Tag Archives: Fiat

Fiat

1980 Fiat Brava

4 Comments

Towards the end of Fiat’s original run in the US market in the early 1980s, the manufacturer had several offerings in showrooms. The newly introduced Strada (known as the Ritmo elsewhere), the mid-engined X1/9 and Fiat 124 Spider. While the Strada would be discontinued after Fiat’s exit in 1982, the X1/9 would continue on as the Bertone X1/9, which the 124 Spider would be sold under the Pininfarina badge. There was one other holdout in the US market until the pullout, the 131, later known as the Brava.

Offered as a two or four door sedan and four door wagon in the US, these weren’t particular flashy vehicles, but their tidy styling and Italian DNA gave buyers seeking something a little less boring in the family car segment. Not only that, the 131 went on to win the World Rally Championship three times; an accomplishment few of its competitors could boast about. This Brava for sale in New York is a rare chance to get one of these cars in good condition.

1980 Fiat Brava

Click to view listing

For sale is my 1980 Fiat Brava sedan. The car is completely stock and has only 51,670 miles. The only item added to the car is an AM/FM cassette radio I installed in the car back in 1993 (I still have the original radio plastic blank). This FIAT drives very well and is in wonderful condition. I have the original manual, brochure, keys, pictures from the original owner and maintenance records. It has Pirelli tires which are in great condition, original wheels, jack and tool kit.

History......I purchased the car in 1993 from a person in Michigan. I believe I am the second owner. It had 33,000 miles on it and was completely original. The car had been rust-proofed when it was bought from the dealer in Michigan. Domenick's Foreign Cars of White Plains inspected the car before my purchase. That inspection in 1993 revealed some previous body work to the right rear quarter panel and appeared to be an excellent repair (I have the body shop invoice!). Although I put 18,000 miles on it, the car has been driven about 500 miles in the last 10 years. It has been garaged since 1993. In the last 200 miles, I did extensive work to the mechanicals....complete engine tuneup, transmission serviced, replaced suspension, brakes and replaced various lines, hoses and wires. In November 2011, the car was repainted for the first time in its original color using a 2-stage urethane process. I have kept this car in very good order.

Items of attention.....The timing belt could be replaced as it is over 5 years old. The headliner is sagging a little and I considered replacing it myself but discovered a local shop that replaces headliners. If I keep the car I will get this done. The A/C needs to be recharged or converted. The driver seat left side seam has come apart. The interior rear deck lid needs repair. This is a rare 1980 Fiat Brava in fantastic condition.

Even though they are rare, the 131 and Brava doesn’t have that much of a following in the US, which has kept prices low. For a car like this, I’d expect somewhere around the $4,500 to $5,500 mark would snag it. Unfortunately, this Brava has the GM sourced 3-speed automatic transmission, but, with a car like this, beggars can’t be choosers. I haven’t seen a clean 131 or Brava like this in a while and it’s nice to see a few of these out there in the wild that are still well preserved.

-Paul

Fiat

1972 Fiat 124 Sedan

4 Comments

If you count all the variations of the Fiat 124 that were ever produced, including all the licensed vehicles such as Ladas, Seats, Murats and the like, the production total comes to over 20 million vehicles. So how come we don't see any of these on US roads today? Well, rust proofing wasn't what it once was, and since these were sold here early in the production run under the Fiat badge, it's not hard to guess why they are scarce. This 124 Sedan for sale in Southern California is a pretty honest example of a car that went on to become a ubiquitous mode of transportation in emerging markets.

1972 Fiat 124 Sedan

Click to view listing

Have you ever been so smitted by a car that you fell in love? That is the type of feeling you can get from a clean vintage car. This little gem has been lovingly cared for by a gentleman known in collector circuits as a lover of fine Italian cars. Generations of people in many countries grew up with this car or similar cars with different names like the Russian Lada or Zhuguli. In fact, many folks first learned how to drive in or had a very successful date with a young lady in one. The Italians know what I am talking about.

