59,000 Original Miles - 1979 Fiat 124 Spider - AUTOMATIC - POWER WINDOWS

Make:	Fiat
Model:	124 Spider
Type:	Convertible
Year:	1979
Mileage:	59500
VIN:	124CS20149510
Color:	Silver
Engine:	1995cc
Cylinders:	4
Fuel:	Gasoline
Transmission:	Automatic
Drive type:	RWD
Interior color:	Tan
Drive side:	Left-hand drive
Vehicle Title:	Clean
Item location:	Lincoln, California, United States

Extras

Power Windows
CD Player, Convertible

Listed by

Private seller

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Description of 1979 Fiat 124 Spider

I've owned this Spider for 20 years and have loved owning it. I purchased it with 36,000 original miles. It even had tires date stamped 1983 on it and was 100% original at the time of purchase. I drove it home 3.5 hours (scary on those old tires) and spent 2 years replacing seals, gaskets, door seals, bushing, timing belt, flex disc, brake lines, etc, repaired the few small door dings it had and had it repainted. Fast forward to 2009 and the original red upholstery was severely brittle, so I replaced the interior and carpeting. It started developing oil leaks, so I pulled the motor, replaced all seals and gaskets, installed a new timing belt, tensioner and water pump. While it was apart, I replaced the rings and bearings. It runs wonderfully and looks great too. It was originally sold in 1979 in central California and has remained there in a snow-free environment ever since. It has not been in any accidents and has had no major body repairs.
- ENGINE: 1995cc Dual Overhead Cam, aluminum alloy head, iron block factory stock motor runs amazingly well. Does have a small drip near the rear of the oil pan. Runs at the proper engine temperatures with no issues. Strong running. No smoke at start up. No smoke on acceleration. No smoke when decelerating. Runs fantastic.
- POWER WINDOWS: Go up and down properly at a proper rate of speed (not slow)
- WINDSHIELD WIPERS: Work properly and operate as originally designed
-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: 3 speed automatic transmission shifts and drives well. Kickdown is not currently working. I suspect it is the vacuum module. Has minor leak around the trans pan.
- DIFFERENTIAL: Smooth, no clunks, no leaks, no noises. Smooth operation.
- BRAKES: Stop the car well, no leaks or known problems
- BODY: Very straight, no accidents, no damage. Paint is 18 years old but still looks good. It does have some road chips in the paint and is starting to show signs of its age. There is no peeling or de-laminating of the basecoat/clearcoat paint. Still shines nicely. It has no rust - none in the floorboards, none in the trunk, none in the wheel wells, none in the shock towers and none on the body.
- WIND BLOCKER: Folds back or up. Fits with top up or down. Helps stop wind buffeting and reduces noise and wind when driving with the top down.
- CHROME: All looks amazing!
- TIRES: Replaced in 2010. Lots of tread
- WHEELS: Competizone Sport Tuning Monza Wheels purchased in 2020 from Alison's Automotive. Vastly improved the handling of the car and look amazing. There's a very small area on one rim with curb rash. The others are like new.
- SUSPENSION: No noises, clunks or other known problems. Bushings, ball joints look great.
- INTERIOR: Very good condition with no tears, rips or stains. Has original rubber floor mats (not sewn to the replacement carpeting). Dash has standard cracks that they all end up with over time. Wood looks great, all gauges work properly, console replaced in 2002, really looks nice. Custom wood panels added to replacement console.
- CONVERTIBLE TOP: This one is old - 18 years old. As shown in the photos it still looks good. From the inside, wear is starting to show. Though the rear window is in reasonable condition, it will be due to be replaced at some point.
- WIRING: It has all the original Fiat wiring that has not been hacked up like so many. Everything works - turn signals, hazard lights, brake lights, side markers, headlights, high-beams, gauges, dash lights, power windows, etc.
- HEATER: Works perfectly. Heater fan is a bit noisy but I can provide a replacement if buyer wants it.
- GLASS: In great shape except one small chip in windshield that was repaired in 2000.
- MODIFICATIONS: Added AM/FM, CD player. Replaced the ugly 1979 side mirror with a 1981 mirror. Replaced rims. Removed trunk springs and replaced with struts (huge improvement).
This Spider has never let me down in 20 years. I have been able to start it up and drive without concerns. I've taken several long trips up the California coastline and never have had a problem of any kind. I drive it to local Cars and Coffee events and always get compliments and questions about it. When I was working, I drove it to work quite often without any issues.
So what flaws does it have? Everything has flaws - Transmission kick-down is not working. It is likely the vacuum module but I've not worried about it because it could be manually downshifted to pass someone. Small oil leak near rear of oil pan. Small transmission leak near trans pan. Dash pad has typical cracks, but is covered with a FIAT removable dash cover that hides them. Has the typical issue associated with the 1979/1980 ADHA carb where it is hard to start after sitting. Easily fixed by adding an electric fuel pump. Paint is old and has some road chips. Still looks quite nice.