Description
By: John Tipler .
Today, Fiat's superbly stylish 124 Spider is accepted internationally as a desirable classic car and its stablemate, the elegant 124 Coupé, is quickly gaining similar acceptance. That this recognition is deserved cannot be disputed, for both cars have all the right ingredients for lasting fame: original style, original engineering and real driver-pleasing performance, together with the one essential quality that makes a real 'classic car' - deep-seated individual character.
In production from 1966 to 1985, the Pininfarina-designed 124 Spider was a huge export success for Fiat with over 170,000 examples being sold in the USA alone, whilst the 124 Coupé, styled by Boano, also enjoyed sales success throughout the world between 1967 and 1975. Both cars used Fiat's willing and technically advanced twin-cam engine in sizes ranging from 1400 to 2000cc. Towards the end of production the Spider even enjoyed supercharged performance in its Volumex form.
Not to be forgotten is the 124 Spider's important rôle in international rallying during the 1970s, when the cars created and homologated by Abarth were very successful and always newsworthy. Over 1000 examples of the legendary Fiat-Abarth 124 Spider were built and today, deservedly, these traditionally black-bonneted/hooded cars enjoy great status amongst serious collectors.
Here, from an enthusiast author, is the complete history of these important cars, including motorsport. Also within these covers the enthusiast will find expert advice on which model to choose, restoration, clubs, specialists and what it's like to live with a Fiat 124 Spider or Coupé.