The reaction drawn from vintage Fiats is something that has to be experienced. People of all walks of life seem drawn to them from children and old folks as well as young ladies. Great beach cruiser. These cars are very rare these days, in fact almost impossible to find in an automatic. This example has been cared for by the same collector for over 10 years. The previous owner before was a certified and well known car mechanic. He has more than a dozen cars and drives this one in Beverly Hills, California almost daily.

The current owner is only selling because he is making some room for some more cars. This one has had all of the maintenance done including new head gasket and full brake job. Decent tires and a very clean original dash board. The seats could use some redoing but he decided to leave them as they were because they are not terrible, just a little ripped in places. She has chrome European bumpers and everything is in working order with current registration and a clean title. The VIN number is 124A1129029. For more information or to make an offer please contact Jeff at 949-910-1206.

We feature a lot of flashy sports cars and sumptuous luxury sedans here at CICFS, but it's refreshing to see an honest, vintage family sedan such as this with all its flaws readily visible. The automatic transmission might hold this car back a bit for the more sporting enthusiast, but for something different to get around town in, you couldn't go wrong with this car. Back in June 2011, one of these with a manual gearbox went unsold, not meeting its reserve at $3,800. Have these 124 Sedans appreciated much in that time? Probably not. I'd suspect somewhere around $3,000 to $3,500 would take it. Any more, and you are getting into territory where more interesting Italian iron can be had.

-Paul

Fiat

1980 Fiat 124 Spider

1 Comment

Like the Alfa Romeo GTV6 we featured earlier in the week, the Fiat 124 Spider is an excellent way of getting into the classic Italian car hobby without a big outlay of cash. In addition to reasonable values, it won’t break the bank when it comes to parts and upkeep, as support for this roadster in the enthusiast community is fairly strong and they are relatively simple cars to begin with.

This 124 Spider for sale in Arizona was brought to our attention by our reader Michael has had a recent engine overhaul and has done away with the large and somewhat ungainly US market bumpers from the period.

1980 Fiat 124 Spider

Italian Classic with rising value. Up for Sale and items done; 1980 Fiat 124 Spider, Rosso. First year with Fuel Injection.

NEW: Engine overhaul 3,000 miles ago, transmission overhaul at the same time. Brand new wheels and tires, brand new tie rod ends, brand new front and rear shocks, newer paint, new top, new drive shaft flex disk, new U joint, and more.

There is only 3,000 miles on the new engine. The car shows 53,xxx. No rust at all with 2000cc engine. Items it may need at some point: front brakes are at 50%

No trades or call from dealer please. Would like to sell this car to a collector, serious buyers to drive and enjoy please. Head turner and going up in value. Reason for sale: Just purchased another Italian classic and need the room.

Any questions, please call me at 602-434-two six 20. Price $8,990

This price for this Spider is not too unreasonable considering the engine work and maintenance done, as most 124 Spiders in good, driver quality condition will range between $6,000 and $9,000. A low mileage, concours quality Spider might set you back closer to what the average is for a Series 4 Alfa Romeo Spider. More information on why the engine overhaul was done would be welcome, but this looks like a fun little piece for the warmer months coming up here in the Northeastern US.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1982 Fiat X1/9

3 Comments

The Fiat X1/9 is a good bargain for those looking to get into a modern Italian classic. The problem is these cars were fairly affordable when new, so many have been neglected. In addition, rust proofing wasn't as good 30 years ago as it is today. While it's hard to find an X1/9 in good nick, it's worth the hunt. The X1/9 can be a usable, fun collectable that can be run on a budget. This mildly modified X1/9 was brought to our attention by our reader Michael and appears to be a great example of a sports car that was ahead of its time when it replaced the 850 Spider in 1972.

1982 Fiat X1/9

Spend the summer with your top down! Very rare, desirable 1982 Fiat Bertone X1/9 for sale, most immediately, for $7,300 or best offer. Please correspond by email or call/text 714-476-7399 with any questions or comments. Truly the last chance to own a timeless classic.

