Fiat 124 BS (1966–1985)

The Fiat 124 Spider is one of the great Italian open-top sports cars. Designed by Pininfarina and launched in 1966, the 124 Spider used a twin-cam engine developed by Aurelio Lampredi — a design so successful it was later used in Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Fiat applications. The Spider was produced until 1985, with later cars sold as the Pininfarina Spider in Europe. In the United States the 124 Spider was one of the best-selling sports cars of the 1970s. The twin-cam engine is free-revving and characterful, and the Spider offers a genuine Italian driving experience at accessible prices. Timing belt replacement is critical — this is an interference engine and belt failure causes total destruction. Rust in the sills and floor is the primary structural concern.

Available body styles: Roadster. Produced from 1966 to 1985.

What to check before buying

Based on 2 reported fault cases, the most important pre-purchase checks for the 124 BS are:

• Fiat 124 Spider twin-cam timing belt failure ✅ Known fix available
• Fiat 124 Spider rust in sills and floor

Is the 124 BS reliable?

Of the 2 fault cases recorded for the Fiat 124 BS on MyCarFault, 50% have a verified fix. Regular maintenance, correct service intervals and addressing known weak points early significantly extends the life of these vehicles.