Customer Reviews

Essential Fiat 124 Spider and Coupes: The Cars and Their Story, 1966-85

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Finding almost any literature about FIAT that is both positive and in English is difficult at best, however this book is a welcome break from that situation. If you have a passing interest in this mark, then this book will be appreciated. If you have a true interest in FIAT, then this book is like a good Italian meal, delicious to enjoy, but leaving you with a great desire for more. I only wish it was about three times greater in length.

This is a book for Fiat 124 beginners. It gives a basic historical background (albeit from a British point-of-view - 124 Spiders are quite rare in England, and the author's advice and opinion reflect that fact). There is no mechanical or other such advice in the book. It is a pretty, picture laden coffee table book for those interested in the story of Fiat's 124 Spider. Special note: many of the figures and "facts" presented in the book are disputed by other authorities, especially those in the business of selling Fiat Spider parts. No one, it seems, is able to agree on things like whether the turbo model was sold in production year 1982 or how many were made, etc. Take all "facts" presented with a grain of salt, especially if you use any of this information as the basis for beginning a Fiat Spider collection.

I am tech geek so normally I prefer a more challenging read than the simple history of a make or model. That being said, I enjoyed this book, maybe because it came free when I bought my Spider, or maybe because it has great color pictures.
The most likely reason I enjoyed this book is because it paints a clear picture as to how this great car came about, its changes, special models, and eventual death.
20+ years RIP
Josh