Sometimes you only have to look at the bidding history to establish how desirable a particular classic car is. That is the case with this 1972 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe. This car is a one-owner vehicle that has been parked for more than two decades. Initial impressions are pretty positive, and it seems that this may be a reasonably straightforward restoration project. The original owner’s son admits that he does not have the time to return this Fiat to its former glory, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Paso Robles, California, and has already received an impressive forty-six bids. This action has seen the price sail past the reserve to sit at $6,656.
When the seller’s father purchased this Fiat, it appears that he used it as a daily driver. That means that this is not a trailer queen but is a survivor. The seller doesn’t indicate that the car has ever undergone any restoration work, suggesting that its White paint may be original. It presents pretty well, with the paint holding a respectable shine. The seller admits that the car would benefit from a cosmetic refresh, but the overall impression suggests that this would not be a high priority. Being an Italian car, that will always raise the question of rust. This Fiat has spent its life in sunny California, and the lack of visible rust is an encouraging sign. The owner mentions no issues in his listing, but it would take an in-person inspection to confirm that this car is rust-free. If this proves to be the case, that could make this a pretty straightforward restoration project. The exterior trim is in excellent condition for a car of this age, while the green-tinted glass appears flawless. The Fiat rolls on original Cromodora alloy wheels, and a spare restorable set is also included.
Sadly, the seller cannot include any engine photos in his listing. It seems that the cable for the hood latch has broken, meaning that he can’t get the hood open. The engine bay should be occupied by the 1,592cc DOHC four-cylinder engine that would produce 103hp. Those Italian stallions find their way to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, while the car’s braking abilities are legendary thanks to the standard inclusion of four-wheel disc brakes. There may not be a lot of power at the driver’s disposal, but a low vehicle weight means that this classic can scamper through the ¼ mile in a respectable 17.4 seconds. Throughout its life, the original owner treated this Fiat with complete respect. He ensured that it was always serviced correctly, using only the highest quality oil and filters. It has been parked for more than two decades, so it may take a bit of coaxing to return it to a roadworthy state. Refreshingly, the seller doesn’t make any outlandish claims about this vehicle’s potentially low mileage. The opposite is true. The odometer shows 90,000 miles, but it has rolled over. That means that this car has 190,000 miles under its belt. If the engine has never received a refresh, that may be on the agenda before this Fiat graces our roads once again.
The surprise packet with this Sport Coupe is the state of its interior. It looks like the pad may have cracked above the gauge cluster, but that is one of the few faults worth noting in there. It is upholstered in black vinyl, and everything appears to be in excellent condition. There is no evidence of wear or physical damage and no deterioration that these interiors can suffer due to exposure to UV rays. The gauge markings are crisp, and the lenses are clear. There is no visible wear on this sweet little two-spoke wheel, and what can be seen of the carpet looks good. The 124 didn’t come equipped with many standard features, and even a radio was an optional extra. However, who needs a radio when you can listen to that little twin-cam singing a glorious tune?
I enjoy the feeling of anticipation that I get when I’m about to slip behind the wheel of a car with a glorious V8 under the hood. The sheer power and torque that these engines provide make for an effortless driving experience. However, there are times when there is nothing more rewarding than climbing aboard a classic car with a fizzy little four-cylinder engine under the hood. They demand a higher level of concentration to extract the best from them, but they can also provide a rewarding and engaging driving experience. That is potentially what is on offer with this 1972 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe, and getting it to that point looks like it could be fairly easy. If you have longed for an Italian classic, this could be the car for you.
Not too many Fiat cars can lay claim to being a one owner. With almost 200K on the clock there was some meticulous service performed for sure. Bidding is strong and I wouldn’t be surprised there are some international bidders looking at this car. I would be nervous to bid without knowing some bodywork needed and a full repaint when all we have is 2 outside shots that show no damage! Seriously, it doesn’t cost more to take and upload more pictures. From what I can see is it looks beautiful and wouldn’t mind owning one. I would call it my poor man’s Alfa GTV.
And the Fiat 124ST was the poor man’s Giulia. Other than the cambelt change every 60 000 Kms, dead easy to maintain and as entertaining as the equivalent Giulia at a much more affordable price and as good on the road as the Alfa.
And loads of power could be coaxed out of both the 1600cc and 2000cc
If I wasn’t so so many thousands of miles away, I would be bidding on this. If the exterior condition is anything to go by, this is a great example.
Being a snob I had to have (and pay for) a 2.0L Alfetta GTV with its atrocious gearshit. One of my colleague’s had 124 Sport Coupe and if I had driven the Fiat first, the GTV would never have been acquired.
Haven’t seen such a nice ’72 124S since…1972.
That looks really nice.
