Fiat 124 Spider classic 1978. Rust Free

Fiat 124 Spider classic 1978. Rust Free. THE HISTORYThe current vendor does take the Fiat for a spin on a regular basis, top down, to hear the sweet twin cam engine all the better. Prior to its arrival in the UK, its history is not known but has clearly been loved and cherished judging by the condition of the body and the smooth running engine. It has done less than 1000 miles since it's move to Uk in 2016. THE PAPERWORKThere's a history file to accompany the Spider with records of work carried out in the UK but sadly not it's time in America. Recent big ticket items include a new clutch, brake service and gearbox main seal. The lovely period 5x14-inch Cromodora alloy wheels look brand new and wear a set of matching Kumho tyres in good condition. There are two sets of original keys to accompany the car as well as a workshop manual.THE INTERIORIt's very easy for a convertible to suffer from wear to its interior, especially in sunnier climes, and this car has had completely new dashboard and centre console fitted with its crema leather seats being in fine fettle and contrasting well with the red paintwork. The vestigial rear seats are similarly in fine condition. The wooden dash parts have also survived well and the classic instrumentation is in fine order. The three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel is lovely to hold and presents well. Everything in the interior appears to be original, bar the brand new, period look Bluetooth / AUX stereo. The hood is an older Mohair item and while it's not in its first flush of youth the owner reports that it is watertight and the tonneau cover that neatens things up when the hood is down still fits well. The interior of the Fiat exudes a wonderful patina – it wears its age very well and feels snug and welcoming. When the Fiat was new it would have been fitted with large American spec impact bumpers but the current owner has replaced these with bumperettes that would have been fitted to the Abarth versions of the 124. They are in very good condition and complement the car's styling so much better that the US-spec versions it would have originally worn.The car's originality can be witnessed within the boot where there's the matching Cromadora alloy wheel sitting under the original wooden boot floor panels. The rare factory tool kit is still present as well as the original jack.The car sits on period correct 14 inch Cromodora alloys in as new condition. Having come from a warm, generally dry California climate, the Fiat appears not to suffer from the rust issues that tend to affect 1970s era Italian classics that have spent their lives in the UK. While we haven't inspected the car on a ramp, from what we can see of the underside it appears to be very solid.THE MECHANICSA 1970s Italian twin cam is a thing of joy and during our time with the car the 1. 8-litre four-cylinder burst into life at the first turn of the key – hot or cold – and settles down to a steady idle. On the move the Fiat seems responsive from the passenger seat and there's a throaty roar from the exhaust. European spec springs have been added as due to the removal and bulky 40kg American bumpers the ride height was too high. This has improved both ride, handling and the stance of the car. As the Fiat dates from the late 1970s it is both MoT and VED exempt. Despite this for safety, it has a current MOT valid until June 2022. It's obviously been well maintained which bodes well for its usability.It's red paintwork certainly lifts the mood and we can think of few finer cars to cruise about in. It's a very stylish machine and thoughts of driving along some twisting roads taking in the sights and smells of the countryside while being serenaded by that classic Fiat twin cam is very appealing indeed.

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