Page 138 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

Spider 2000s were offered with Bosch electronic fuel injection.
pinion system that provided a more traditional driving position. These changes, particularly the upgraded steering, have made these amongst the most desirable Spiders of all. Unfortunately, only about 180 of these 1985.5 models were made for the US (there was additional production for European markets) before Pininfarina was forced to cancel the program in mid-1985 with the coachbuilder’s decision to produce Cadillac Allanté bodies for GM.
Special Spiders
Fiat produced a number of special versions of the Spider for markets outside the US. The most interesting of these was the 124 Abarth Stradale, 400 homologation examples of which Fiat built for the Italian market to support their competitive rallying efforts. These Spiders were heavily modified with independent rear suspension, reinforced front suspension, a fiberglass top in place of the convertible top, racing bucket seats and a simplified, lighter
interior. Abarth added a 128-horsepower version of the stock 1756 cc engine, though race versions had much higher outputs.
Another Europe-only special edition was the 1983 Volumex model, which used a 2.0-liter carbureted and supercharged engine found in other Fiat and Lancia vehicles of the era. At 135 horsepower, this was the highest-output Spider ever produced and, with a 35 percent price premium over the standard Spider, also the most expensive. To deal with the higher power, these cars had larger vented front brake discs and other modifications. Available only in black and white or red-metallic, Volumex Spiders were immediately recognizable thanks to their three-part Speedline rims and black molded fender extensions. Only about 500 were produced.
THE DRIVE
Compared to its original contemporaries, the 124 was, out of the box, a notch above them in terms of sophistication. Its DOHC
Sold only in European markets, the Volumex version of the Spider used a 135-horsepower supercharged engine. Only about 500 were built.
Abarth assembled 400 “Stradale” versions of the 124 with modified engines, a fixed hardtop, a lightened interior, sport seats and independent rear suspension.
136Wayne CariniAffordable Classics