1974 Fiat 124 Sp Coupe from Italy - Comments

14th Oct 1999, 08:08

What things have gone wrong with the car?

I inherited the car with 70k miles. I drove it till 145k (present). The original differential was noisy so I replaced it. Blew the timing belt at 144K - may have over extended it's life. Oil seals were shot by 120k.

Installed several distributors, and U-joints, (probably due to worn trailing arm). Replaced the driveshaft rubber donut, a water pump and the thermostat. Replaced ball joints and brake calipers. Lower A-arm bushing aged prematurely. Aging fuel lines replaced and carb cleaning required due to sediment build up.

General comments?

Engine and transmission are extremely solid (Ferrari designer designed the engine). Body rusted easily, but is one of the most solid constructions I've ever seen (every inch is welded.. including fenders).


9th Jul 2001, 23:25

I had a 124 sport 1400 and I can agree that the mechanicals are strong. The body however is very very prone to rust and the interior is also cheaply made. All the money went on the oily bits.

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1st Aug 2001, 21:36

My 2nd car was a 1600BC coupe.

It was reliable, cheap to run, economical and bloody fast!

I regret selling it. It was rust free and one of the best examples around.

Today it is deemed as a classic.

If a similar car was to be made today using modern materials, the cost would be in excess of $100K!

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20th Oct 2002, 05:12

I have a 1600 BC, and I think it is great. I put twin weber downdrafts in it and it goes great.

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10th Apr 2006, 04:54

The 1608 BC 124 Coupe is most probably the pick and top of the heap regards these cars. The smaller 1438 BC was so good it was incredible, the "1600" was just that much better, and the looks of this model are only approached for purity by the AC 1438 original.

Interestingly it's a lay down mazare the BC front is also featured on the Dino Coupe, AND the Jensen Interceptor, if you observe closely.

These things have GOT to be a classic. Might just have to get around to finding one.

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9th Jul 2006, 02:53

I've had a 1972 Fiat 124 BC coupe since 1986 (20 years!). It was full of rust, but in 1995 had it all removed, with new panels being hand built and finished in lead - It cost an absolute fortune - but another 10 years on it all seems worth it.

Back in 1986, it was a gutsy car, with great performance and awesome handling. Now, a modern car will easily out perform the Fiat, but the emphasis has changed to that of a classic car, which I still love to "drive" - and do so every other weekend. It's a car I will never sell.

I also purchased a Fiat 124 Spider a few years ago, and throughly enjoy the summer days cruising in this car.

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3rd Jul 2009, 05:31

Hi,

I have owned several Fiat 124 Sport cars from the BC to the CC models.

I purchased my first car in 1984 which was a red 1972 BC 1600 with twin weber carbies. The car was in pretty good condition when I bought it and everything worked with no electrical problems.

The only thing I noticed was that you had to keep the carbies in tune to get the maximum performance out of the engine.

The 1600 was a great engine and revved to redline easily, and with the 5 speed gearbox was fantastic to drive fast.

I then sold the BC and purchased a 1973 CC model with an 1800cc engine and single weber carbie.

The sound of the 1800 was allot deeper and louder than the BC and also performed brilliantly revving to redline even in 5th gear. Absolute awesome car which I still own today and fully restored 10 years ago.

The car is only now used on weekends when it's not raining and believe me it certainly catches people's eyes when I take it out for a run.

These cars are now classics, and will start increasing in value as they are becoming hard to find in reasonable condition to restore.

If you find one, grab it as they will not disappoint as a weekend driver.

Cheers.

Anthony.

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