Fiat 124 Sport Spider

The Fiat 124 Sport Spider was presented at the 1966 Turin Motor Show and immediately captured hearts - not just in Italy, but worldwide. Designed by Tom Tjaarda for Pininfarina, the Spider combined classic roadster design with modern technology and a sporty character that set it apart from British competitors such as MG and Triumph.

The basis was the floor assembly of the Fiat 124 saloon - but considerably revised. A shorter wheelbase was used for the Spider, a sportier suspension set-up was introduced and the striking design with a long hood and short rear end became a trademark. From the outset, the convertible was intended as a two-seater with a true sportsman's heart.

A milestone was the installation of the 1608 cc DOHC engine (twin camshaft), which provided propulsion in the 124 Spider 1600 from 1970. This engine was the brainchild of Aurelio Lampredi, the former Ferrari engineer who made his mark on Fiat with his robust and powerful four-cylinder engines. The 1600 version produced around 110 hp and took the Spider to around 185 km/h - a remarkable figure for an open-top vehicle in this class.

The engine was usually paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, which was also an innovation - many competitors only offered four gears. In addition, there were four disc brakes, independent suspension and a fully synchronized gearbox - all of which were not a matter of course in the early 1970s.

Production of the 124 Sport Spider continued until 1985, although the vehicles were officially marketed by Pininfarina itself from 1982 onwards. Nevertheless, the models from the early years - particularly those with round instruments, classic bumpers and the 1600 engine - are considered the most desirable. These cars offer the purist driving experience and are considered to be the most stylistically balanced.

While many vehicles were later tinkered with or eaten away by rust, only a few have survived that are both technically excellent and have aged charmingly. Especially those models where the underbody and drive unit were the focus of maintenance are considered by connoisseurs to be the ideal basis for drivers - or the starting point for a gentle cosmetic upgrade.

The 124 Spider impresses with its balanced weight distribution, crisp steering, lively engine and open driving pleasure. It is not loud, not ostentatious, but full of character - and therefore the perfect vehicle for people who don't measure style by the exhaust, but by the smile behind the wheel.