Survivor-grade European classics can be hard to find, especially examples that have remained with one owner and avoided a full restoration. This 1973 Fiat 124 Coupe checks those boxes, showing 60,895 miles and offered with a clean title. Listed here on eBay, the car is described as a retained, unrestored example that has been carefully maintained over the years while preserving its original character. Thanks for the tip, Araknid78!
Power comes from a 1.6-liter engine paired with a manual transmission, keeping the driving experience true to the lightweight, enthusiast-focused feel these coupes were known for when new. The seller notes that the car has received recent mechanical attention, including a full service in February 2024, a brake caliper overhaul, and a timing belt replacement. The original Fiat exhaust system is still in place, something many collectors appreciate when evaluating a car that hasn’t been heavily modified.
The car is described as largely original, with the most notable change being a newly installed black leather interior. Otherwise, the goal appears to have been preservation rather than restoration. According to the listing, the paint is original and shows some age-related scratches, which is consistent with a car that has been retained rather than refinished. The undercarriage is said to be rust-free and the car is presented as mechanically sound and ready to be driven.
Mileage is listed at 98,000 kilometers, or roughly 60,895 miles, and the seller emphasizes that this Fiat has remained a single-owner vehicle. That kind of history can be appealing to enthusiasts who value continuity and originality over show-quality restorations. Instead of being rebuilt or heavily modified, this example appears to reflect the life it has lived, supported by recent servicing to keep it on the road.
Cars like this tend to appeal to a specific kind of buyer, someone who appreciates authenticity and wants a classic that still feels genuine rather than reimagined. The Fiat 124 Coupe has long been appreciated for its balance of style, simplicity, and drivability, and this example seems to lean into those strengths.
With recent maintenance completed, largely original presentation, and single-owner history, this 1973 Fiat 124 represents a preserved piece of Italian automotive design that can still be enjoyed as intended. Would you keep it as an original survivor, or take it further with a restoration of your own?
You forgot to mention that it’s in Agneda,Italy,& it’s $18,000.
These look so much nicer with the small bumpers.
Plus you have to consider shipping to the US,& customs fees.
I had to google it to see exactly what it looks like. What terrible pictures!
I have owned two 124 Sport Coupe way back in the 1980’s. One was a very nice low mileage -69 AC, and then also a very rusty and ratty -74 CC. They are for sure nice cars but I honestly liked the sedans better, the driving experience is the same. Good engine and gearbox combo, good brakes. The suspension is fairly soft and steering is perhaps not quite at the Alfa/Lancia level of communication. Not sure if this one has the 124 based 1608 engine or the later 132 based engine (was it 1592 cc?) but either way they are in my experience the best ones. The 1400 is quite gutless at lower rpm and the 1800 is a bit gruffer and less rev happy.
But for this kind of money I would rather get a Lancia Fulvia Coupe.
I also had a ’69 1438cc coupe. It was beautiful (to me) and handled better than anything I’d previously driven. The short, wide wheelbase got me in trouble once though in an S-curve (ok I was going waaay too fast) when the inside rear wheel lifted-fortunately I got it back after some white-knuckle fishtailing! Other than that it was always planted (except in snow-not good). They must be maintained by knowledgable people or an experienced home mechanic (ask me how I know) and the vent window and rear window/rear view mirror adhesives weren’t durable-neither was the vinyl upholstery or the magnetic cooling fan clutch (attached to the water pump as I recall-I went through three of them). And yes, as Beyfon mentioned, the 1438 in the ’69 isn’t gonna win any stoplight drag races! But it would cruise all day at 80 on the interstate and with the five speed and 4 wheel discs was entertaining in the twisties! Light weight was part of the design philosophy in order to achieve a respectable power-to-weight ratio so things broke-it ain’t a Volvo! Also in those days corrosion-proofing and extreme cold weather testing were mostly non-existent, so a couple of harsh New England winters killed it (I think). That said, it put a smile on my face every time I looked at it or drove it (when it was running properly). I’d certainly have another, but at this price as Beyfon said, you can move up to a Lancia, a far more durable machine (so I’ve read).