Highlights

Documented 39,806 miles from new
Maintained by Italian Classic specialists Italicar of Norwich
Recent new roof and brakes overhaul
2024 £1,000 service including cambelt
Great history including original purchase receipt and manuals
Underside independently assessed as ‘excellent’
Very well presented car in silver with fetching blue trim

The Appeal

When it came to creating their respective two-seater sports cars, MG and Fiat started in the same place: by using existing suppliers and raiding their parts bins. Which is where the 124 Sport Spider gained an immediate advantage.

Styled by Pininfarina, Fiat’s go-to design house, and engineered with Lampredi’s superlative twin-cam engine and a 5spd gearbox, the 124 could only ever be very, very good. No wonder it remained in production for several decades.

This pretty 1979 ‘CS2’ North American-specification car proves the point. It looks resplendent in silver metallic with its blue trim and roof, the interior neatly accented by some upmarket wood features. Despite the undoubted appeal of that 2L engine, it has been used very sparingly, wracking up less than 40,000 documented miles in 44 years. The extensive history file includes the original bill of sale. Desirable improvements include carburettor, air filter, exhaust and manifold upgrades by the previous keeper restore performance to at least that of European-specification models according to the seller.

The car arrived in the UK in 2021 and has been maintained ever since by specialist Italicar. Recent work includes a new, high quality Sonneland hood and a brake overhaul involving new calipers, hoses and discs. The car has also just been serviced and the cambelt replaced at a cost of £1,000. It presents at a very high standard.

A good 124 Spider is one of two-seat motoring’s classic gems. Don’t miss this one.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1979
First UK registered 1st July 2021
Single UK keeper since arriving here
Historic Vehicle that is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
‘CS2’ car with correct 132C3040 engine number
1 set of keys
V4C in current keeper’s name
Original Canadian history lost during transit but photographs of Canadian history available
Vendor advises that car is supplied with original registration documents
Factory handbooks as shown in photos
Maintained in UK by Italicars of Norwich
Low mileage verified through Canadian registration documents
Brake overhaul since arriving in UK
Hood replaced since arriving in UK with OEM part supplied from Germany
Roof professionally fitted by Topjob Conversions of Norwich since 2021
Video inspection of underside by an Italian car specialist which rates it as ‘excellent’
We are told that the low displayed mileage is verified by the history file
We are told the car has lived its life under cover in heated garages including in Canada
Canadian keeper never used the car in winter or on wet roads we are told
Vendor confirms that the mileage is verified by previous registration document showing mileage at 30,000 in 2020

The Condition

Very attractive and highly presented car in silver metallic with blue coachlines
Paintwork presents well with only minor paint chips reported by seller
Bodywork in similar order with straight panels and no accident damage reported
All hinges, sills and door undersides wax treated to ensure they are rust free
Vendor tells us it is rare to find an unrestored Spider 'this clean and spotless'
Vendor reports that the car has ‘no rust or corrosion’
Sills, arches and underside in good order with independent verification of latter
Underside has been undersealed to provide protection
Vendor believes that the car has likely been resprayed some years ago
Dark blue fabric roof in very good order and fitted since 2021
It was sourced from Germany and features Sonneland material and professionally fitted
Sits on correct Cromodora factory four spoke alloys in good order with only light marks
Blue vinyl interior in very good order with well kept seat materials showing no damage
We are advised that there are no cracks or damage to the seats or dashboard
Clear Veglia dials which are in fully working condition
Wooden veneers and wheel in very good order with no fade or varnish peel
Fitted with modern Kenwood stereo
The vendor emphasises the unblemished nature of the interior fittings which you can view in the photographs
Retains the original factory labels for the indicator stalks, indicating the car's sparing and caring use
Headlights have been replaced for halogen units

The Mechanics

1,995cc twin cam ‘Lampredi’ 4cyl engine with catalyser
Carburettor, exhaust, air filter and manifold upgraded to minimum European specification
34/34 twin choke Weber carburettor with K&N filter
Ansa exhaust
Manifold, carburettor and exhaust upgrades improve breathing and drivability
Manual transmission with 5 gears
Recent major service including cambelt costing £1,000
Vendor advises that the displayed mileage is documented and genuine
Ansa exhaust produces a lovely rumble according to seller
We are told that the gearshift has a gated action with positive engagement
New brake calipers, discs, pads, and hoses installed after import in 2021
Engine is reported to be tractable, pulling cleanly from low speed in higher gears
All-round disc brakes which we are told work correctly
No reported running or driving issues
Well maintained by Italicars, the Italian car specialist
Vendor tells us that the mechanical running of this car reflects the very low use and mileage
We are told that the engine spins, gearbox functions and running gear operate 'like new'

The vendor tells us:

"The mechanical upgrades really free up the twin cam Lampredi and give it its head. Now it really comes alive above 3,000rpm with the opening of the large second choke. Then the engine takes on a purposeful deep growl as it delivers the next level of power.

"A car this clean and spotless in all the usually vulnerable places is virtually unheard of for an unrestored Fiat of this age and has only been possible because of the level of care and because the car has lived its life under cover. This includes heated garages that are quite normal in Canada where its previous owner kept it wrapped up throughout the winter months and never out on wet roads. There is unlikely to be an unrestored Spider this clean in the country."

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:

✓ 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.

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