1969 Fiat 124 Convertible

The Pininfarina-styled Fiat 124 Spider was based on a shortened 124 sedan floorpan and running gear and was first introduced in 1966. It would prove to be a worthy successor to Fiat's 1100, 1200, and 1500 Spiders built from 1957 through 1967. Power was from a 1438cc, four-cylinder, twin-cam engine. As the 1970s progressed, the Spider gained 1.6-liter, 1.8-liter, and 2-liter power units.

This Fiat 124 Spider is an early chrome bumper example that was purchased from its original Southern California owner in 2007. The second owner began a thorough two-year restoration to showroom condition. The original 1438cc engine was rebuilt along with the five-speed transmission. The car was painted in its original shade of red using a modern stage two paint. There is a black canvas Robbins convertible top along with new Vredestein tires.

After the restoration work, the car was put on the show circuit. Major Concours awards have included 'Best Fiat' at The Best Of France and Italy 2008, 'Best Fiat' at the 2009 Concorso Italiano, 2nd in class at the 2009 Palos Verdes Concours, and 2nd in class at the 2010 Dana Point Concours.

In 2013, this car was offered for sale at Bonhams Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $48,300 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013