Why Red? Well.... Everyone has their favorite Fiat. Lord knows, Henry Manney loved the Toppolino, Carlo Abarth liked the 850s, and on and on.... The Spider specialities come in many different vintages. Some like the first years, some like the middle years, and yet others like the last models. Each has it's own charm and grace. There probably is no "best" year. Truly the beauty is in the eye, as they say. This is personal preference and perspective. For me there is something about the early Spiders. Probably only because that is how I started out with my Fiat experience.

     My experience is different from some in that my first Spider was a '68. They were lighter. Less smog equipment to remove the spirit of the little engine. Less insurance company inspired weight with the battering ram bumpers, and they sit at their designed ride height without having to resort to lowering them. On the downside: fourteen inch wheels are a nice fit in the wheel wells, and an extra 400cc worth of torque is not to be ignored.

     It's amazing to me that there are so many examples of these cars still around today. I think it's a testimonial to their beauty and grace that people cannot bring themselves to send them to the crusher. They are still around here and there waiting for the right person and the right time. Lately the early "chrome bumper" (pre-75) models are becoming quite scarce and good examples are getting more expensive to purchase if you can find one.

     Red here is ripe for his third restoration. He is pictured above just off the trailer with the Western Wheel Minnilight knock offs and no license. Before Red is disected for resto, we will enjoy him a little and give him a tast of the future. Here are the new Goodrich 205s. Not visible in the picture are the new guages, electric antenna and a new dashboard. Shortly thereafter I wore out my thumbs with a new set of seat covers and carpets. Check out his upgrade diary for more information about his current condition.

The other spiders currently in the AutoBarn My Spiders     Red's Upgrade Diary    Red's New AutoBarn     Fiat Home