Highlights
- Restored by a Skoda design department employee with help from Skoda craftsmen in 2001
- Plenty of work completed in recent years
- Comprehensive history file from previous owners
- Always garaged and only used for dry summer weekend driving since 2013
The Appeal
The Fiat 124 Spider is one of the most elegant and accessible Italian sports cars of its era, featuring beautiful Pininfarina styling and an effortless, sophisticated character that even the then-dominant British sports rivals couldn't hold a candle to.
This is a deeply desirable European specification model, confirmed by both Fiat's Centro Archivio Storico and Pininfarina's Vehicle Planning Department as being manufactured in July 1972. As a result, unlike the majority of 124 Spiders that were destined for the American market, this car retains its original 1,608cc twin overhead cam engine and twin dual choke IDF 40 Weber carburettors.
This is a deeply desirable European specification model, confirmed by both Fiat's Centro Archivio Storico and Pininfarina's Vehicle Planning Department as being manufactured in July 1972. As a result, unlike the majority of 124 Spiders that were destined for the American market, this car retains its original 1,608cc twin overhead cam engine and twin dual choke IDF 40 Weber carburettors.
What makes this example particularly special is its provenance. This fabulous little car was registered in Prague, Czechoslovakia, to an employee of Skoda - who worked in the design department. This employee reported that he carried out major body and trim restoration work with the help of Skoda's team and their suppliers. He then to the UK to join a major auto manufacturer, and brought the car with him as an official import - claiming that its Tom Tjarda styling gave him inspiration!
Two owners later, and with plenty of work and maintenance undertaken, the current owner purchased the car in May 2024. Since then has only used it for fun weekend driving in dry summer months, keeping it in fabulous order that's now ready and waiting to charm the lucky buyer.
Two owners later, and with plenty of work and maintenance undertaken, the current owner purchased the car in May 2024. Since then has only used it for fun weekend driving in dry summer months, keeping it in fabulous order that's now ready and waiting to charm the lucky buyer.
History and Paperwork
- Manufactured in July 1972 to European specification
- Registered in 1972
- Documented history in Prague, Czechoslovakia from 2001, owned by a Skoda design department employee
- Officially imported to the UK in 2004 by the Czech auto designer
- 3 subsequent UK owners before the current owner purchased it in March 2024
- Comes with a comprehensive history file from previous owners
- The previous UK owner spent approximately £7,000 on various engine and bodywork
- After a check over from well known Alfa specialist Peter Smart, it was decided to rebuild the engine
- Receipts and records available including a valuation note from a specialist Fiat/Abarth garage for £18,000
- Always garaged
- Recently used as a prop for wedding photos
- Tax and MOT exempt
- Currently indicates 04,652 miles on a five-figure odometer
- Original KMH odometer reading 98,731 kilometres (approximately 62,000 miles) is available with the car
The Condition
- Major body and trim restoration work was carried out by Skoda workmen and their suppliers between 2001 and 2003
- The vendor states that the car is in excellent condition throughout
- This certainly rings true in the photographs - the paintwork is in fine order
- No dents or dings to the bodywork
- Brightwork is contrasting nicely
- Soft top in good condition
- Internally, the car is very good order
- Upholstery is free of rips and tears
- Dashboard is clean and well presented
- All instruments are legible
- All features work except the clock
The Mechanics
- 1,608cc 4-cylinder twin OHC engine
- Twin dual choke IDF 40 Weber carburettors (original carburettors still kept)
- Recent total engine rebuild by the owner, now running well
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Gearbox and rear axle appear in very good order
- Since 2013, the vehicle has had new brake wheel cylinders and pads
- Engine top end overhaul with new valves
- Regular oil and filter changes maintained
- Standard rear exhaust box included in sale
- A pair of european headlights and miscellaneous parts in boxes also included
- The vendor notes that the car drives as a well-maintained 124 should
- We've no reports of any mechanical issues throughout
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
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