Fiat 124

A model very close to our heart - we can barely remember a time when there wasn’t a 124 of one form of another in the family. In fact, (a bit of italicar pop-trivia coming up) the 124 Sport Coupé was actually the very first car we ever sold way back in 2005.

Fiat 124 Sport coupé

The 124 Sport coupé introduced Aurelio Lampredi’s legendary twin-cam engine to the world back in 1966, giving birth to the most succesful power unit ever seen in the World Rally Championship. This particular late model (known as a CC, following the original AC and then a revised BC) housed an 1800cc version of that glorious engine and was an absolute beauty. It was sold back in the nascent days of eBay and the original hand-written letter from the buyer (who sent his deposit via cheque - that’s how old school we’re talking!) is still hanging proudly in our workshop. The very first car italicar ever sold and there’s a fair argument to be said that it remains the very best that has ever passed through our hands. If anyone knows of this car’s whereabouts right now (HYH 789N was the reg), we’d love to be reunited with her.

Fiat 124 Spider 2000 Turbo

Back in 1981, to circumvent the US emission restrictions, Fiat joined forces with Legend Industries and strapped a turbo-charger to the 2.0 124 Spider CS. Just a few handfuls were ever sold, and finding a survivor today is even rarer. This one had been owned by our father for decades (he purchased it from a Norfolk radio celebrity - but not Alan Partridge, unfortunately) in varying stages of restoration, and we gave it the last extra push to get back on the road. Without a doubt, this car ranks as one of the very most special for us, and we’re truly honoured that its new owner continues to entrust us with its maintenance.

Fiat 124 Spider 1800

This is probably the most obvious difference we’ve made in any of our restorations so far. A 1978 124 Spider 1800 we imported from Long Beach, New York in a rather sorry looking state. Vandalised with paint stripper, a rather unpleasant looking hard top perched atop a raggedy interior, we’d purchased it with the idea of building a 124 Abarth stradale evocation. However, once we’d started digging around, we discovered that this car was far too good to mess about with. One lady owner from new, very low mileage and full of provenance like hand-written road trip diaries, we had no choice but to restore it sympathetically back to original spec. And, we think, the results speak from themselves.