1982 Fiat 124 Spider

Finished in Bruno Mogano Metallizzato (Brown Mahogany Metallic), ‘ABW 821X’ is an ex-USA Fiat 124 Spider that arrived here in 2018.

Powered by a fuel-injected, two-litre engine with a proven 122bhp and a five-speed ‘box, it’s been in the seller’s hands since November 2021.

He’d always fancied one, and when he saw this stunning example at auction, he couldn’t resist raising his hand, something he tells us he’s never regretted: “it’s been very reliable, starts every time and is very comfortable. In fact, the suspension is so supple it’s like a limo!”
 

The Fiat is in a remarkably well preserved condition. Sure, its early years in a more benign climate than ours will have helped, but to still be looking as sharp as it does, you would also be safe in assuming that it has also been looked after uncommonly well.

Because it does look very sharp indeed. Yes, the Brown Mahogany Metallic (colour code 856F – or it might even be Hyundai Hazel Brown if the tape under the boot lid is accurate) might be a bit of a left-field choice but there’s no arguing with either the shine, its period appeal, or the quality of the panels it was applied to.

Boasting excellent shutlines, razor-sharp alignment, and no serious damage or rust, the coachwork presents very well indeed.

And we don’t even mind the US-spec bumpers either because a) they might be a bit clumsy, but they aren’t *that* bad, and b) they’re a small price to pay to have such a rust-free car.

In either case, regardless of how you feel about them, we can all agree that their condition is excellent being straight, and free of pitting, rust, and/or damage.

The eight-spoke, 14-inch Cromodora Speedline alloy wheels fitted to it are correct for the model. They too are generally in good shape, with no scuffs, scrapes or other damage. However, they are faded with some areas of peeling lacquer, so would benefit from being refurbished.

The good news continues with the tyres, which are 185/60R14 Windforce Catchfors H/P all around. Date-stamped 2021, they have plenty of tread left on them.

The boot also sports a useful and attractive chromed luggage carrier, albeit sporting a few rusty areas.

As for the tan folding roof, the plastic rear window does have a few splits in it and has been taped-up in the offside corner. It also has some light stains to its surface, but apart from that our man reports that it “is as it should be and functioning.”

(Like Heathcliffe, it’s more about what he says than how much he says.)

Flaws are few, thanks to its early years ‘Stateside.

Both doors have a few minor scuffs and scratches, especially on the opening edge of the driver’s door. The nearside front wing also has a very light crease running parallel with the door line plus a scuff to the lip of the wheelarch.

The bonnet has a few rust bubbles breaking out on it, there’s a deep scratch in the paintwork below the rear badge, the nearside door mirror is heavily patinated, the nearside rear lamp is damaged, and the badges are faded.
 

The Ferrero three-spoke leather-rimmed steering wheel was the wheel of choice for so many Italian car manufacturers of the period, finding homes in sportscars from Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and, of course, Fiat.  

This one is lightly patinated but still charming; those of us who buy classic cars are almost all romantics at heart, so wrapping your hands around a steering wheel that’s seen a bit of life is no hardship.

And it sits in front of a classic wooden dashboard that hoists a full suite of Veglia instruments. These are in good shape, as are most of the controls, including the super-slim column stalks that are a tactile delight.

(Fans of Porsche air-cooled cars will feel at home in here as the levers to adjust the heating system are located between the front seats.)

The door cards are decent too, as are the trim panels on the rear quarters. The headlining of the folding roof is also pretty good and probably needs nothing more intensive than a good clean.

However, the carpets are no more than acceptable, with some wear and staining evident.

Turning to the seats, the base of the passenger’s seat base has more wear, cracking, and fading than the others, and there’s also some damage to the back of it.

The driver’s seat is incorrect and doesn’t match. It looks more modern than the rest of the cabin, so we can imagine the new owner will want to invest some time and effort into sorting the front of the cabin out.

The rear seat is in better shape though. Free of rips, tears, and other damage, it doesn’t really need anything doing to it other than continued cleaning and  feeding.

As for other stuff you might like to look at when time and motivation coincide, the same sunny climate that helped preserve the body has taken its toll on the interior leaving plenty of sun-damaged and cracked plastic trim and wood veneer.

And, if originality is important to you, the sunvisors don’t match.

Oh, and the ignition key also requires “a good wriggle” to get it fully into the barrel and to turn fully.

Other than that, it all looks like it should to us with the exception of the modern Sony headunit that plays through speakers fitted in the footwells and behind the seats.

The boot is impressively well preserved though, with good trim and no signs of heavy use or abuse. It’s also host to a ‘Priority Start’ battery isolator complete with a starter button. Non-original too, of course, but a charming period accessory nonetheless and given how useful that might be, we can see most folk would want to leave that in situ.

The piece of wood to hold the boot lid open is included in the sale.
 

As you can see in the video, the fuel-injected two-litre engine starts well, idles solidly, and revs like a sewing machine with good oil pressure.

We took it for a quick spin and the driver reported that “It drives nicely, and mechanically everything works as it should.” 

Its cosmetic condition is good. A bit grubby for sure, so you might like to get your man to detail it for you, but it appears to be oil-tight and free of leaks.

There’s a rather nice alloy radiator under there and as for the aftermarket ‘Proram’ air filter, only you can decide whether the attractive induction noise is adequate compensation for its non-originality.

The underside looks good. We haven’t given it a thorough prod with a sharp screwdriver, but it appears to only be suffering from the usual lightly flaking underseal and modest surface rust. 
 

With three previous UK keepers, the 124 arrived on these shores in 2018.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear bar the marker for being an imported vehicle, and the history file includes one old invoice, a dyno-print showing 122bhp (corrected), and an MoT-exemption declaration.

The Fiat doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies… 
 

In need of a little TLC, albeit largely only to the interior trim, this Fiat 124 Spider offers the canny enthusiast the opportunity to add value with every part they source and every job they tick off the (short) list of things to do.

As for its value, prices have been static for a few years now, something we can’t see staying that way for much longer. After all, it’s got a sweet-revving, twin-cam 122bhp engine, a slick five-speed ‘box, all-wheel disc brakes, sophisticated and comfortable suspension, and one of the easiest hoods to use of any of its contemporaries, all for somewhere between £8,000 and £12,000.

Only around 120-odd are registered with the DVLA too, so they also have rarity on their side.

Still unconvinced?

How about the fact it’s being offered with no reserve then, so will sell from the very first bid?

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.