I like the dymo tape; a pal’s 70s Goldwing had a “plus 200,000” one
I bought a new 1974 Fiat 124 Coupe. i had no mechanical problems until the ride home. The volt meter fell to zero. I called my favorite Italian car mechanic who was Italian. He said the big orance wire had fallen off the fuse box. He was right. Two poblems were covered by warranty; the clock and a right front wheel bearing.
I bought an earlier blown up engine and replaced the distributor, and cams. I also removed the nanny sytem for seat belt interlocks. I always wear belts.
I replaced the broken plastic inside door handles with metal, just like the ones on the subject car. I never did find earlier bumpers.
Great handling, great brakes, and great fuel economy.
I had it 2 years and a 19 year old just had to have it. He blew it up in 2 weeks
The lead photo made me think of the Isuzu 117 coupe I had while stationed on Okinawa back in the ’80’s. The front clip looks almost identical (it was white also).
I also had a roommate with a yellow one of these in Texas. Great cars.
Watching this one even though it’s on the wrong coast for me.
Kevin,
I thought the same thing
I’ve been in Oki since the late 80’s and have always wanted a 117 but they are getting priced out of reach now that they are rare.
Hard to believe they used to be beaters at the barracks along with the old skylines and such
Hi Gerry,
Would love to see the rock again some day.
I paid $1500 for mine, it had the sohc engine. Yes, prices are crazy now.
But does it run??
As a 1972 model, shouldn’t this car have the more desirable 1608cc twin cam? I have a hard time believing that this is a 190k mile car, that interior is like new!!!
I had the 1973 version of this exact car. I loved that car! Strong engine, fun to drive – I always felt very “European” driving that car. It had a lot of character. If not for the rust issues they are prone to, they are good cars.
Replace the timing belt as this is an interference engine. Worked at a “Foreign Car” repair place while in college. May 124s towed in “won’t start”. Belt broken, engine trashed, many “just keep it.”
’72 Sport Coupes had the 1608cc engine. My ’68 AC had ’72 running gear after the original owner took his tuned 1438 up to 9000 rpm.
Bidding seems cheap at the price. There are very few aaround in good condition. Shame that nothing like this can be marketed under current regulations.
I had a 71 ITC class regional racer. 7100 RPMs in fourth at Charlotte motor speedway. Also had a street car.
Magnificent automobiles: the transmission case was Italian art, and the twin cams with direct lifters let it rev forever.
I’m 73 now and I have promised myself no more project cars. Oh, to be 70 again!
Surprised that no one has voiced concern about not being able to open the hood.
I have had the 1969 coupe which had 1438cc engine, a 1972 that had a 1608cc, and I also had a 1973 that had the 1592cc. I think my favorite was the ’69 body style.
Wow, these are nearly unobtanium in anywhere near this cosmetic condition, nevermind any potential mechanical concerns. For Fiatisti with the ability and inclination to tackle whatever mysteries they may find lurking under the hood, still worth bidding on even if one presumes the engine is shot or entirely missing. Given the mileage and condition, I have to wonder if the engine may already have been rebuilt or even souped up by now, and/or how many of those miles may be from long California highway commutes.
My folks had a blood-red ’71 coupe when I was growing up, only gave it up as my sister and I grew too big for a coupe to be practical anymore — but still the one car my Dad says to this day he’d give his left one to have back. He still tells the tale of a work colleague who told him he spotted a pretty blonde gal just driving the everloving heck outta some little red sports car — braking smartly at a red light, then turning hard right and sprinting through the gears, slipping in and out of traffic gaps — until he pulled up next to her at a light further up the road and finally recognized her as Dad’s wife. 😁
Kevin,
I thought the same thing
I’ve been in Oki since the late 80’s and have always wanted a 117 but they are getting priced out of reach now that they are rare.
Hard to believe they used to be beaters at the barracks along with the old skylines and such
Nice little cars. I had a 1974. The weak link in mine was synchronizers. Mine was sunflower yellow.
I worked on a wiring problem for a good looking friend (one of those you wish was your girlfriend). Any rate, was very puzzled why Fiat changed the coloring of the wiring when passing through the firewall, frustrated me even more.
almost the ‘mommie bus’ (shuttle the kids to school, activities, shop) of a few yrs earlier (60s decade) the 128 we had – 4 dor. Dulphene, Simca 1000, renault 10 etc. BUT a lill peppier. Kids out? she got the 850s onto several 124 spyders and finally the Beta Coupes.
No response from the seller to my questions. I’m serious about this one.
I bought a 69 124 coupe in 79 for $180 changed the plugs and fixed the alternator, drove for a Utrillo I blue the engine at 120 going dots Mountain damn fun car 😎😎😎🥸
I have a 1972 Fiat Sport Coupe. My dad bought it brand new off the lot, paid cash. I would love to restore it, however it has so much rust! A large tree limb fell and bounced on the driveway and smashed into the passenger side door. Miraculously the glass did not break! The wiring harness is rusted, too. I LOVE this car.