A little novelty that you will be talking about. The Fiat 124 Spider, also known as “The little Ferrari”. Discover an Italian classic car with a decidedly vintage look and enjoy all the benefits of renting with Voitures Passion.
HISTORY OF THE FIAT 124 SPIDER
ORIGINS
Production of the Fiat 124 Sports Spider began in 1966 at the Italian manufacturer. It was first presented at the Turin Motor Show that year, alongside the Fiat Dino Spider and its Ferrari engine.
It achieved success due to its simple design, a success that would span two decades. This car is typical of the 1960s. During this period of economic growth, Fiat aimed to develop prestigious, youthful, and sophisticated models with excellent handling.
While the Fiat 124 was rather family-oriented, the manufacturer soon launched the Fiat 124 Spider and the Fiat 124 Coupé, two sportier models.
EVOLUTION
The first series of the Fiat 124 was the AS type, launched in 1966 and exported to the United States in 1968. Later, Fiat introduced a second BS series in 1969, featuring some aesthetic and equipment updates. The 1970 Fiat 124 Spider was fitted with a new engine derived from the Fiat 125 (Weber carburetor with 2 double-barrel carburetors).
Subsequently, the third series was launched as the 124 Spider CS version. This version became the best-selling model worldwide, primarily in the United States. While the bodywork remained the same, the engine was different. Inside, an attractive, high-end interior replaced the previous one.
In 1975, Fiat launched the Spider 124 CS1 America with new impact-absorbing bumpers and compliant with the pollution standards of the time.
Later, the CSA version was commissioned by Fiat from Abarth for 1000 units: the 124 Abarth Rally was born with an engine producing 128 horsepower.
In 1978, Fiat replaced the engine once again with a derivative of the one installed on the Fiat 132.
In 1979, the CSO type series was introduced with engines featuring electronic injection. In 1981, the 124 Spider 2000 turbo made its debut. This car would later undergo a major change as Fiat transferred production to Pininfarina.
Subsequent derivative cars could no longer carry the name “Fiat”. This led to the Pininfarina Spider Europa models, the DS version of this car, followed by the final version, the Spider Europa VX with 135 horsepower, launched in 1983 and produced in 500 units.
Today, the Fiat 124 Spider 2016, developed jointly by Fiat and Mazda, is more commonly seen. This modern model aims to be the heir to the Spider of the past.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIAT 124 SPIDER, OUR 2023 NEW ARRIVAL
EXTERIOR AND SIMILARITIES WITH OTHER CARS
This car was not very compact for its time with its 3.97 m length, 1.61 m width, and 1.25 m height, but it charms with its clean lines. At its release, some feared it might look too “tame”, yet it achieved great success.
The careful proportions give it a gentle yet dynamic appearance. With its round headlights and mirrors, silver bumpers, and charming luggage rack, it is sure to please classic car enthusiasts.
Designed by Tom Tjaarda, it inherits the timeless charm of the Ferrari 275 GTS at the front. The Fiat 124 Spider was even promoted as “the little Ferrari” at the time.
The rear of the car is unique, originally intended for the Corvette Rondine, but rejected by General Motors who wanted something more “aggressive”. It was adopted by Pininfarina when Fiat commissioned this coupé-convertible.
Let yourself be seduced by the bright red lines of the Voitures Passion Fiat 124 Spider. It shines under the Aix-en-Provence sun. Convertible, this exceptional vintage car promises intuitive, wind-in-your-hair driving on the roads for a short or long road trip, according to your preferences.
INTERIOR
Enjoy its 4 seats and a fully renovated interior, thoroughly cleaned between each rental by the Voitures Passion team.
The comfortable leather seats perfectly complement the warm wood of the dashboard. Its retro look is as pronounced inside as it is outside.
The little extra? The soft top can be removed very easily from the driver’s seat. Two clips and you will feel the fresh air on your skin in an instant!
TECHNICAL AND MECHANICAL FEATURES
The 124 Spider is technically based on the Fiat 124 Sedan. But it stands out from many other classic cars with enticing technical features:
- a Aurelio Lampredi engine, Ferrari engine designer;
- 4 independent suspensions, 4 disc brakes, which was rare for the time;
- a timing belt distribution, one of the first cars to be equipped with it.
Our 1978 Fiat 124 Spider model features a 5-speed manual gearbox, a 4-cylinder 1756 cm3 engine. It delivers 114 horsepower with a top speed of 185 km/h.
As this vehicle was mainly sold in the United States, it is not so common! Thanks to Voitures Passion, get behind the wheel of a rare and enjoyable classic car.
Discover the Fiat 124 Spider for an unforgettable Dolce Vita!
