Test Drive - 1981 Fiat Spider 2000
5,397
Published 2022-09-11
This Fiat 2000 was purchased new at Massagli Motors in Daly City, CA by John Ray Leland of San Mateo, CA on April 30, 1982. It remained in Northern California until being acquired by its present owner, Michael O’Connell in Washington. Mr. O’Connell set out to surprise his wife with the gift of this Fiat after having purchased and restored several cars for himself over the years. Basically, he felt a little guilty and wanted to give her something in return! Mr. O’Connell set out on a complete restoration of the Fiat, taking the car down to its bare unibody. Between his investment and the investment of its prior, 20-year California owner, this Fiat is now fully restored and in very nice condition throughout.
The livery is now finished in its Rosso Cherry (Paint Code 136F) with the upgraded Robbins tan canvas convertible top. The paint is likely better than originally supplied by Fiat, although there are a few very small imperfections upon close examination. The Paint has wonderful shine and luster. We love the correct 13″ Speedline wheels alloy wheels that give it a much more modern look. Overall, this Spider is in very nice to excellent condition and would be welcomed at any local or regional show.
The interior was completely removed during the restoration. The floorpans were all checked for rust, but this example being from California had no rust nor any prior accidents. Everything was stripped and coated and Dynamat installed for insulation from heat and noise.
The interior is two-toned in Saddle Tan and Medium Beige vinyl. The look is very elegant and works well with the ample wood trim on the dashboard and the Ferrero steering wheel. The Veglia Borletti instrumentation works well, and the interior overall also looks very good to excellent throughout.
The engine compartment is in show condition due to the thoroughness of the restoration. The 2-liter engine and 5-speed transmission were rebuilt by the prior owner and the differential and suspension were rebuilt during the restoration. It is surprisingly tight and free of rattles. A complete list of items restored is included in the photo gallery. The Fiat is a delight to drive with its 102 hp and we encourage you to view the test-drive video for this Spider. The undercarriage is well presented and in excellent condition.
This is one of only 4,747 Fiat 2000 Spiders produced for the global market in 1981. The NADA Retail value is $36,600 and the Hagerty No. 1 and No. 2 Values are $43,000 and $24,800, respectively. Included in the sale are restoration photos, documentation, car cover, spares and all the original owner’s manuals and a service manual.
For more details and information, please call, text or email Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or [email protected]. The Spider is on display in our Phoenix showroom.
All Comments (6)
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I also remember that most of the Nissans from the 1980s and early 1990s also had that same chime when the driver turned the engine on before getting his/her belt on, chimed when the driver's door was open when the key was in the ignition and chimed to remind the driver to turn off the headlights when the headlights were on when the motor was off but chimed more slowly with a different note.
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I had the same car in grad school in the early 80's - loved it, so much fun, except I was in Northern Illinois and the winters were brutal. I remember having to run out to the car a couple of times a day to start it up and run it in the winter (yes it was outside) just to keep it starting in the cold weather.
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My parents have a 2002 Hyundai Elantra with that same bell which chimes when the driver turns the engine on before buckling up, chimes when the driver unbuckles his/her seat belt while the motor is on, chimes when the driver's door is open when the key is in the ignition and chimes when the turning signal is on for too long but chimes with a different note and also chimes more slowly.
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Good video but not sure about the 1980s porn music 😂😂😂😅
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I love the car. Drive tester should, however, not ever handle steering wheel from the inside. If she suddenly had to turn wheel in the opposite direction, her hand would be an obstacle. Apart from that, it is not good driving manners. Thanks for the video anyway.
