1977 Fiat 124 Sport Spider 1.8

Summary:

My absolute favorite car I could ever hope to afford

Faults:

Over twenty two years, had the front suspension rebuilt twice.

Brakes were rebuilt once.

Exhaust system was replaced once.

Coil was replaced.

Rest regular maintenance.

General Comments:

I love this car.

First on my list is its appearance. The FIAT 124 Spider was designed and built by Pininfarina, using FIAT components and mechanical design.

The handing is superb for a car of its era. It is wonderful on a curving mountain road, giving great feedback to the driver, and inspiring confidence.

It is very comfortable for a sports car. Roomy too.

The top goes up and down in seconds, and is weather tight.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 2010

1978 Fiat 124 Spider 1800 1.8L Twin Cam

Summary:

The Spider's looks, handling and reliability make it one of my all time favorite cars

Faults:

The car had been sitting before I bought it. To make it reliable when I bought it, I replaced the Thermostat, Master Cylinder and Radiator Fan Switch. I purchased and installed all parts myself. Cost $350 US Dollars.

The frame rails had cracks in them, so the front end was reinforced and all bushings and bearings and shocks renewed. Cost $1600 US Dollars.

A Tow Truck driver put 2 large holes in the radiator while trying to load it onto a flatbed (always tow this car on a flatbed, the oil pan will be dented otherwise). Watch the tow attachment points!!! Cost $150 US Dollars.

General Comments:

I love this car. Ferrari styling on a Ford budget.

Pinninfarina styling, same as Ferrari. Engine also designed by a Ferrari engineer.

Once sorted out, a very reliable car. I take it on long trips (800 miles) without a thought.

Much more comfortable for a tall person (6'3") than similarly sized cars. Considerably wider than a Miata, Z3, MG, etc.

Performance is easily upgraded through carburetor and exhaust replacement.

Parts are readily available through several catalog and on-line vendors.

Vast owner support network on-line.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th February, 2008

1972 Fiat 124 Spider 1600 1.6L 125BC.040

Summary:

Classic sports car with LOTS of potential!

Faults:

One of the previous owners put the dumb 132AC (1592cc) engine in, which when the timing belt came loose on the previous owner, snapped both valve heads off on the #4 cylinder. I bought a "new" 20 year old 125BC (1608cc) engine to replace the non-original, piece-o-crap 132AC.

The valve cover and cylinder head gaskets leak (not too bad considering age), and the transmission (5-speed) needs new seals.

I replaced all of the gaskets and seals on the engine and transmission, rebuilt the carburetor, and made everything nice and shiny. It all works great now!

The only other major problem left to take care of is body cancer. There is a 3 inch wide hole to the left of the driver's seat, a hole (puncture maybe, not rust) in the floorboard, and the suspension to body connecting points are rusted (HAZARD!).

General Comments:

This car is seriously fun to drive!

When I rebuild the engine (how many thousands of miles later?), I plan on making it a 14:1 C/R, hot cam, 500cfm, tunnel ram, race car. Theoretically, that should make around 230HP and 210ft.lb.

With a Rotrex supercharger, that Fiat engine (125BC) would make 250HP on a street setup and pump gas on 1.6L!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st June, 2003

14th Dec 2004, 15:35

The Fiat Twin Cam is a reasonably bullet-proof donk, providing all the right bits are done (grab a copy of Phil Ward's Fiat & Lancia Twin Cams).

The Achille's Heel is the box & drive train.

With over 200hp, that delicate little piece of equipment called a 'Fiat 5-speed gearbox' will spray cogs in every direction before even thinking about transferring all that 'grunt' to the rear wheels.

23rd Jul 2005, 07:43

Hi! I just installed a rebuilt 1592 motor in my 1970 Spider. Is there someething wrong with them I don't know about? It replaces a 1498 that came originally with it. 1608 is more desirable, I know, but is there a particular weakspot in the 1592? Thanks!

12th Sep 2009, 08:24

"1608 is more desirable, I know, but is there a particular weakspot in the 1592?"

Yes, the 1608 is "the" engine to have in the early cars, based on the 125 block (the original Ferrari designed block). The 1592 (introduced in 1973 and ended in 1974) was a different block and was a piece-o-crap.

16th Aug 2010, 05:53

Everyone has a favorite among the motor series. The high revving early motors are a hoot, but lack the torque needed for easy and relaxed driving.

The"1800" series has torque to spare but lacks the wind-up thrill of the earlier versions. The 2 liter FI model is less "sportscarish" but a great everyday drive.

I have the "1800" (really 1756CC) and have enjoyed it for 22 of its total 32 years.

A great car!