1979 Fiat 124 Spider - My Car For Life (Mountain Loop Car Barn)

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This is my 1979 Fiat 124 Spider (also known as Fiat Spider 2000). It is my favorite car of all time and will forever be special to me. As a classic convertible roadster, it may not be the fastest or highest performance. But it is still loads of fun to drive. It also makes a great pizza delivery car.

[@penmuni3833]

Hi Josh. I am 60 years old. I had a FIAT spider long before you were born. You made me cry with your video. All my memories came rushing back. I took my sweetheart out for a date first time in that car. I lost many things in the back seat. I drove thousands of miles on it with pure happiness. It broke down many times in the oddest of places. So just like you, I had to learn how to fix a car. I wasn't lucky enough to have the beautiful landscape of Washington state, but I enjoyed many admiring glances at my FIAT in my city. I called it RED. It was a beauty. I wish you a wonderful life ahead. I have a luxury SUV now. I feel no pride or love to look at it. I can of course buy a FIAT spider, but it would be a laughable attempt at reclaiming the youth. I do not wish to do that. I am happy that for the few minutes I was inside your video...I was back in my youth when anything in life seemed possible. That FIAT gave me all the confidence. Take care.

[@moritzhummel9747]

Hey Pen, don't give yourself up at the age of only 60 ;-)

[@Jaq365]

Pen, I had a 1974 Spider around 1979, missed it all these years and so bought a 2019 MX-5 off the showroom floor in Jan 2020. It's an incredible, and modern, top-down driving experience. You should go test drive one. Oh and by the way, I'm 68.

[@kentowakai1234]

Naked, without bumpers, these are even more gorgeous.

[@ethand4784]

from the front yes, but the rear looks wrong without a bumper

[@viarnay]

Absolutely..

[@kennethpole2439]

Having previously owned a '69 from new, I've acquired a '78 which I registered today as a "collector" with designated PLATES.

[@Toulippy]

What a beautiful video, we have a 1970 fiat 500 model f, it was my grandfathers before he sold it to get tickets to fly to America ans live here, we found it and we restored it, and it’s here in America now. I’ve always had a “calling” to fiats, and the day I saw my first spider I was instantly in love it it. I am trying to find one now I can restore just like my father did with the 500. Amazing video!

[@thegamingguy1]

The fact that this man has 2k subs is proof that hard work is not always rewarded right away lol keep it up man!

[@LeafsBusinessTeacher]

Had a 78 Fiat 124 Spider I miss everyday; just got a little too old to be wrenching every weekend - ended up with a brand new Abarth Spider - all the fun with 21st century comfort, reliability and performance. Inspiring story, and great to see a young man with a passion for Italian cars- Cheers!

[@RetraCast]

Yeah my dad has been wanting one of those new ones too. I’m out here hoping Fiat just sends me one to make a follow up video hahaha

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*I've said "my car for life" to a bunch of cars since high school and at some point they all end up in a metaphorical barn hoping I will remember them fondly enough to jump back into the driver seat but realizing someone else is in that seat and I'm actually in their rear view mirror as they drive to their new home.* It's virtually impossible to keep them forever.

[@revaholic]

Cool to see a young guy get into a classic

[@Slurpusmachina]

My son, Roman, just inherited his grandfather's '75 Spider. He's had to learn how to drive a stick and has already had his heirloom breakdown on him. Your video perfectly captured the spirit and the pride that wells inside him and is tested every time he turns on that ignition key.

[@bartmotorcycle]

Amazing video. As a classic bike rider I can concur, the same is true for cars as for bikes.

[@screamingchicken5797]

I see you are now owning the "Fix it Again Tony" joke. Keep up the good work. 🤣👍

[@studiocalder818]

But also First In Any Trial

[@Smilyface509]

Not gonna lie this is the first fiat I’ve seen that I absolutely love the design on, what a classic. Beach Vibes for sure 🏖

[@1rewd133]

I had that exact same car, color and all, back in the 80's

[@mgman6000]

I was 24 when I bought my new 1969 124 coupe you understand what these cars are all about I was just like you 👍

[@chefadriantv]

I’m 37 , an owner of a 2020 fiat 124 spider abarth, and you just made me want to get a job as a pizza delivery boy lol. Great video🤘🏻

[@macklemorganfreeman8488]

Honestly my dream car

[@patrickperry6945]

I’ve got a ‘78 Spider. I’m 73 yo. Right now I’m replacing some braking components. You do have to maintain these cars but it isn’t difficult. Fun car. Working on the car is made easier because I have a lift. Getting under that car would make things a lot more difficult. Good luck to you in your future endeavors.