Details:
-71,000 Original Miles
-Convertible top
-4 cylinder
-Fuel injection
-Manual transmission
-Power windows
-CD player
-Extremely clean
-Exceptional gray and black interior
-Excellent charcoal exterior
-Very unique, one-of-a-kind vehicle

A decent X1/9 will usually center on the $5,000 to $6,000 mark. We featured an X1/9 last year on offer at $7,000 from a private seller. At $7,300, this car isn't wildly priced, provided the pictures do this car justice and the mileage can be verified. It may not be stock, but the loss of the cumbersome crash bumpers is certainly a bonus both for aesthetics and weight. While many collectors may go the more traditional route of the Alfa Romeo Spider or Fiat 124 Spider, the X1/9 offers to take you down the road less traveled, offering traditional open roofed Italian motoring thrills with a bit of modern thought thrown in.

-Paul

Fiat

1966 Fiat 1500 Cabriolet

3 Comments

The Fiat 1500 is one of those lesser seen Italian roadsters, but it is nevertheless a good choice for someone looking for some thrills in a good looking package on a budget. With a 1.5 liter, OHV four cylinder engine, it's not a speed demon, but that's not what cars like these are about. A car like this is for those sunny holidays down by the beach; the kind of days when you leave work behind and time is but a mere abstraction. This 1500 Cabriolet for sale in California is a great specimen for those looking to enjoy their investment, not merely just study it locked away in a garage.

1966 Fiat 1500 Cabriolet

Click to view listing

California car with the original black plates. I purchased this car from a collector in San Diego that had five of them he had planned on restoring. Because of health issues and other circumstances he decided to sell. I was given my choice of the five. Since none were running at the time and knowing of the rust issues common to most Italian cars of this era {especially ragtops}, my choice was easy. This car had it's original paint and virtually no rust. Floorboards, rockers, battery box and spare tire bay, all solid and original. I'm sure the hardtop helped save the inside and the underside appears to have been heavily undercoated at some point in it's life (possibly at the original dealership). I have included a few pics to show how it looked when I got it.

Interior was removed and reupholstered, dash was cracked so it had to be repaired and recovered. New carpet, new convertible top. Hardtop was originally gloss black, but decided to redo it in a textured black rubberized coating. Repaint was done in the original color. The left rear corner was the only spot that appeared to have been worked on before. There were some minor dents that were repaired before paint. The doors hood and trunk were removed from the car for painting. The inside of the trunk was left original. There are a few minor blemishes in the paint that can only be seen under close inspection. Since all of the trim is original, some areas are showing some minor pitting and could use replating ie. gauge trim rings,outer door handles and rear bumper.

Tires all hold air and have plenty of tread, but they are old and should be replaced before driving any distance, spare tire also holds air. All of the stainless side trim is there and looks great. Front bumper and grille are excellent. Since the car had not run in several years, carb was removed and cleaned, fuel lines and tank cleaned and flushed. New gas was put in and the engine fired up on the first try. It has done the same thing every time since. It does not smoke, idles smooth and shifts fine thru all five gears. Brake shoes and pads were replaced, a new master cylinder was installed and some brake hoses were also replaced. All lights and gauges work. The clock is not in the center spot and has been replaced with an ammeter.

Heater wipers, horn, lighter all work. The original radio and speaker are there but the radio is either not hooked up or broken. These motors are known to be very reliable and I have found that parts are easily found on eBay. I have owned many small convertibles from this era ie. (Datsun Roadster, Renault Caravelle, Triumph, Sunbeam etc.) and in my opinion this Fiat is the best looking of the bunch. The lines and proportions are spot on. Your not going to win many drag races in it, but if you're looking for a drag race you're probably not reading this. You can see how the body lines mimic the Ferrari 250, which by the way, will win some drag races. But you'll have to dig a lot deeper if you want it parked in your garage!

This is the final version of the 1500 Spider with the increased power (up to 83 hp) and the 5-speed gearbox, the unique steering setup is actually quite responsive. This is not a concourse showcar and I am not trying to represent it as such. My hope is that the person that buys this car will fill the tank with gas, put the top down and drive it every chance they get. As with any car this old, I'm sure there will be things that will need to be sorted out over time, as the car is driven.

I have tried to be as accurate as possible in my description, if you have any questions, or would like specific pics, please ask and I'll try to get back to you as soon as I can. Buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. A nonrefundable $1,000 deposit is required within 24 hours of auctions end. I can assist with getting the car somewhere locally for pickup. Thanks for looking and good luck.

