Fiat 124 Spider 2000 H5 1978

History and background

The Fiat 124 Spider was introduced in 1966 as an open two-seater based on the Fiat 124 family. The model was developed at Pininfarina, which was also responsible for production. The Fiat 124 Spider combined a compact Italian body with Fiat's engineering, creating a relatively light and, for its time, easily maintainable roadster. Within the range, Fiat positioned the 124 Spider as a more refined open car alongside the brand's regular passenger cars.

The two-liter engine version appeared later in the production cycle and represents an important chapter within the 124 Spider series. The car remained available in various markets for a long time and received several technical and exterior changes over the years. The Fiat 124 Spider 2000 H5 designation fits within that final development phase, in which the car came with more modern trim and further development of the mechanical package. In the 1970s the Fiat 124 Spider remained attractive due to its combination of Italian design, open bodywork and wide international distribution.

Production of the Fiat 124 Spider continued until the early 1980s, after which the model took its place as a recognizable classic roadster from the period when Italian open sports cars were still widely built for the European and American markets. Especially the versions for the American market were important for the total production volume, as the model found an important market there. The 1978 Fiat 124 Spider 2000 H5 thus belongs to the later and technically further developed examples of the series.

Characteristics and particulars


This Fiat 124 Spider 2000 H5 was built in 1978 and has a Dutch registration number after import from America. The car has undergone a restoration that was carried out about ten years ago. This involved a lot of technical work, including the installation of a new distribution, new water pump, new rear calipers, new hand brake cable and new brake hoses. Also, the roof is not currently collapsible.

The Fiat is fitted with period-correct Cromodora wheels in 14 inches. That type of wheel fits well with the period in which this Fiat 124 Spider 2000 H5 was delivered and matches the original look of the model. Within the 124 Spider series, such details are among the features that visually distinguish the later versions, without substantially changing the basic design of the car. The combination of American origin, later Dutch registration and technical work performed gives this specimen a specific historical profile within the model series.

Summary


The Fiat 124 Spider 2000 H5 is a late specimen from the 124 Spider series, built in 1978, with American origin, a restoration from approximately ten years ago and various technical work performed. The car sits on period-correct 14-inch Cromodora wheels and has a Dutch license plate. To get a good idea of the lot we advise you to come to the viewing day.