1981 Fiat Spider 2000 Turbo Pininfarina (124 Spider)

1981 Fiat Other Spider 2000 Turbo Pininfarina (124 Spider) Description

Only roughly 700 turbo models were produced. This is one of them. However, like many of the original turbo cars, this one has also been de-turbo'd. The turbo has been removed and replaced with the naturally aspirated intake and exhaust system long ago. If you are familiar with the original turbo system, you know that was a good thing. If you aren't familiar with it, read below to learn more. The dual overhead cam 2L engine is still fitted with the original Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system which starts and runs great like you would expect from any fuel injected engine. This car is also equipped with a five speed transmission and four wheel disc brakes.
While the original turbo system does not remain, all of the related ancillaries are still present (boost gauge, turbo oil drain port back into crank case, related wiring for fuel control when under boost, wiring/plumbing diagram sticker). The engine bay is relatively clean for a car of this age. The exhaust system was also replaced and is in great condition.
Also unique to the turbo model is are the original Cromodora CD134 "Turbo" wheels. These are not easy to find and this car has them all in excellent condition (the center caps aren't perfect). The tires have plenty of tread left on them. The rear brake rotors and pads and brake lines are new. The calipers were rebuilt. The front brakes are in great shape.
The interior is in superb condition. The interior is mostly original with no rips tears or stains in any of the seats. A new dash cover was installed which looks factory. The defroster control knob is missing, see pictures. The boost gauge slightly faded. The trunk very solid and clean with original carpet. There appears to have been a repair on the interior of the trunk lid at some point in its life, but it doesn't show through to the exterior.
The body has been repainted and the respray has held up great. The body is in superb condition with the exception of a couple chips on the edge of the door and some bubbles at the bottom of the right rear fender, see pictures. The convertible top has just been replaced and looks great. The rear window is crystal clear. When you see this car in person you will see it's been cared for. The car has never been stored outside since I've owned it and has never been driven since the new top was installed (maybe just around my neighborhood to warm it up and keep it operational).
This car will look great at any car shown and would be a blast for just cruising around town, going for a weekend drive, or just add it to your collection to match your new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider
-----If you were curious about the turbo system,-----
Legend Industries, who converted the cars for Fiat USA, basically installed the system on existing NA engines. The compression ratio was not changed and neither was the ECU, so boost was limited to about 6psi. While there is a boost controlled fuel pressure regulator, the original turbo system also had a couple of resistors that were turned on at a certain boost level or WOT. Those resistors were wired into the coolant circuit so when in boost or WOT, the ECU essentially thought it was cold outside and activated warm-up enrichment. It's a very crude method of just dumping extra fuel into the engine to make sure it doesn't run lean and melt down. Like I said, it's crude, but it's safe. It was in the early days of turbocharging street cars, so you have to give them some credit for creative problem solving.