This 1984 Pininfarina Azzurra, aka Fiat 124 Spider, remains in exceptionally clean condition, and is described as a low-mileage survivor that has been fastidiously maintained. The Azzurra seemingly split its time between Pennsylvania and Colorado, as the seller notes it has been maintained by an Allentown specialist but registration stickers indicate Colorado residency in its past. It is listed here on eBay with bidding just over $5K and the reserve unmet.
To me, this car is a case-in-point of how even a chronically neglected model can be immensely appealing when maintained. What I mean to say is that I mostly see 124s in horrible condition, seemingly only loved by the first owner before going down a slippery slope of chronically broke or disinterested caretakers. When kept in attentive hands, this Pininfarina-designed beauty is absolutely gorgeous.
Now, if you want to really set it off, grab a set of European-market bumpers and ditch the God-awful U.S. spec monstrosities. I begin to wonder if the safety bumpers slapped on so many otherwise-pretty European cars was secretly an attempt by domestic automakers to curb interest in their competition. The interior of this one remains in similarly tidy shape, with lightly creased leather seats. The subtle changes that Pininfarina made when they took over the final two years of 124 Spider production give the car a bit more class. Overall build quality was greatly improved at this point as well, making these later cars a bit more desirable.
The seller provides no real details on mechanical health, other than saying that everything is in sound condition under the hood. The cleanliness of the engine bay certainly speaks to long-term pride in ownership, and original mileage of under 40,000 is another potential upside to a car that has a notorious reputation for being finicky. This fuel-injected version of Fiat’s 2.0 liter is quite peppy and eager to rev, with 102 horsepower and a 5-speed, so it should be fun to drive. This Spider looks like a sweetheart, and worthy of a fair price.
Wow pretty car!
Had a 124 from ’79 to ’80. Loved it.
Spiders are pretty reliable with proper maintenance, and these later ones have reliable Bosch fuel injection, leather interiors, power windows, and other cool stuff. Fun to drive and more usable as a daily driver than most British sports cars.
Looks like Canadian market only RH mirror. I might be incorrect on this point but I’m sure that that was a Canadian market part. Hard to find either way.
124s got a reputation for being unreliable because of neglectful American owners. Properly maintained they were as reliable as most other cars of the day
I bought a 124 Spider in 1971 off the showroom floor In Paducah Kentucky. I loved it, but I was 18 and ignorant and drove it to death. My Daytona Beach water spraying on both sides was just part of my neglect/abuse. I could get rubber in all five gears and could travel At over 100 mph for hours at a stretch. It went to the junk yard in Hawaii in 1973 with just under 100k miles on it. I’ve owned many other fun cars since then, but my red 124 will always hold a very special place in my heart.
yes, MikeH, I’ve had two, and all that was necessary was to pay attention to service needs.
I suspect I win the prize for Fiat obsession, owning more than a dozen of them over the years. The first thing I did with every Spider was to remove the seats, carpet and tar underlayment and dry the moisture found there. Every single one was wet.
ended at US $12,850.00
Reserve not met
Wow, I’m a great fan, but that reserve seems high to me. Maybe the owner was just curious and didn’t really want to sell.
NADA Book Value
$9,350 Low Retail
$16,200 Average Retail
$23,500 High Retail
They don’t get more original and better than this.
Look at the prices of late model Pininfarina Spiders on this website. $20,000 to $80,000
http://www.roadstersalon.com