1978 Fiat Spider 1800

This 1978 Fiat 124 Spider is an unmodified Italian roadster powered by a well-maintained 1.8-liter inline-4 paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. This Spider received moderate restoration work under the seller’s ownership including service to the drivetrain, upholstery, door seals, suspension, and more. Finished in red over a newer tan vinyl interior, this Spider is now offered with service records, an extra set of wire hubcaps, and a clear California title in the seller’s name.

The 124 Spider first launched in model year 1966 on a monocoque, front-engine, rear-drive chassis with exterior design derived by Tom Tjaarda. This Spider from 1978 shows a largely straight, rust-free body that is finished in red with retractable tan soft top. Condition of the exterior finishes is described as good overall, although the car is a worthy candidate for complete restoration as it displays paint chips and small dents consistent with age. There is a small area of rust on the bottom front corner of each door per the seller, and the passenger side exterior door lock operation is intermittent. Features include chrome and black bumpers, bright bodyside moldings, a driver sideview mirror, a luggage rack, and an upgraded tailpipe.

Steel 13” wheels feature black shadow chrome hubcaps and replacement trim rings. The 124 suspension uses unequal length wishbones and a coilover damper at the front, along with a coil-sprung live axle at the rear. Refurbishment consisted of replacement of the upper and lower control arms, springs, shock absorbers, tie bars, and spare tire.

The interior affords reupholstered tan vinyl bucket seats, matching door panels, replacement carpeting, and a contrasting black dashboard with a center console. The door seals and rearview mirror have been replaced, and the cockpit is accented in wood trim. Amenities include a factory radio with aftermarket speakers, wing windows, and aluminum door sills. The seller notes that the dashboard has a crack and the seat belt buckles are described as sticky but continue to operate as needed.

Instrumentation is installed within a wood veneer bezel and includes a 140-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, a fuel gauge, and a coolant temperature gauge. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads about 97k miles, although true mileage on the chassis is unknown.

The 1.8-liter DOHC inline-4 is said to perform well and received a new timing belt, thermostat, hoses, radiator, and a rebuilt head under the seller’s ownership. The battery is newer and some of the fuel lines have been replaced as well. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a console-shifted 5-speed manual transmission.

The sale includes an uninstalled set of wire hubcaps and service records from throughout the seller’s ownership. The vehicle passed a California emissions test in January 2022.