We see an incredibly diverse selection of classics crossing our desks at Barn Finds, and I know we have a passionate group of readers drawn to small European sports cars. If you share those feelings, this 1980 Fiat Spider 2000 deserves a close look. It is a one-owner survivor that presents exceptionally well and has avoided the rust issues that often plague these classics. The Spider has generated significant interest, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting it listed here on eBay in Clackamas, Oregon. Bidding sits at $3,779, which is below the reserve.
Fiat and Pininfarina enjoy a long collaborative history, with Fiat continuing that trend when developing the 124 Sport Spider. Pininfarina handed styling duties to Tom Tjaarda, a man renowned for penning some of the most beautiful cars in automotive history. Unveiled at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, the Spider earned immediate acclaim for its lines, which were considered elegant and modern. The vehicle hit North American showroom floors in 1968, receiving a model designation change to the Fiat Spider 2000 when the company introduced the 2.0-liter engine in 1979. This 1980 example is a one-owner classic finished in Cherry Red. There is something undefinably “right” about any Italian sports car finished in Red, and this Spider’s presentation demonstrates that. The paint retains a mirror shine, covering laser-straight panels. The seller states that the soft-top is new and should provide excellent weather protection. I am disappointed they didn’t provide any images with the top lowered, because that is when these classics look their best. I can almost hear some readers asking the almost inevitable question about rust, a known weakness of the Spider. Relax, because the news is positive. The seller confirms that this gem has never seen adverse weather and is as solid as the day it left the line. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the wheels are free from stains and physical damage.
One of the greatest attractions of classics like the Spider 2000 is what rests under the hood. Italian sports cars rarely feature large-capacity engines, but the four-cylinder motors typically used are almost universally peppy and willing performers. This Spider features a fuel-injected 2.0-liter four, teamed with a five-speed manual transmission. The company offered an optional three-speed automatic, but since the self-shifter destroys much of the driving pleasure, it is best avoided. The power and torque figures of 102hp and 110 ft/lbs may not sound impressive, but with the Spider weighing under 2,300 lbs, the performance is quite surprising. The seller claims this classic has a genuine 28,000 miles on the clock. They don’t mention verifying the evidence, but since the vehicle has always been meticulously maintained, the Service Records may dispel lingering doubts. The Spider is a turnkey proposition, raising the possibility that the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.
Apart from rust, one of the genuine Spider weaknesses is interior trim deterioration. It is common to see these classics with cracked and crumbling plastic and tired, worn upholstery. This Fiat’s interior tells the story of a classic that has been its owner’s treasured possession. The Beige vinyl is in excellent condition, and the carpet is sensibly protected by heavy-duty mats. The dash looks excellent, and there is no wheel wear. The interior features an AM/FM radio/8-track player, but with the top so easily dropped, I don’t see the lack of air conditioning as worth criticizing.
I acknowledge that this 1980 Fiat Spider 2000 won’t appeal to everyone, and some potential buyers may be concerned about future rust problems. However, if this Fiat has survived for forty-six years without succumbing to the dreaded tin worm, protecting it from adverse conditions should see it survive for many more decades without causing its next owner any grief. The Spider has already attracted twenty-two bids, suggesting that people are willing to roll the dice. If a small European sports car has been on your radar, is this Fiat one that could be a contender?
Nice car. Only determent I see is the obvious gas shocks in the rear hiking up the suspension and off balancing the fine handling built into the car.
The raised body is because of federal regulations regarding bumper height. The quick fix for Fiat was to just raise the body up. Readily available lowering springs will bring it back down to the desired height. I have a 1985 1/2 Pininfarina Azzurra, a very rare model, so much so that I’ve never lowered it back down. Have kept it factory height. Sort of odd that this one is missing the badge on the back trunk. BTW, in 1982 the car was renamed the Azzurra, no back seat. Two locking compartments instead. Just as well since the back seat was made for children sized people. Overall, these are great driver’s cars for fun in the sun.
Sorry, but worked on a few early ’80s 2000s and none of them had the rear hiked up that high. Go look at the eBay photos and tell me it came from the factory that way.
The only thing off-putting to this car, to me at least, is the soft top. It doesn’t look right for this car as I remember them fitting much better. It looks like a really cheap replacement. Otherwise, what’s not to like here?