Introduction to the Fiat 124 Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider is one of those cars that evoke a sense of nostalgia and classic style, encapsulating the spirit of the 60s and 70s in its design. Originally produced by Fiat between 1966 and 1985, the 124 Spider was a roadster that combined Italian engineering with elegant design, managing to become an iconic vehicle of its time. However, its legacy did not end there, as in 2016 Fiat decided to revive this model, offering a modern version of the classic roadster, maintaining its essence while incorporating current technologies and standards.
History and Origin of the Fiat 124 Spider
The birth of the Fiat 124 Spider (1966-1985)
The Fiat 124 Spider was first unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in 1966. Designed by Tom Tjaarda of famed design house Pininfarina, the 124 Spider was a convertible version of the Fiat 124 sedan. Fiat tasked Pininfarina with creating a car that was both stylish and affordable, and the result was a sports car that quickly gained popularity around the world.
The Fiat 124 Spider was distinguished by its balanced proportions, with a long bonnet and a set-back cabin, giving it a dynamic and sporty appearance. Under the bonnet, the 124 Spider featured an inline four-cylinder engine that varied in displacement throughout its production, starting with a 1.4-litre engine, increasing to 2.0 litres in later models.
Evolution and popularity
During its production years, the Fiat 124 Spider underwent several updates, both in terms of design and performance. In 1972, the vehicle received a 1.6-litre engine that improved power and efficiency, and a 1.8-litre version was introduced in 1974. Throughout the 1970s, the 124 Spider was a success in markets such as the United States, where its European design and sporty character made it an attractive option compared to the larger, less agile vehicles that predominated in that market.
The Fiat 124 Spider in the US market
The American market was particularly important for the Fiat 124 Spider. To comply with US emissions regulations, Fiat introduced several versions specific to this market. In 1979, the model adopted a 2.0-litre fuel-injected engine, which made it possible to meet strict emissions regulations while maintaining solid performance.
Furthermore, in 1981, Pininfarina, which until then had been responsible for the design and production of the 124 Spider, took over direct distribution in the United States, renaming the model the “Pininfarina Spider Azzurra” in some markets. This move underlined the importance of the car to the Italian brand and its desire to maintain a presence in the lucrative American market.
The end of an era
Production of the original Fiat 124 Spider ended in 1985, marking the end of an era for Fiat and roadster aficionados. Over nearly two decades of production, around 200,000 units of the Fiat 124 Spider were built, making it one of the most successful Italian roadsters of all time. Despite its discontinuation, the 124 Spider continued to be celebrated by classic car enthusiasts, who appreciated its timeless design and pure driving experience.
The Rebirth of the Fiat 124 Spider (2016-2019)
The return of the myth
In 2016, after more than 30 years, Fiat decided to revive the 124 Spider. This new model was developed in collaboration with Mazda, and shared the platform with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, another iconic roadster. However, Fiat made sure that the new 124 Spider had its own distinctive character and style.
The 2016 124 Spider’s design was clearly inspired by the original 1960s model, with elements such as the hexagonal grille, round headlights and body lines evoking the spirit of the classic. However, this new 124 Spider incorporated all the modern comforts and technologies, such as advanced infotainment systems, stability control and a suspension tuned to offer an agile and enjoyable ride.
Performance and specifications
The 2016 Fiat 124 Spider came equipped with a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged engine, capable of generating 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Although it shared a platform with the Mazda MX-5, the 124 Spider offered a unique driving character, with a more robust power delivery thanks to the turbo engine. This engine was mated to a six-speed manual transmission, although an automatic option was also offered.
The 124 Spider’s chassis was tuned to provide a balanced driving experience, combining precise steering with a suspension that offered both comfort and control. The result was a car that was not only fun to drive, but also practical for everyday use.
Special editions and variants
During its brief revival, Fiat released several special editions of the 124 Spider to appeal to different types of enthusiasts. Notable among these was the Abarth 124 Spider, a high-performance version named after Fiat’s historic racing division. The Abarth 124 Spider featured improvements to the suspension, brakes and an increase in power that made it even more dynamic and exciting to drive.
In addition, Fiat offered a series of limited editions with exclusive aesthetic and equipment features, aimed at collectors and fans of the model.
The end of the second generation
Despite initial enthusiasm, the second generation of the Fiat 124 Spider had a relatively short life. In 2019, Fiat decided to end the production of the 124 Spider due to poor sales and the growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers in the global market. Although this modern model did not achieve the same level of success as its predecessor, it is still remembered as a worthy tribute to the iconic roadster of the 1960s.
Design and Style of the Fiat 124 Spider
A modern classic
The design of the Fiat 124 Spider is one of the highlights of this car, both in its classic and modern versions. The original model from the 1960s was designed by Tom Tjaarda, a renowned designer at Pininfarina, and reflected the design philosophy of the time, with clean lines and harmonious proportions. The long bonnet, trapezoidal front grille and round headlights were distinctive features that gave the 124 Spider an elegant and sporty presence.
The modern version of the 124 Spider, launched in 2016, took many of these classic design elements, reinterpreting them to suit contemporary tastes. The result was a car that, although based on a modern platform, maintained the essence of classic Italian design. Details such as the round headlights, sculpted panels and low beltline were a nod to the original model, while the overall proportions and flowing lines ensured that the 124 Spider stood out on modern roads.
Interior: a mix of tradition and modernity
The interior of the Fiat 124 Spider also deserves a special mention. In the classic model, the interior was simple but functional, with a focus on the driving experience. The dashboard was minimalist, with analogue gauges and intuitive controls, while the seats offered good support for sporty driving.
In the modern version, Fiat combined traditional elements with advanced technology. The interior of the 2016 124 Spider featured high-quality materials, such as leather and chrome accents, evoking a sense of luxury and craftsmanship. The seats were comfortable and enveloping, designed to keep the driver in place during dynamic driving. In addition, the vehicle was equipped with a modern infotainment system, including a touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation options, making the driving experience both enjoyable and convenient.
Attention to detail
One aspect that has always been a hallmark of the Fiat 124 Spider is the attention to detail in its design. From the interior finishes to the small exterior design touches, every element of the 124 Spider appears to have been carefully considered to deliver a coherent, high-quality experience. This is particularly evident in modern versions of the 124 Spider, where designers worked to create a car that was not only beautiful, but also functional and comfortable.
Performance and Handling of the Fiat 124 Spider
The engine: heart of the 124 Spider
The engine is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of any car, and the Fiat 124 Spider is no exception. In its classic versions
