Somebody Should Buy This: Classic Cars forum: Classic Motorsports

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June 9, 2010 7:51 a.m. bravenrace Dork

I don't know much about Fiats, but isn't this a pretty good deal?

http://bringatrailer.com/2010/06/08/clean-33k-miler-1974-fiat-124-spider/
June 9, 2010 9:27 a.m. spitfirebill Dork

Decent looking car.
June 9, 2010 11:01 a.m. Sownman New Reader

Probably rusty. It's funny how many rust belt cars are sold claiming they are really southwest cars
June 9, 2010 11:53 a.m. stu67tiger Reader

I bought a '70 124 Spyder in the summer of '71. Fun to drive, very balanced handling, easiest convertible top I've ever used.

By Dec of '72 the rocker panels had rust holes on both sides. The body shop guy told me to sell it ASAP, which I did. Yes, I am in New England...

Stu
June 9, 2010 11:18 p.m. midlifemotors New Reader

I think that car is a good deal already. It looks well-maintained and is still good to go. You need not worry if you're not satisfied because you can still make some improvements for it. You can try setting up upgrades of whatever you like. Good luck! Hope this helps. Hope you find the perfect car for you, too!

James midlifemotors1@gmail.com
June 10, 2010 1:32 p.m. Sownman New Reader

midlifemotors wrote: I think that car is a good deal already. It looks well-maintained and is still good to go. You need not worry if you're not satisfied because you can still make some improvements for it. You can try setting up upgrades of whatever you like. Good luck! Hope this helps. Hope you find the perfect car for you, too! James midlifemotors1@gmail.com

You sound like the seller, and obviously I've not poked around in the car but if it is rusty I'm not interested in making those "improvements and upgrades" I always become very skeptical when a car from north central USA is touted as being "from the southwest" There are lots of cars to buy that actually are in the southwest.

Steve
June 11, 2010 5:57 a.m. ddavidv UltraDork

New Mexico, 33,000 miles...and a white car. If that thing was rusty, believe me, you'd know it. Fiats are not shy about hiding their rust problems. I've owned over 20 Fiats, and much like Minis, there is no such thing as a 'rust free' example but you can find ones that are incredibly solid if you are patient.

Fiat Spider rocker panels are legendary for their rusting abilities. The outer panels are purely cosmetic, removable and not terribly expensive to replace. The actual structural panel behind there, that's a different story, and they can and do rust through. Any car that isn't a blatantly clean original example I'm pulling the rocker panel off for a look underneath.

1974 is a unique year...only model with the 1800 and the small bumpers and came with the 'best' carb of all that were offered. The bumpers are unique to the year and very hard to find. First year for the smog pump, which you always want to disconnect because it runs off the cam wheel and they seize up, with unpleasant results.