Fiat Spider History (1979-1985)
Starting with the 1979 model year, Fiat changed the name of the 124 Spider to Spider 2000.
A minor redesign included new front grille and hood, flush-mounted door handles, taller and wider taillamps, and larger 14-inch wheels. For the first time, an automatic transmission was offered.
Since its original design, the Spider Twin-cam motor has had several different combinations of bore and stroke - 1438cc, 1592cc, 1608cc, and 1756cc. Demands for a bigger motor with more torque prompted another bump in displacement - The new 1995cc motor used a taller block, larger crankcase and longer rods. An electronic unit replaced the points-style ignition.
Fuel Injection
Midway through the 1980 model year, fuel injection replaced carburetors. Fiat chose to use Bosch's L-Jetronic system, which helped restore lost performance while still complying with U.S. emission regulations. All models came equipped with a catalytic converter, which in good operating order worked well and caused little power loss. Air pumps, along with other emission-related hardware and their accompanying myriad of vacuum lines, were no longer needed.
Turbo Spider
During 1981 and 1982, a partnership between Fiat and Legend Industries in America produced approximately 700 Turbo-Spiders. The stock engine compression ratio was lowered from 8:1 to 7:1, with special hoses and ducts feeding the intake charge from the turbo. A special exhaust manifold and downpipe were used. Enrichment and overboost switches were mounted on the driver's side of the firewall. With peak boost of six psi at 3,000 rpm, the turbocharger brought horsepower from 86 to 115 horsepower. A boost gauge on the dash replaced the factory analog clock. Turbo-Spiders came equipped with 14" alloy wheels, stripe kit, and logo decals on the fenders.
Pininfarina Spider Azzura
Due to numerous issues, Fiat stopped exporting cars to America in 1982. Malcolm Bricklin, the man behind the ill-fated sports car, launched a new company, called International Automobile Importers. Its specific purpose was to continue the import of both the Fiat Spider and the mid-engine X1/9. Starting with the 1983 model year, the Fiat name and badging were gone. For North American markets, the car was called the Pininfarina Spider Azzura. The European version, sold without a catalytic converter, was known as the Spider Europa.
The Fiat Spider was now built entirely by Pininfarina, dashboard and center consoles were redesigned, along with minor changes in trim. The rear seat was replaced by a luggage shelf. In Europe, a special supercharged version, called the Volumex, was offered. 1985 Spiders were upgraded with rack and pinion steering and larger front disc brakes. These improvements also brought a higher price-tag, which did not help already low sales. Spider production ended in 1985.
Aside from the changes brought about by safety and emissions regulations, the Spider changed little in its 18-year production run. There are several aftermarket suppliers, parts interchangeability is good, and most maintenance can be done by the owner. Alongside the Alfa-Romeo Spider, MGB, and Corvette , the Fiat Spider is one of the longest-running production sports cars in history.
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