1981 Fiat 124 Spider 2000

Highlights

• California import, reported to have been dry-stored for most of its life
• Extensive mechanical work carried out during current ownership
• Now road-registered on UK plates and exempt from road tax/MOT

The Appeal

The 1970s and '80s were a golden era for the Italian convertible sports car. Carozzerria Pininfarina produced two very similar cars at that time: one for Alfa Romeo, and the other for Fiat. Both had fizzy four-cylinder twin-cam motors, five-speed gearboxes and rear-wheel drive. Both were very pretty, but only one excelled on the rally stage - and it wasn't the Alfa...
This later fuel-injected 2.0-litre 124 Spider represents the most refined iteration of the formula. Our car was imported from California in 2019 and is reported to have been dry stored for much of its life, which may account for the vendor's report of a rust-free underside, a notable quality for any vehicle of this age. The current keeper has invested in a thorough programme of mechanical work, and the vendor reports it starts and drives very well.

The black exterior presents exceedingly nicely with only minor blemishes noted, while the interior features a black, cream and wood combination that looks smart. There are some signs of its dry storage years: the dash and centre console show cracking, though a replacement centre console is included in the sale. Fitted with a Nardi wooden steering wheel and a replacement soft top reported to be flexible and leak-free, this 124 Spider is now on UK plates, MOT exempt, and reportedly ready to be enjoyed.

Key Information

• Mileage: 106,000 miles (unwarranted; no service history available)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom (imported from the United States)
• Technical inspection status: MOT and road tax-exempt
• Technical specs: 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder petrol, fuel-injected, five-speed manual
• Paperwork: No service history available; NOVA completed and registered on UK plates

The Detail

• Extensive mechanical work during current ownership, including cambelt, flexi brake lines, universal joints, prop shaft centre bearing, prop shaft doughnut, heater matrix, fuel injector hoses, brake master cylinder, new exhaust and new ignition barrel
• Engine oil and gearbox oil changed during current ownership
• RHD headlight conversion carried out
• The vendor reports the underside is in very good condition
• Exterior painted black with a few minor scratches, dents and blemishes that are reported to be not very noticeable
• Replacement soft top fitted by a previous owner; reported to be flexible, well-fitting, with no leaks or tears
• The vendor states the interior is original and mostly in good condition
• Dash and centre console are cracked; a replacement centre console is included in the sale
• Driver's seat has a tear
• Instruments are reported to work; clock needs replacing
• Heating, fan and heater controls all reported to work; heater facia could benefit from replacement
• Aftermarket CD player and radio fitted
• Fitted with a Nardi wooden steering wheel
• Kept undercover in a carport during current ownership

BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..