This beautiful 1970 Fiat 124 Sport Spider Convertible is a wonderful example of a fully restored Italian sports car. The Fiat 124 Sport Spider is a convertible sports car marketed by Fiat for model years 1966 through 1985. It was designed by and manufactured at the Italian Carrozzeria Pininfarina factory in Turin, Italy. It debuted at the November 1966 Turin Auto Show. This example was the product of a comprehensive restoration that was completed by a previous caretaker who owned the car from 2005 to 2024 totaling almost 20 years. The restoration was finished in 2006 and has been driven 9,000 miles since completion. This car has been extremely well-cared for and appears freshly restored. It's in show quality condition and excellent operating order. It was purchased by MS CLASSIC CARS in September of 2024 and November of 2024 is the first time it's been listed for sale.
The exterior of this car presents beautifully with its timeless design. Most of the Fiat Spider enthusiasts prefer the early examples with the flat hood and chrome bumpers. Prior to the restoration it was very good original condition. During the restoration it was taken to bare metal. It retains almost all the original sheet metal. There was a small rust repair on the front of quarter behind the wheel well and the rocker panels were replaced with new steel panels. The body is very straight and it has very good panel gap lines throughout. The hood, doors and trunk close very nicely. From the information gathered the original color of Positano Yellow (code 208) was changed to Chrome Yellow (code 273) which is more vibrant. The paint work is show quality and was recently detailed to a brilliant shine by the team at MS CLASSIC CARS. It was outfitted with a new black canvas top which includes the seals. The front windshield was replaced new and is crystal clear. The S. Gobain Securit stamped vent glass and door glass is in excellent condition. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced including the glass trim, wipers, antenna, headlight bezels, grille, front bumper, door handles, rocker moldings, tail light bezels, rear bumperettes and emblems. The upgraded h-4 headlights have individual relays which allow them to be brighter. The car has a great stance on authentic 13” Campagnolo wheels which were sourced from well-known Al Cosentino. The gray finished wheels are wrapped with Pirelli Cinturato 175/70 tires that have 2021 date codes.
The interior of this car also presents beautifully especially in its original color of black. The dash pad and console was replaced new. The new dashboard houses the Veglia Borletti instrumentation which includes a 140-speedmeter, a tachometer, a clock and gauges for the fuel level, oil pressure and coolant temperature. The original Fiat wood steering wheel which is included was replaced by a new Momo steering wheel. The bucket seats were redone new foam and black upholstery. The carpeting was also replaced new at time of the restoration. It's equipped with a Becker Grand Prix AM/FM radio. The trunk compartment was restored very nicely and painted body color. It houses a rubber trunk mat, spare tire and jack tools.
The engine compartment is highly detailed throughout and painted body color. It's uncommon to see a Fiat 124 Sport Spider engine compartment restored to this level. The car is powered by the original 1.4L Inline four cylinder engine. The engine was completely rebuilt by well-respected Lee Clark of the Barber Museum. Lee was the chief mechanic and machinist. It's equipped with a replacement carburetor and electric fuel pump for improved reliability. The valves were adjusted, the coolant was flushed, the oil was changed and the timing belt, alternator belt, spark plugs and ignition wires were replaced in 2024. The engine breathes through a replacement single exhaust system with a chrome tip. The power is sent to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission that shifts smoothly. The transmission and rear differential were completely rebuilt.
The undercarriage is very clean throughout. The underside was finished with a textured paint for durability. The suspension is conventional by unequal-length wishbones and coilover damper at the front and by coil-spring live rear axle at the rear, which is located by a transverse link (Panhard Rod) and two pairs of forward-extending radius rods to react to braking and acceleration forces and to control axle wind-up. The suspension has upgraded springs and Koni shocks which lowers it slightly. It's equipped with 4-wheel wheel disc brakes. The front brake calipers were upgraded with a Vick Autosports Prima kit which utilizes Nuova 500 Fiat calipers and vented rotors.
Some miscellaneous parts are included with the sale.
