Fiat 124

Model Overview

The Fiat 124 is an iconic nameplate from Italian carmaker Fiat, spanning over half a century across two distinctly different eras. Debuting at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, the first-generation Fiat 124 was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) compact family saloon developed under the leadership of engineer Aurelio Lampredi. Thanks to its brilliant packaging, robust mechanicals, and accessible pricing, it quickly emerged as a best-seller across Europe and was crowned European Car of the Year in 1970. The original 124 was produced globally through various licensing and technical joint-ventures, spawning saloon, estate, and coupé body styles, with the most legendary spin-offs being the Fiat 124 Spider and 124 Abarth Rally.

In 2016, Fiat revived the 124 Spider moniker through a joint development programme with Mazda, introducing a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-seater roadster. While sharing its underpinnings and most chassis components with the Mazda MX-5 (ND), the roadster was powered by Fiat’s proprietary powertrain and wrapped in distinct Italian styling, primarily targeted at European and North American markets. By 2021, tighter emissions standards and slowing global sales led to the official discontinuation of the modern 124 Spider.

Design Language

Penned under the direction of Fiat’s then-design chief Dante Giacosa, the first-generation Fiat 124 (1966–1974) featured clean, functional lines with classic three-box saloon proportions typical of the 1960s. The front fascia, distinguished by quad circular headlamps and a horizontal chrome radiator grille, offered instant visual recognition. Measuring 4,040 mm in length, 1,625 mm in width, and 1,420 mm in height with a 2,420 mm wheelbase, it represented typical European D-segment dimensions of its era. Meanwhile, the 124 Spider (1966–1985), sculpted by renowned design house Pininfarina, boasted classic roadster proportions with a long bonnet and short rear deck, showcasing flowing, sculpted surfaces that cemented its status as an Italian classic.

The exterior of the modern 124 Spider (2016–2021) paid homage to its 1960s forebear. Up front, it featured a signature Fiat single-slat hexagonal grille housing the '124' badge, flanked by rounded LED headlamps. Twin power bulges on the bonnet swept forward into pronounced front wheel arches, creating a muscular, retro-inspired stance. At the rear, it sported dual rectangular-ring taillights and twin exhaust pipes. Dimensions came in at 4,054 mm long, 1,740 mm wide, and 1,233 mm tall, riding on a 2,310 mm wheelbase. Inside, while the cockpit layout was fundamentally shared with the Mazda MX-5, the steering wheel, instrument binnacle, seats, and switchgear trim received bespoke Fiat treatments, available across various interior colourways.

Powertrain & Performance

The first-generation Fiat 124 offered an extensive engine lineup. It initially debuted with a 1.2L naturally aspirated inline-four OHV engine pushing 65 hp, followed by larger 1.4L, 1.6L, and 1.8L units. The performance-focused 124 Abarth Rally packed a 1.8L DOHC engine tuned to deliver up to 128 hp.

The modern 124 Spider was available in two states of tune: the standard 124 Spider was powered by a 1.4L MultiAir Turbo inline-four petrol engine churning out 140 hp (approx. 103 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 240 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm; the performance-oriented 124 Spider Abarth featured an uprated version delivering 170 hp (approx. 125 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm. Transmission duties were handled by either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic, sending drive exclusively to the rear wheels. In terms of century sprints, the 140 hp version dispatched 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds on the way to a 215 km/h top speed, while the 170 hp Abarth variant shaved the 0-100 km/h time down to 6.8 seconds, topping out at 232 km/h.

Chassis & Handling

The original Fiat 124 utilised an FR layout, pairing a double-wishbone independent front suspension with a solid rear axle suspended by coil springs—a setup that struck a fine balance between roadholding and manufacturing cost efficiency in its day. The 124 Spider variant was treated to a noticeably firmer, more driver-focused chassis setup.

The modern 124 Spider sat on Mazda’s lightweight Skyactiv chassis platform, retaining the purist front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive architecture. Its suspension setup comprised front double wishbones and a rear multi-link independent arrangement, equipped with anti-roll bars at both ends for razor-sharp handling and cornering composure. Braking was managed by ventilated discs all around, supported by ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). A mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD) was equipped (standard on the Abarth), further elevating cornering traction and driving dynamics.

Cabin & Practicality

The modern 124 Spider featured a driver-centric two-seater cockpit, equipped with sports bucket seats trimmed in leather or Alcantara upholstery. Boot space was rated at 140 litres, adequate to swallow a standard golf bag. Creature comforts included single-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, and power-folding wing mirrors. In-car entertainment was handled by a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, paired with a premium Bose sound system (optional on the Abarth). The roadster utilised a manual fabric soft top that could be latched or stowed in mere seconds.

Safety & Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the modern 124 Spider offered a comprehensive package. Passive safety equipment included dual front airbags, side airbags, and a driver's knee airbag. Active safety was anchored by Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). However, reflecting its purist sports car orientation and production era, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) were omitted.

Market Reception & Legacy

The original Fiat 124 was a massive commercial hit globally. With CKD assembly and licensed production spanning Italy, Spain, Turkey, and India, total production exceeded 1.5 million units by the end of its run in 1974. Over its 1966 to 1985 lifespan, the classic 124 Spider shifted approximately 200,000 units. On the motorsport stage, the 124 Abarth Rally dominated the World Rally Championship between 1972 and 1974, cementing Fiat’s rallying heritage.

Upon its reintroduction in 2016, the modern 124 Spider initially generated solid interest among European car enthusiasts. The punchier Abarth version, with its bespoke aggressive bodykit and fruity exhaust note, earned a loyal following among driving purists. Nonetheless, due to direct cannibalisation with the Mazda MX-5 and an overlapping price bracket, the 124 Spider struggled to hit its projected sales targets. By 2021, caught between stringent European emissions standards and declining roadster demand worldwide, Fiat pulled the plug on the 124 Spider, drawing the curtains on this charismatic Italian-Japanese mashup after a brief five-year production stint.