A show quality 1500 Cabriolet might breach $20,000. With a no reserve auction, I would suspect this car might bring somewhere between $12,000 to $15,000. While this car is meant for sunny days, the hardtop adds a bit of year round practicality for markets outside of California.

-Paul

Fiat

1971 Fiat 500L

With fuel economy on everyone's mind nowadays, where is the car buyer to turn? Sure, you could buy a new car, possibly a hybrid, that might net you a tax credit and over 50mpg on the highway. But say you live in more urban, close quarters, don't want something as big, but seek a little style with your economy. One of the most chic city cars ever was the Fiat 500, or Cinquecento, produced from 1957 through 1975. Now that Fiat has returned to the US market with the Nuova 500 leading the charge, its an opportune time to make like a hipster, if you so desire, and tell people "I remember the 500 when..."

1971 Fiat 500L

Click to view listing

Here is a very special 1971 Fiat 500L. Finished with an orange exterior and black interior. The odometer reads 47,268 kilometers (29,370 miles) which we believe to be accurate. This is the rare L or "Lusso" model which was the penultimate edition to the famed Fiat 500. These cars came equipped with a more modern and updated dashboard, extra chrome nudge bar, wheel covers and more. This Fiat 500L just underwent a complete oil and fluid service within the last 20 miles and it drives as it should. The two cylinder engine and 4-speed manual transmission make a great combination although no races will be won driving this car. The steering is precise and the brakes are working properly as well. This really is a cute little microcar to drive.

The interior is very nice. The black seats are in good condition (see pictures) showing just typical wear and patina to the seats. The dashboard looks good as well. The exterior is what really makes a vintage Fiat 500L stand out from the rest. The orange paint is in nice condition with some scrapes and wear showing here and there. The paint is bright and shiny although there are a few areas that could use attention (see pictures). Most of the chrome and brightwork are in great condition and even the wheels and tires look good. This really is a great looking Fiat.

The 1971 Fiat 500L really is the ultimate vintage microcar. It has timeless looks which puts smiles on the faces of not only the driver and passengers of the car, but others who watch it go by. This 1971 Fiat is a very nice example imported by a collector several years ago and it is not restored but rather original showing some imperfections and original patina. Please feel free to call me (Matt 516-658-4048) with any additional questions you may have. I am listing this car with a very fair reserve so please only bid if you intend to buy! Don't miss this one! Good luck!

A 500 in concours condition might run you around the $20,000 mark these days. This 500L for sale in New York is in good driver quality condition, which, to be honest, is the way I would want to buy one of these things. These were never meant to be museum pieces, so its nice to see a car like this that has been sympathetically cared for and can be used as intended. I'd suspect the seller is eyeing a reserve of around $10,000 somewhere; a car like this should typically fetch between that figure and about $15,000.

-Paul

Fiat

1984 Fiat 131 Abarth Volumetrico

3 Comments

To close out February, I thought we would feature another three box sedan from the 1980s, the ubiquitous Fiat 131. But this is no ordinary 131. In 1981, Fiat decided to add some fire to the mix, much like Alfa Romeo did with their turbocharged Giulietta we featured yesterday. The 131 Abarth Volumetrico featured a supercharged version of the 2.0 liter twin cam engine. This would make the car good for 140 horsepower and top speeds approaching 120 mph. Shortly after Fiat ceased production of the Volumetrico, Lancia would adopt the technology for use in its Beta Coupe, HPE, Trevi and Montecarlo. This 131 Abarth Volumetrico is for sale in Cuneo, on the French border near Nice.

1984 Fiat 131 Abarth Volumetrico

For sale, Fiat 131 Abarth Racing Volumetrico 2000cc, year 1984, original TO plates, two door in optimal condition. Papers available. Contact only by telephone.

