Page 136 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

104 horsepower. Though further displacement increases were to come, these models are considered by some as the most desirable iteration of the Spider, maintaining the car’s original uncluttered appearance while improving performance.
That improvement wouldn’t last long, however, as the 1970s saw US regulations take their toll on performance – as well as styling. In 1972, Fiat updated the Spider with two new engine variants based on the 132-series engines, one 1592 cc and other 1756 cc. The former was used on US models for 1973 model year cars, but was replaced by the larger engine for the following model year. Despite its larger carburetor and twin down pipes, power had fallen to 94 horsepower – less than the original 1438 cc.
The 1975 model year saw further deterioration: the carburetor now was smaller (Weber 32ADFA) with a single down pipe. Non-California models could still get by without a catalyst, but Spiders bound for California were less fortunate and saw their output reduced to a paltry 86 horsepower. A more visible change for 1975 were the large 5-mph impact bumpers mandated by US Federal regulations. While an unpleasant addition, they were better integrated than those on many of the 124’s competitors, especially the MGB.
Spider 2000
As the 124 entered the 1980s, Fiat again reckoned with the Spider’s increasingly constrained performance with a new, higher- torque, 2.0-liter engine accompanied by “Spider 2000” badging. The increased performance was welcome, with a 0-60 time of 10.6 seconds that bested both the TR7 and the MGB. A host of other changes included a slightly higher top for more headroom, a revised seat design and new options that included power windows and an optional three-speed automatic transmission. Not long after the launch of the 2000, Fiat went a step further and added Bosch fuel injection. Fuel economy was the primary benefit, with as much as a five mpg increase in some tests. Power was basically unchanged, but the increased torque provided better low-end performance.
134Wayne CariniAffordable Classics
LEFT: Spider styling changed little during its life; hood bulges were added in 1973.
BELOW: Legend Industries engineered a 120-horsepower turbocharged variant for Fiat.
For the 1981 model year, Fiat released a 50th Anniversary limited edition. Only 1,000 were produced and they were equipped with gold metallic paint, a leather interior, special badging, unique wheels and sequential numbering.
Spider Turbo
To finally give the Spider a dramatic performance improvement, Fiat of North America commissioned Legend Industries in Long