 500 was eclipsed by the Fiat 126, but this diminutive little car was emblazoned in the hearts and minds of the Italian car buying public. It's a testament to their staying power that you still see Italians driving them around city streets and collectors the world over clamoring for well preserved examples.

This 1970 500L is for sale from a specialist in Boston and is in quite good shape and looks sharp in cream white.

1970 Fiat 500L

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This is a very clean, classic Fiat 500 L. This car was hand-picked in Parma, Italy and vetted by mechanics in both Italy and Boston. It comes with a new interior and a clear Massachusetts title. We have been importing vintage Fiat 500s for over 15 years. We take the necessary time and expense to go through each of the cars we import to not only make sure that they run properly when they are purchased but for the long term. Our cars are not the least expensive.

What most people don't realize is that these cars are 40+ old. Even though Fiat manufactured 4 million of them and built them to be driven "into the ground" just because they seem fine and look nice and shiny when you drive them away, doesn't mean that they will remain that way for long. There are several components of the engine, transmission, suspension and brake system that have to be checked and there are almost always worn or cracked parts (most commonly rubber components) that must be replaced for both the safety and long term enjoyment of the car.

Certain areas of these cars are also prone to rust. Rust that can be easily hidden by new "under carriage coating" or painted over. We make sure that all of our Fiats are safe for their new owners and if properly maintained will remain that way for the foreseeable future.

The asking price of $16,000 is a bit dear for what was originally intended as a people's car. These aren't the most ideal cars for long haul travel, so use would be rather limited to around town trips and short jaunts on the highway. The recent service and restored interior certainly makes this an attractive piece, but this car is approaching new Fiat 500 money. What price nostalgia, then?

-Paul

Fiat

1974 Fiat 130 Coupe

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Large Fiat saloons and coupes, much like their French counterparts, have always been the vehicle of choice for people who march to the beat of a different drummer. The Fiat 130 sedan and coupe were never sold new in the US, so this is a car which is rather obscure outside enthusiast groups stateside. Nevertheless, this is an important car in Fiat history and a rather rare one at that.

The 130 coupe featured a 3.2 liter, 60 degree V6 engine designed by famed Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi. Many of the coupes, like our feature vehicle, came equipped with a Borg-Warner 3 speed automatic transmission. Features such as four wheel disc brakes, four wheel independent suspension and an alternator set the tone for future Fiats to come. The number of roadworthy 130 Coupes has certainly dwindled over the years, while mint condition examples are a rare find indeed. This particular two owner car for sale in The Netherlands is a mint example of Fiat's attempt at a personal luxury coupe for the 1970s.

1974 Fiat 130 Coupe

Fiat 130 Coupe, two owners with only 146,000 km (~ 90,720 mi) from new. Swiss approval only (no tax & duty). The body is very solid, no rust and the underneath is very clean. The car drives perfectly. 20 km (12 mi) from the German border.

The asking price for this 130 coupe equates to about $16,850 USD given current exchange rates. That is a princely sum for an almost 38 year old Fiat. However, with 4,294 ever built and fewer still which have survived, this is a personal luxury coupe that can match many Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis in rarity. The 130 coupe looks amazingly modern in comparison to its sedan counterpart and exudes the tailored look we've come to expect from Pininfarina.

-Paul

Fiat

1963 Fiat 1200 Convertible

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The Fiat 1200 series was a spiritual predecessor to the popular Fiat 124, which enjoyed great success and was built under license in several countries after Fiat ceased production. Available in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles, these cars were powered by a 1.2 liter, 55 horsepower inline four cylinder engine. This example for sale, while a little rough, is fairly complete. In white, it's a nice departure from the classic red which you usually see these convertibles painted.

1963 Fiat 1200 Convertible

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For sale is a 1963 Fiat 1200 Cabriolet. This car is a nearly complete running and driving project car that has had some partial restoration work done to it previously. Nearly everything functions on this car. It is believed this car spent its entire life in California. Based on the bright work and the presence of the emblem (which is in poor condition), it is highly likely that this car was a coach built Veturre Speciali.