Fiat 131s for sale that are in good nick in the US generally bring somewhere between $3,500 to $6,500 or so. The Volumetrico is not a common 131 in the US or abroad, so I'd suspect a low mileage example like this will bring somewhere near the top of that range, if not more. The 131 was the World Rally Champion in 1977, 1978 and 1980. Subsequently, the 131 Rally that was homologated for sale is a rather pricey item to this day. For much less cash, the Volumetrico offers similar looks with the added benefit of supercharged thrills.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1987 Fiat Panda 4×4

Those in the market for a cheap, four-wheel drive vehicle under $20,000 have a couple of choices, but not many. The Patriot is the bottom end of the Jeep range, but a rather dreadful vehicle. Subaru has a few Imprezas that fit the bill for those not looking for a full-on SUV and Suzuki has the SX4, which is a rather tidy, all-wheel drive five-door hatchback. Unfortunately, the US has not been privy to the Fiat Panda 4x4, which has been around since the 1980s. Rumor has it that we may get a version of this plucky little off roader in the form of a small Jeep, given Fiat's control of Chrysler. In the meantime, it's possible to pick up the first generation Fiat Panda on the cheap, even considering shipping costs to the US. This Panda for sale near Milan, Italy has covered a scant 40,000 miles and would be a great commuting tool for those in colder climates.

1987 Fiat Panda 4x4

Fiat Panda 4x4, 1987 (hence exempt stamp duty), in excellent condition, both mechanical and body. The following components have been replaced due to age: brackets, headsets, tires, battery, belts, etc. Car does not require any additional work, price is negotiable.

The seller is asking the equivalent of about $4,200 USD for this Panda. By the time you factor in shipping and importation fees, you might be hovering around $6,000. That's seems like a lot for a Panda, but considering the utility on tap and exclusivity this car offers stateside, it's a small price to pay. With manually selectable four-wheel drive and a low range first gear, this car offers a curious mix of versatility and economy that is hard to match.

-Paul

Fiat

1981 Fiat 124 Spider

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

Click to view listing

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

Fiat

1963 Fiat Abarth 2300S Coupe Works

The Fiat 2300S was a curiously styled car, almost appearing as a sort of Italian Plymouth Barracuda. The sportier variant of what was then Fiat's top sedan, this coupe. As was the case with many Italian cars of the time, the sedan and coupe were penned by two different styling houses. Pininfarina was responsible for the sedan's looks while Ghia was contracted to design the coupe. At the time Ghia did not have the production capacity, so construction of the coupes was contracted to Officine Stampaggi Industriali (OSI).

Not a car you'd necessarily envision as a competition vehicle, this 2300S has been worked over by the boffins at Abarth and helped carry famed racing driver Paul Frere to a win at the 12 hours of the Nürburgring.

1963 Fiat Abarth 2300S Coupe Works

There were originally only three of these cars. The car was approved on 06.08.1963 by Abarth and re-registered on 03.02.1966 by FIAT SPA in Torino since Fiat took over Abarth. It later went to a collector in the Aosta Valley and finally came to Heilbronn Kirchausen in 1998.

The car had very successfully taken part in major races such as 12 hour Nürburgring (Paul Frere) class win and second overall and Tour d'France and Tour of Europe (Golderer/Peter Falk). The car was completely dismantled and sandblasted. Doors, hood and trunk lid were replaced with aluminum. The engine, with its three Weber twin carburetors was rebuilt and the engine now produces 186 hp at 6498 rpm and 210 Nm of torque at 4992 rpm. The 5-speed gearbox and limited slip differential were completely overhauled and the specially made Koni Suspension rebuilt. The original plexiglass windows were frosted and also had to be replaced. For safety, the passenger compartment is reinforced with a roll cage and a racing fuel tank system installed. Of course the car has MOT and FIA papers. More pictures and information can be found in our "press reports."

The 2300S coupe itself is not a common Fiat. Add the Abarth tuning into the equation and you have one rare piece. A standard 2300S coupe might bring somewhere between $30,000 to $50,000. We've seen smaller vintage Abarths bring close to six figures, and the asking price of over $337,000 is eye watering. While it has an impressive race history, I'm not sure the seller will realize this high price. If the car was for sale around $100,000, I could maybe see it. But at the asking price, we are now in solid Ferrari and Lamborghini territory.

-Paul