1973 Fiat 124 Sport Spider (LHD)
Snap shot of a winner for hire – Fiat 124 Spider
Rewind to the World Championship 1974 TAP Rally Portugal. Works Fiat 124 Spiders dominated the event, with Pinto/ Bernacchini leading the other two team cars to a 1-2-3 finish. After the cancellation of the first two rounds due to the oil crisis, the TAP Rally Portugal became the first event of the 1974 World Rally Championship, resulting in a 1-2-3 for the Fiat Abarth 124 Spiders. Raffael Pinto, Arnaldo Bernacchini, winning ahead of Alcide Paganelli, Ninni Russo, and in third place, Finns Markku Alen and Ilkka Kivimaki.
This is a real driver’s car, built based on the original winning design, the car has already shown its teeth on the RAC Rally of the Tests, the most difficult and competitive of HERO-ERA’s events, with a sixth place. This was a top and hard-earned result against stiff opposition enduring relentless tests and regularities through the night, yet the 124 proved itself to be competitive on all surfaces.
Equally, the professionally rally prepared Fiat is at home on less competitive events with more touring than tests, but any medium to long distance events such as London to Lisbon, Summer Trial or one day HERO Challenges, are perfect for the Fiat.
This family of engines remained in production into the 1990s giving it one of the longest production-runs in automotive history. The double overhead cam (DOHC) version was the first mass manufactured DOHC to utilise reinforced rubber timing belts, an innovation that would come into nearly universal use in the decades after its introduction. Its family powered race cars such as the FIAT 131 Mirafiori, 124 Special T, Lancia Beta Montecarlo, Delta Integrale and many more.
Presented in Midnight Blue paint and period matt black bonnet, boot lid and arches. As with all HERO-ERA cars, the vehicle is complete with all the extras needed to compete in our rallies and this Italian classic is another favourite on the HERO-ERA Arrive & Drive fleet.
BOOK FIAT 124 SPORT SPIDER 1973 NOW
It is essentially a sports car, so the driving position is not for the larger of frame and height. For the average sized driver, it is not cramped at all and allows enough cockpit room for even the most flamboyant of driving styles! It is a joy to drive, especially when pushing on
as the double overhead camshafts are working at peak revs producing the most wonderful vibes in the cockpit.
The Fiat 124 Sport Spider was designed by Pininfarina and styled in-house by legend Tom Tjaarda. The thought of the car going rallying and being stress tested beyond any electronic rig had surely never crossed his mind, let alone the thought that this sports car could win at World Championship level!
The 124 Sport Spider, 124 Sport Coupé and 124 saloon share much of the same running gear.The Sports Spider uses a shorter platform along with a shorter wheelbase, in contrast to the Pinifarina styled and manufactured spider,
The four-cylinder engine used in the spider and coupé is a double overhead cam, aluminium crossflow head version of the saloon's pushrod unit. The Fiat Twin Cam engine was designed by an automotive legend, ex-Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi. As a result, the engine noise that can be heard on HERO-ERA rallies has a distinctive bark.
This family of engines remained in production into the 1990s giving it one of the longest production-runs in automotive history. The double overhead cam (DOHC) version was the first mass manufactured DOHC to utilise reinforced rubber timing belts, an innovation that would come into nearly universal use in the decades after its introduction. Its family of engines powered race cars such as the FIAT 131 Mirafiori, 124 Special T, Lancia Beta Montecarlo, Delta Integrale and many more after Fiat bought Lancia.
The midnight blue paint and period matt black bonnet, boot lid and arches are representative of the works colours of the 70/80s Olio Fiat sponsorship. As with all HERO-ERA cars, the vehicle is complete with all the extras needed to compete in our rallies and this Italian classic is another favourite on the HERO-ERA Arrive & Drive fleet.
Competition History
The Facts
PERFORMANCE
|
Power |
116 Bhp |
|
Top Speed |
112 Mph |
|
0-60 mph |
9.8 Secs |
|
Torque |
113 lbs |
|
Brakes Discs |
Discs Front & Rear |
|
|
Engine
|
Engine Size |
1998 cc |
|
Cylinders |
4 |
|
Valves |
2 per cylinder |
|
Fuel Type |
Petrol |
|
Transmission |
5 Speed |
|
Gearbox |
Manual |
|
Drivetrain |
RWD |
Dimensions
|
Fuel Capacity |
45 Litres |
|
Weight |
960 kg |
|
Length |
3971 mm |
|
Width |
1613 mm |
|
Height |
1251 mm |
|
Wheelbase |
2280 mm |