Spider #1, a brand new powder blue 68 purchased in Orlando FL in March of 1968 for the princely sum of $2640.00 including an AM/FM mono radio. Blue was my first car (not the family car). I received Blue like some lucky kids did when they went away to college (Thanks Dad!). I didn't get the title until I graduated and got married. Blue served me well though my Junior and Senior years in college. Where? 1300 miles away from Orlando, FL in far off Wichita State University. It carried me and my future wife (who lived seven hours off in St. Louis) during our dating period and first two years of marriage. "Blue" was reluctantly sold after I was drafted into the Army in late 1971.

Spider #2, Green, (in the background of the bottom picture) a 1973 1592 Spider was purchased as a perk for surviving the Viet Nam era. Green was a "different" 124. It came with some unusual magnesium wheels I've never seen since, and a Pinninfarina 'glass hardtop and no convertible top. Green's only "hop up" was an Ansa exhaust system and a set of 40IDFs that I got from Al Cosintino over in Daytona Beach. Even so it didn't seem to want to spin and run like I remembered Blue. Green was my daily driver until it was semi retired in 1982. It was then stripped, painted, and interior replaced to like new condition. It then became a weekend warrior for summer only trips to the harbor or rides on Sunday afternoons. Green died in the Great Flood of 93. It was washed off the front porch out into four feet of water in the front yard during an extreme storm. There it sat for over a month under water. A lot of green will be transferred to Red. Already the Western copies of the Minnilights and Abarth steering wheel have been transferred over. Many smaller bits and pieces, are next to go.

Spider #3, White, (also in the background of the bottom picture) was a 1979 carbureted car bought to provide parts to bring Green back to life, but after four years unprotected outside, Green sadly was put to rest. White may give a few parts depending on how the future works out. White runs but has no spirit. Lots of torque, but no spin.

Spider #4, Red, is a four owner 71 1608. Red and I are just getting to know each other. Mechanically the engine was rebuilt in 87, about 20,000 miles ago, Red runs well and has served well as a weekend ride. Red isnt perfect though. The tail lights don't match and there is some minor rust in the shock towers, but nothing that can't be fixed with only some patch work welding. This car is in need of a fresh restoration, but it is in generally fair condition. Recently repainted and with a new top from its previous owner in CO, Red is an odd mixture of parts, but for the most part is a fully functional car. The above picture is the "before" picture with the stock wheels.

There are now a couple of more spiders in the stable. Another 73 green car that has been purchased for it's 1592 engine and transmission and rear end. The other car is a new to us 71 rust free California car that we're planning to have fun rebuilding with all the good stuff. We've resisted molesting our other cars, but this one is going to get the full treatment with lots of bolt on goodies and accessories. There will be more of this "hot rod" in the future.