For all its relative ubiquity – the Fiat/Pininfarina Sport Spider was made for two decades – these cars are just a bit more exotic than its even more ubiquitous competitor, the MGB. The four-cylinder engine utilizes dual overhead cams, versus the MGB’s stolid pushrod. By 1977, Fiat was giving buyers a five-speed manual and four-wheel disc brakes; the MGB owner had to put up with four speeds and drums. Even the Fiat’s suspension was slightly better-crafted than the MGB’s primitive underpinnings. Here on eBay is a no-reserve auction featuring this 1977 Fiat 124 Sport Spider, equipped with a hardtop and running well. The seller mentions only two owners, 80,000 miles, and a roster of mechanical maintenance. It’s bid to only $5700. Thanks, Araknid78, for finding this little Italian for us!

The 1.8 liter engine makes about 86 hp and has been rebuilt, along with its gearbox; it also received a new clutch. The radiator was replaced, as were the belts and hoses. The brakes have been refreshed, and the fuel pump is new. It rides on new tires. That’s a lot of attention lavished on the mechanicals; we aren’t told much about the electricals and there are no photos of the underside. Compared to the overengineered MGB, the 124 has a nimble, tossable feel – not to insult the ‘B, I have owned plenty of them, but the few extra ponies corralled in this engine bay and the hundred-pound lighter curb weight do wonders.

The interior is a cut above the ‘B’s too, with a woodgrain dash, though the seats and ergonomics are similar. This one is in good shape for its age and make – so many Fiats deteriorate no matter how well-kept. The seller includes a photo showing the clean dash pad. Even the foam in the seats looks adequate. The convertible top has marks from age, and the rear window reveals that someone stored it with the top down for too long, but the condition is certainly tolerable.

The Fiat benefits from attractive styling penned by Tom Tjaarda over at Pininfarina. While the MGB GT was also a Pininfarina design, the roadster was an in-house product. Then there’s the safety equipment: MG solved the 5 mph crash problem by tacking on famously hideous and heavy rubber outcroppings. Fiat’s solution wasn’t perfect, but at least the bumpers have a delicate look in keeping with the lines of the car. The seller claims the car has no dents or dings, but I think I see dents both to the right and left on this bonnet. Still, at the current price, this Fiat 124 Spider could make its new owner a great vintage starter car.