Lightly Restored: 1980 Fiat Spider 2000 – Sold?

July 9, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

The Fiat 124/2000 Spider is a classic Italian convertible with gorgeous styling and sprightly performance, but it’s also the kind of classic that can be found very cheaply and for good reason. These Pininfarina-styled convertibles often times slide down the slippery slope of careless owners and wanton neglect, leading to issues of both the mechanical and cosmetic sort. That’s not the case with this gorgeous 1980 example originally listed in June 2021 on Craigslist in Raleigh, North Carolina with numerous repairs and upgrades performed, including a respray and restored interior, for $17,500. Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has priced the Spider fairly, as one in “Excellent” condition is worth a respectable $19,800.

The Fiat 124 Sport Spider lived through a few different iterations, but the general appearance remained true to the original Pininfarina design. In the U.S., the convertible won praise for its easy-to-use convertible top and eager personality; it was equally suited as a classic roadster as it was a driver’s car. The Fiat would go head-to-head with the Alfa Romeo Graduate Spider of the same generation, and both cars seem to suffer similar fates: cheap to buy, but not necessarily cheap to own. Finding the best one possible in this case does make sense, because $10,000 should buy a truly decent car or at least a runner without any rust. Later 124s like our feature car were surprisingly modern, featuring a dual overhead cam 2.0-liter engine with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection.

The car in question has certainly been owned by a Fiat fan, as relatively few of these 124 Sport Spiders show up in this sort of condition. The seller has touched on almost every major area of concern, from the bodywork to their interior, with both areas effectively restored in the form of fresh paint and new upholstery. The wheels and tires are also new, and genuine Panasports like this car has look right at home on a 124. The seller has also replaced the water pump and battery, and fitted an aftermarket exhaust. One of the first changes I’d make if this were my car would be to ditch the U.S.-spec bumpers and find a set of the far prettier European-market chrome bumpers that make it look like a shrunken version of a Ferrari 250 SWB California Spider. Overall, buying the best version of a car does make sense, but I’d be prepared to take a loss if you try to sell this lightly restored Fiat within a few months of ownership as they can still be had for far less. However, buy it because it makes you smile and you’ll never pay too much. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“This is an excellent 1980 Fiat 124/2000 spider convertible. This is a 2 L, double overhead cam, fuel injected four-cylinder, mated to its 5 speed manual transmission and fitted standard with Disc brakes. Professionally repainted just over a year ago, the car shows extremely well with no rust underneath or otherwise. The tan interior was recently refreshed with new seat covers, new inertia reel seatbelts, a new Dash top, new carpets, an SBA wooden steering wheel and matching gearshift knob and an upgraded AM/FM cassette with equalizer.

The car is fitted with REAL Panasport alloy wheels and Hankook radial tires. An aftermarket exhaust system was also added which gives it an excellent exhaust note. Most recently the water pump and battery were replaced as well as a cloth convertible top has been added. The car is fitted with its original boot cover, spare wheel and a lug wrench tool.

This is a great driving, recently refreshed 2000 spider in a desirable color with some great upgrades..“

Do you have a Fiat 124 story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!