The best year for a Fiat Spider.

[Spudder]

Ok, I know that this is a VERY loaded question, but I have to ask it! This will also be based greatly on personal preference too. I need to hear it all! Perhaps if I give you a bit of insight into my expectations of my next Fiat, that will help reduce the sparks from flying. Fifteen years ago I had a pristine 79 BRG Spider that my dad totaled. I had the car for just over a decade. In that time, she was incredibly reliable and never left me stranded. Besides the driver induced issues I did have a "steering box" that had to be replaced. Other than routine maintenance, I was able to drive her a ton. I am a field service engineer by trade, so tinkering is not an issue. What is an issue is the limited amount of specialty tools and a family of four. I want my next Fiat to be the "date night" car for me and my wife. Plus a car to eventualy teach my kids ( 6 and 8 ) how to drive a manual. The city we are moving to (Spokane, WA) has a dedicated Fiat shop called Corsmith corsmithauto.com for anything significant that needs to be addressed. So, if you were in my shoes, had the Fiat sickness, what would you consider? The budget is around $5 grand. Thanks for your time!

[Mathew26]

[Mathew26]

I would go with 1971-1973 and make sure it had the 1608 motor in it. They have the smooth hood which I like just after the big bump hood (my personal favorite). The small bumpers in my mind look WAY better on the car than the big 2 tube bumpers which I think 9 out of 10 Fiat owners would agree with. The 1608 was the highest HP motor made so that another bonus. As far as reliability just switch to electronic ignition and rock and roll.

[lanciahf]

79 is the best year, stupid easy to make them fast. Other than that I would pick a 73 1608 or 74 1756 spider.

[spiderrey]

71 with a 1608. First year for good power. 1608 is a sweet motor. NOTHING beats an early car with chrome bumpers, PERIOD!
Sorry, I think 79 cali cars are the worst years, performance wise. Had a 79 auto, good car but a dog with the smog.

[rlux4]

I've pretty much given up on trying to convince non 82 owners that it's the best year Spider Fiat ever made.
Seriously, I guess most owners think that the year they own is the best, otherwise, they'd own what ever other year they thought was.
My first Spider was also a 79. It was Grigio Fumo with beige interior, and beautiful. But, like Rey said, a real slug with the smog crap loading it down. I personally like the looks of all the things the early car lovers don't: the big bumpers, the tail lights, the big bump hood. But it's all a matter of taste, if we all liked the same thing, there'd be a serious shortage of that year car!
Ron

[BEEK]

my humble opinion. if you want a early spider i would recomend a 1608 car, 71-72 vintage. its of fun to drive but still carburated, can be tinkered with for performance easily and less expensivly / gain. now having said that , for reliability, finish and comfort, i would recomend a efi spider, 81 on, its the final progression of the spider and most all of teh bugs have been worked out, 83 on pinninfarina spider , had i belive 101 "improvements" over the 82. well other than styling, cant realy tell much difference. unless you find a 85.5 or a volumex, but those are a different beast all together. i currently have a 77, (2)79's, 82, 83, and 3 lancias. but i lust for a 74 1800, so go figure, possably because it was my first car.

[pooldoctorstl]

I made the mistake of asking this same question back in January when I bought my car, a 1982 (the best year). So I'll just sit back and enjoy this thread.

[So Cal Mark]

I was going to stay out of this one, until I read the criteria and responses. The most important key is the "date night car with the wife". You'll want one that starts easily and quickly every time with no hiccups in running ability or reliability. No tinkering under the hood while the wife is worried about getting stranded. So it's gotta be an FI car. Cushier seats too.

[Europa]

83 on pinninfarina spider , had i belive 101 "improvements" over the 82.

[Spudder]

LOL! I love it! Thanks all for responding. Man, So Cal Mark, I wish I was already settled in Spokane. If that were the case I would be purchasing a one way ticket to the nearest airport to you and driving home in the fully restored Fiat you are currently selling. Yes, the "date night" is very significant part to getting another one. Thank you all again!

[htchevyii]

I've got a '72 and my Wife has an '82. You can't beat the drivability and torque of th F.I. 2.0 for cruising. For the best of both worlds, just swap some early bumpers on an '82.

[spiderrey]

I was going to stay out of this one, until I read the criteria and responses. The most important key is the "date night car with the wife". You'll want one that starts easily and quickly every time with no hiccups in running ability or reliability. No tinkering under the hood while the wife is worried about getting stranded. So it's gotta be an FI car. Cushier seats too.

I believe this is an ol mans view. Wheres the adventure. My 71 got me home when I was a kid for five years.
A very good compromise is an early car with a transplanted f i motor. 71- 72 still rules. 73 had a 1592 motor.

[So Cal Mark]

Rey, tell us about your current "date nights" with your Spider
And, it looks like the Spider I'm selling is sold and heading east

[spiderrey]

Well, Mark. Im glad you sold the car.
Date night? The car is getting some time off about right now. I just pick up popes mom and bring her to my castle, the rest is well, um ...