This is a good candidate to be completely restored and is being offered at a price that will allow the buyer to do so and still maintain their investment in a vehicle that is becoming increasingly rare and quickly rising in value. Many of these cars languish in garages due to rust, lack of trim pieces, or completely destroyed mechanicals. This car does need work, but it is miles ahead of a majority of the projects available. It has been gone over and inspected and every attempt is made to list both the good and bad points about this car.

Exterior:

It has fair to good quality paint, uniform with no evidence of rust or perforation anywhere on the body exterior. The right front, the rear valence, and lower left rear of the rocker have undergone amateur dent repair. The sheet metal is not stretched or grossly misshapen. No evidence of rust in these areas. The top is of average quality, in fairly good condition and functions correctly except that it is torn behind the driver window on the side and has a small tear behind the passenger window. It will need to be replaced.

The bright work on the car is in relatively good condition and intact. The bumpers need to be replaced or re-chromed with some repair to the metal. These are readily available new. The following items do need to be re-chromed: outer door handles, rear trunk handle, rear deck strips, windshield frame and mirrors. The stainless on the grille surround should be professionally straightened. Hub caps are present and in good condition.

Mechanical:

The engine has low compression and blow-by. It idles fairly well and starts with the turn of a key. The valve train appears to be in good condition, but it smokes and lacks power. It either needs rings, pistons or both. The engine does not knock or overheat. The correct carburetor is freshly rebuilt and functions as it should. It has the correct air cleaner and accessories on the engine. The mechanical fuel pump failed and it has a new electric pump installed. It has an aftermarket electronic ignition. Exhaust is complete and intact. The plastic fan blade is missing one blade.

All of the gears in the Transmission function and engage. There is a rattle in the clutch area. There is no noise from the rear differential. The clutch operates as would be expected as well as the brakes. There is a slight squeak from the left front when applying the brakes at low speed. The car stops straight. The handbrake functions, but the actuator in the handle needs to be repaired. Tires are in good condition.

Interior:

The interior is in good condition. The seats are retrofitted from quite possibly an 1100 of the same era, but they function as expected and are of the correct color and upholstered in cloth centers with vinyl bolsters. The carpet is not original as well as the door seals. The door panels are recovered in black vinyl and lack armrests and the proper interior trim rings. Interior floor pans are solid, but do have some surface rust that should be cleaned and treated. There is no perforation and the sheet metal is good.

Electrical:

All of the electrical items function including the under hood lights and trunk light. The heater fan is slow as well as the wiper motor. The passenger door jamb switch needs to be replaced. The column switch should be rebuilt or replaced. Lenses are in very good condition and all of the lights work correctly. The fuel sender needs to be repaired or replaced, the gauge has been tested and functions. The charging system is functional.

Bringing such a vehicle back to concours condition would be a tedious undertaking, given the availability of certain parts and trim. This example would lend itself well to a nice freshening up to bring it back to a drivable condition, enabling you to show it at club and classic car events on occasion. If this Fiat could be bought for around $5,000 to $7,000, it would make a less expensive, and interesting, alternative to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider.

-Paul

Fiat

Probably the Nicest Fiat Spider 2000 Available Anywhere!

Here's your chance to get a practically new Fiat Spider in Georgia. It shows less than 7k original miles which explains it's amazing condition. At $24900 it's priced for collectors and serious enthusiasts, but maybe if you're in the market for a Miata as a second or third car, why not consider classic car ownership?

Check out this 7k mile Fiat Spider on eBay

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quote from the seller:

1982 FIAT SPIDER 2000 ! ONE OWNER CAR! TRUE MILES ONLY 6,700 MILES! NEW TIRES! IN PERFECT CONDITION, ALWAYS GARAGED AND WELL KEPT! COLLECTOR ALL ORIGNIAL CONDITION! RECENTLY SERVICED AND READY FOR A DAILY DRIVER OR PERFECT FOR A COLLECTOR.

Of course no one who's in the market for a new Miata would get swayed by this temperamental little Italian car from 3 decades ago, but it's a fair comparison pricewise. What do you think the actual selling price on a car like this will be?

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