Highlights

Comprehensively rebuilt in 2008 by Butlin Classic Cars
In current ownership since 2006
Invoices totalling tens of thousands of pounds available
Recently serviced by specialists Middle Barton Garage

The Appeal

Penned by Pininfarina and powered by the free-revving Fiat twin-cam engine, the 124 Spider is one of the most celebrated Italian open-top sports cars of its era. Produced over a remarkably long run from 1966 to 1985, the later 2000-specification cars benefit from fuel injection and the largest-capacity engine offered in the range, making them a particularly rewarding prospect for those who wish to use their classic regularly.

This 1979 example has been in the current owner's hands since 2006 and was the subject of a comprehensive rebuild in 2008, carried out by Butlin Classic Cars to what we're told was an exacting standard. Invoices totalling tens of thousands of pounds are reportedly available to document the extent of the restoration. Repainted in Dark Royal Blue, a Lancia colour known as Lord Blu, and fitted with Cromodora CD30 alloy wheels, retro chrome-style bumpers, chrome mirrors, and a mohair roof, the car cuts a particularly handsome figure. Inside, the restoration was equally thorough: new old stock seats were sourced at a cost of £1,700, new old stock instruments were fitted, including the rare Veglia clock, now running a modern movement, and quality carpets and new old stock seat belts complete the cabin.

Mechanically, the 2,000cc fuel-injected engine received a top-end overhaul in 2011 by Middle Barton Garage, including work to ensure compatibility with modern fuel, and the car has been recently serviced by the same specialists. The vendor describes this as one of the finest Fiat 124 Spiders available, and with this level of investment and care over nearly two decades of ownership, it is easy to see why.

Key Information

Mileage: The odometer reads ~3,000 miles following a replacement at ~12,000 miles; the combined reading is not believed to be accurate
Country of registration: United Kingdom (first registered in the UK in December 2008)
Technical inspection status: Exempt from MOT and road tax
Technical specs: 2.0-litre fuel-injected engine; further details not provided
Paperwork: Extensive restoration invoices available, reportedly totalling tens of thousands

The Detail

Full rebuild carried out in 2008 by Butlin Classic Cars, reportedly using high-specification parts throughout
Recently serviced by Middle Barton Garage
Top-end engine overhaul in 2011 by Middle Barton Garage, including head skim, faced valves, cut seats, and hardened valve guides for modern fuel compatibility
The vendor believes the 2.0-litre fuel-injected engine to be low mileage
Lowered suspension fitted
Repainted in Dark Royal Blue (Lancia Lord Blu)
The vendor states the bodywork is "rust-free" with a nice patina
Fitted with Cromodora CD30 alloy wheels, which the vendor states are in very good condition
Upgraded with retro chrome-style bumpers, retro-style side indicators, and chrome mirrors
The vendor reports the mohair roof is in very good condition
Interior renewed with soft dash and centre console
Two new old stock seats fitted at a cost of £1,700
All new old stock clocks fitted, including a rare Veglia clock upgraded with a modern movement
New old stock seat belts and carpets fitted

BEFORE YOU BUY

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