New in Michigan

[Kevin]

Hi group,

In high school one of my buddies had a 1970 MGB and another drove 1971 Fiat Spider. We had a lot of fun in both and I have been shopping around for both models for the past few months. I must admit the Fiat was not high on my list so I know next to nothing about them. Until I saw a 1981 for sale not too far away that is in great shape and in my price range.

What I would like to find out is A) is there a Fiat club in Michigan and B)... if this can even be answered objectively by Fiat fans... given the preference between a 1974 MGB and a 1981 Fiat 124, which would be easier to maintain? I know of a couple British repair shops close by but none for Fiat.

Thanks,
Kevin

[lanciahf]

Mike Bouse is near you and there is a very active club in your state. He should be replying soon.

Ralph

[kmead]

There are two Fiat Lancia Unlimited chapters in Michigan. One in Detroit and one in the general west MI area.

I live in Grand Rapids and there are quite a few members in the general area.

Both cars have their pluses and minuses. I would try driving both of them to see what you like. I am a bit biased and definitely prefer the 124 Spider. The reasons:

A much better top that is very easy to put up and take down.
Great visibility out with the top up.
Much more interior and storage room.
More modern brakes, twin cam engine, 5 speed transmission
Better ride and general handling

Parts for either car are easily available from a variety of vendors. Being simpler the MGB can be somewhat easier to maintain with an emphasis on the somewhat. Both marque's have their weak points. In west MI there are two good places to get maintenance done, one in Kalamazoo and the other near Muskegon. Compared to any modern car both are very simple and honestly quite easy to work on.

A fuel injected 1980 or newer Spider is much like driving a modern car in terms of drivability, both cars are slow don't corner all that well by modern standards. They do have a great deal of character and everyone will want to talk with you wherever you go.

Good luck in your search.

Karl

[mbouse]

What I would like to find out is A) is there a Fiat club in Michigan and B)... if this can even be answered objectively by Fiat fans... given the preference between a 1974 MGB and a 1981 Fiat 124, which would be easier to maintain? I know of a couple British repair shops close by but none for Fiat.

Kevin,

Where in the 'great' state of michigan are you? there are plenty of I-car friendly mechanics in the area, just depends on the area. then, as Karl points out, depending on where you are in the state, we've two active chapters of FLU...east and west.

feel free to send me an email, and we can chat up a storm about anything/everything Fiat and Spider related, before-during-and after you make your decision.

I've also owned/restored a Triumph Spitfire, and have talked to many folks of that persuasion in the process. Kazoo area and Detroit area, and even Traverse City area have active groups of the LBC nature. You could fit really comfortably in their midst as well with a MGB. one of my best friends has a Spider and a Triumph in her garage in the detroit area.

Personal preference is all yours for the deciding, but don't expect the British marques to be making a grand re-appearance to the USA anytime soon....unlike Fiat!!

[kristoj]

I would think that the fuel injected Fiat would be much easier to live with than the MG. I drive mine virtually daily in the summer and can tell you it starts on th first try every time, does not require a warm up period to run properly and is quite easy to maintain with an extensive parts supply base and a decent manual.

[mbouse]

well, since we are now able to use email, i sent Kevin (original poster) a message that way.

[PENNEYTOM]

Hi- having worked on several old Triumphs and MG's in the past, I'm finding my Fiat Spider to be just as easy (if not more so) to work on. The car is very straightforward, and if it did not have all the smog crap that CA requires, would even be easier to work on. The real joy comes in driving the car though- can't beat the Italians for Brio!

Tom

[Kevin]

Thanks for the input. I've been out of touch since my first post so sorry for the delay.

After traipsing around mid Michigan (I live near Saginaw) looking at MGB's and finding none worth buying I located a clean 1981 Pininfarina spider. I was unable to call for over a week and by the time I did it was sold.

I'm leaning now toward the 80's Pininfarina spiders since they have the same look as the one I drove in the 70's but with more modern mechanics.

thanks again,
Kevin

[rlux4]

Hi, and welcome to the forum Kevin.
Going for an 80's Spider is a good decision. An 82 would be perfect.
LIke Kristoj, I drive one, and once you get any snafus fixed that a PO might have caused, they are very reliable.
Ron