Car of the Week: the Fiat 124 Spider

Fifty years apart, but bearing the same name, these are our cars of the week...

Our car of the week this week is the Fiat 124 Spider – or should that be Fiat 124 Spiders. For, although launched 50 years apart and both bearing the same name, we believe that this pair of Italian roadsters deserve our attention equally.

In recent years, Fiat have proved themselves to be masters of modernisation. Eclipsing Volkswagen’s rebuilt beetle and Mini’s new – and very un-mini – Mini, the Italian automaker has both brought back the iconic 500 and given a shot in the arm to their turbocharged Abarth divison.

And now, for their latest automotive overhaul, Fiat have resurrected their iconic, Pininfarina-designed 124 Sport Spider.

Launched under the tagline ‘reborn to be wild’, the new 124 continues in Fiat’s tradition of successfully updating classic designs for the 21st Century – bringing the originals up to speed with modern design without losing the essence of what makes the car worth remembering and returning to in the first place.

With a 1.4 litre turbocharged engine, the new six-speed Spider is under ten centimetres longer than than original, and has been built around the wheelbase of a Mazda MX-5. But, although built in Japan rather than Turin, it shares the same spirit as its big brother – despite the safer feeling controls and superior on-board technical systems.

A 7” inch touchscreen display with multimedia controls sits on the new Spider’s dashboard. With DAB radio, nine speakers and a Bose audio system, even when you’re at a standstill you can ensure that there won’t be a dull minute in the driving seat.

And, when you do put the key in the ignition, the longitudinal front engine and rear-wheel drive mechanical layout guarantees an exceptional dynamic performance. The state-of-the-art engine delivers up to 140 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque for both excellent performance and fuel-efficiency – and the double wishbone front suspension makes for perfect road holding and a razor-sharp response on the bends.

So is it better than the old Spider? Well, yes and no.

Despite Fiat’s new car being superior both technologically and mechanically, the 1966 Spider had a ‘raw but refined’ quality about it, pairing a now-outdated engine with Italian elegance. And, despite pulling in only 89 horsepower with its corresponding 1.4 litre model, the Italian automakers sold over 120,000 of the originals over 18 years in the United States alone.

So, while classic car owners will tell you that the undefinable ‘spirit’ of vintage motors will forever place the old ahead of new models in their hearts, we believe the new roadster to have had a pretty good crack at replicating the appeal of the original.

Small, affordable and with a truly timeless design – the new Spider will rekindle your love of retro motoring and impish 1960s design. And who do you have to thank for this revelation of regeneration? Why, those undisputed masters of modernisation over at Fiat, of course.

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more