Fascinating find for Italian classic car enthusiasts
Lampredi twin cam 1.4litre engine
Very usable four seater coupe
The Appeal
Some elements of this car’s name are very familiar: Fiat’s 124 spawned a myriad of body styles of which the Lampredi-engined twin cam coupe is particularly revered. To the uninitiated, what may be less well known is Moretti.
Founded in 1925 and initially having made its name building and racing its own cars, by the 1950s Moretti was coachbuilding sports cars based on Fiat chassis, including a range of 124-derived models.
This car was sold new in Malta where it lived until 2014 when it was imported to the UK by its enthusiast owner. On arrival it was comprehensively restored, the work focussing on the mechanicals and some trim refurbishment.
With very little written about these cars online, buyers may wish to check out the current issue of Auto Italia which features this car. For enthusiasts of rare Italian sports cars this is surely a perfect opportunity to acquire one of the most interesting and stylish cars of the 1960s.
The History and Paperwork
Recorded as first registered on 10th November 1970
Correspondence from Fiat confirms this chassis number was built in March 1969
Sold new in Malta where Moretti had a showroom and workshop
Sourced by the seller, a Moretti enthusiast and imported to the UK in February 2014
One owner since its arrival in the UK
Extensive history file documenting restoration work overseen by Moretti enthusiast owner
Moretti advertisements and sales brochures included, all in excellent condition
Old MOTs to support the displayed mileage
Last MOT expired on 21st September 2018 with 63,868 miles at last test
MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Features in current issue of Auto Italia magazine
Fitted with a replacement 1.4litre twin cam Lampredi engine
Original pushrod engine supplied with car but requires restoration
Restored between 2014 and 2017 according to history file
Notable investment:
Wishbones replaced on 15th August 2023
Engine gaskets, clutch and propshaft repairs in December 2014
Floorpan welding and arch repairs with localised respray in April 2017
Carpets and trim replaced in April 2017
Brake pads, alternator, axle casing, fuel tank and bearings replaced March 2017 at cost of £5,000
Engine and drivetrain rebuild work July 2017 costing in excess of £4,000
Rechrome bumpers and exterior trim at cost of over £2,000 in July 2017
Refurbished carburettors in April 2015 at cost of £850
Additional invoices for engine work covering 2013 and 2014
Such is the modern day rarity of Moretti cars that very little is written about them - you’ll spend long hours trying to find out about this car if you don’t already know it. The firm was founded in 1925 and made its name building and racing cars built using its own engines, chassis and coachwork. By the mid-50s this approach had become financially untenable so Moretti switched to coachbuilding coupes based on Fiat chassis, mainly the 850 and 124. These cars were designed by Michelotti and intended to fill gaps in the Fiat range not already served by the motoring combine.
The firm’s 124 coupe offered a sleeker alternative to Fiat’s boxy offering, channelling styling clearly influenced by the Fiat Dino Spider.
As the 50s rolled into the 60s, Fiat gradually began filling these niches itself, thereby encroaching on Moretti’s turf. However, sales remained surprisingly buoyant: at its peak in 1973 3,292 cars left the factory.
This car’s chassis left the Fiat works in March 1969 and was then first registered in November 1970 in Malta. There were two Moretti 124 models - the ‘Normale’ fitted with Fiat’s 1.2litre pushrod engine, and the ‘S’ with the 1.4litre Lampredi twin cam.
This car is badged as a ‘S’ but left the factory as a Normale - the badges correctly reflect its current specification as it has been subsequently fitted with the Lampredi motor. It is a genuine factory RHD model, which makes it particularly rare.
It spent most of its life in the dry climate of Malta where Moretti had a showroom selling cars to ex-pats and soldiers. It arrived here in 2014, imported by a Moretti enthusiast who commissioned a comprehensive mechanical restoration costing over £10,000. Since the body and paintwork were good these were left largely untouched although the chrome and interior have been refreshed.
The Condition
Beautiful bespoke coachbuilt styling channels elements of the Fiat Dino Spyder
Very rare RHD factory model
Delightful interior mixes real wood veneers with tan leather trim
Versatile four seater coupe with large boot
Smart classic red paintwork is mix of older restoration and original
Rare Cromodora alloys with Fiat chrome centre caps
Non matching alloy spare in boot
Quality Firestone tyres in good condition and showing plenty of tread
Straight panelwork with good panel fit and no immediately visible corrosion or marks
Bumpers and door handles rechromed during restoration and remain well kept
Fiat and Moretti badging throughout in very well kept condition
We are told that the front and rear badges are non-standard
As explained above, the car was factory supplied as a Normale
Paintwork presents well, clearly older work but retains good finish
Floor replaced during restoration and present with no deterioration
Highly original interior in well kept condition with attractive detailing
Leather seats retrimmed since arriving in UK to correctly replicate designs in Moretti brochures
Two windows have been replaced with Perspex rather than glass
Tan leather trim in well kept condition showing good cushioning and shape
Smart Nardi wood-rimmed, three spoke wheel neatly rounds of a gorgeous cabin
Matching door cards in similar state showing only very minor marks to edge of driver’s side
Trim including switchgear and door furniture well kept showing light patina of use
Veglia dials are original and in good state
Additional Smiths auxiliary fuel guage fitted under dashboard on right hand side
Carpets replaced during restoration and present well
Boot area well kept with solid floor showing no corrosion
Underside reflects care of owner with no notable signs of deterioration
With Fiat already producing a 124 coupe one might wonder why Moretti bothered to coachbuild its own. Then you look at what they created and you realise exactly why. Compared to the boxy factory car, the Michelotti-styled Moretti version is a symphony of curves, clearly influenced by the contemporary Fiat Dino Spyder but neatly adapted for the coupe application.
The appeal continues inside where the airy cabin is trimmed in thickly cushioned tan leather seats (there is ample space for four), all facing a delicately trimmed dashboard with a thick fillet of real wood veneer to encase the Veglia dials.
This car has received extensive mechanical refurbishment but we are told that the aesthetics are largely original. Coming from a dry climate as this car did, it simply didn’t need it. The vendor has applied some judicious improvements such as fitting new carpets and rechroming the exterior brightwork but keeping this car as original as possible has helped retain its considerable historic charm.
It sits on pretty Cromodora alloys - all in good condition - which neatly finish what is a delicate and delightful 60s coupe.
The Mechanics
Fitted with a 1,438cc version of the classic Lampredi twin cam engine
Engine and gearbox fitted by Abarth specialists Middle Barton Garage
Originally factory-supplied with a 1.4litre pushrod Fiat engine
The twin cam unit is correct for this era of 124
The original engine is supplied with the car but we are told is unserviceable
Reconditioned 5spd manual gearbox
Renovation work to drivetrain during restoration
Rebuilt twin Weber carburettors
Extensive work to brakes and suspension during restoration
Few miles covered since restoration work completed
Fiat offered buyers a broad range of engines, of which the Lampredi twin cam is the most sought-after. Moretti offered two versions of its 124 coupe - this car was factory supplied with the smaller 1.2litre pushrod Fiat engine but now has the 1.4litre motor of the ‘S’ mode.
The original engine - which we are told requires restoration - is provided with the car. This is mated to a slick 5spd gearbox. The engine and gearbox were fitted by Abarth specialists Middle Barton Garage.
The history file records considerable restoration and replacement of the car’s mechanical running gear, including brakes and suspension. MOT records show it has covered few miles since that work was completed.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