[@jensen1971x]

I had one back in the 80's and loved it. 1979 was the best year.

[@RetraCast]

Thanks to my Patrons Rehlee, Maxwell, and my newest one, Larry! Sorry I left the shoutout off at the end. This is a pretty special video to me so I wanted to keep its entirety seamless and just focused on being an unbroken video so I also removed any mid roll ads. The next video will of course have my Patrons back in at the end like normal. This video took far longer than I ever expected and didn't quite live up to my plans. But it's still probably one of my best videos to date regardless. Hope you enjoyed it. Anyways, hoping to get another MR2 update out this month. Then I'm filming a Lada video and then a few more formal MR2 videos. I'm thinking of doing an "early as is" review, a comparison to my Celica, and a cinematic. But project work videos on the car will not stop. There will just be a larger than normal gap as I save up more and film the other videos.

[@michaelhartman851]

My 75 started out super rough, was basically metal Swiss cheese with all the rust holes, been thru several iterations over the past 10 or 15 years, even in the last with the single carb it was a capable car, this most current is a fully built race car for the street, believe me when I say these cars can be incredibly quick and great handling...

[@austinzingg545]

This video is done beautifully, it always surprises me to see so few views on your channel. I just subscribed a few months ago, I have an AW11 that I'm working on as well.

[@adambradford666]

I got one for my 16th Birthday. It was old but only had $30,000 original miles. Belonged to a priest. He was the original owner. Original spare in the trunk! I LOVED THIS CAR SO MUCH! My parents sold it to a dude from Germany who took it across the ocean and away from me while I was at College. They bought me a Toyota Celica to replace it. DIDN'T WORK! I was crushed and still hate them for it to this day! lol.

[@by9917]

I had a 124 Spider in the mid 80s. Mine was dark blue, but did have the luggage rack. Mine might have been a year older, the taillights were rectangles. I thought saw one on in the video in the garage with the taillight out, but maybe the wedged taillights still had the rectangle opening. Mine still had good power. I've taken the speedometer past the 95mph mark. Not a huge feat now, but that was in the 55mph national speed limit days. Cruising slow in1st, it could bark the tires with just a stab at the go peddle.The exhaust was replaced by the previous owner. It was mild sounding while cruising, but open the throttle and it let you know it was there, and had a great cackle after letting off. Probably my favorite car of all time, even better than the Supra Turbo MK3 with Sport Roof. The Miata version didn't fit me. There was not enough recline for a way over tall person. The old 124 Spider allowed lots of recline.

[@DrewM91105]

Fantastic car. Back in the early 70s, I owned a '71 Fiat Sport Spider in Positano Yellow (kind of orangey yellow), and it was gorgeous. So much fun! Enjoy yours.

[@cartmanscheesypoofs2]

There is a 82 Fiat Spider for auction that I'm desperately hoping I win. Wish me luck. Something about the car is speaking to me and this video helps cement that feeling.

[@bowieupland6112]

I rode in one of these as a kid... I never forgot that car.

[@ganormand]

In 1971, this was my favorite car. Loved the lines of the body, especially the rear end. Early models had small bumpers, before our government made them change.

[@D45VR]

Agree, I had a green one and would often just admire it. Drove it from KC Mo to Denver and it was a sweet journey.

[@pnotuner1]

One of the first cars that I drove was a 1974 Fiat 124 4 door sedan. When my parents were out of town I took it up and down the back alley several times, throwing gravel around a little bit. Fun Fun. And I have always wanted a Spider since then. I once tried to make a deal for a decrepit 850 but luckily it didn't happen. I did have a Lancia Beta coupe for a while and that did scratch my itch a little bit with it's transverse DOHC 4 cylinder. Unfortunately the rack and pinion went out and I traded it away to some Las more enamored with its sexy lines than I was.

[@misterengineer690]

This guy deserves way more... Amazing work for over 2 years

[@exoticargeo]

Best video/story I've seen in a very long time by someone in your age group! Enjoy and keep the passion! By the way, in good shape these cars are actually not slow.

[@rogerbeattie9274]

Hi Josh, as the owner of many old FIATs in Australia and the president of one of our FIAT car clubs it makes me happy to see the joy you are getting from the connection to the car. I am sure your Dad's enthusiasm has helped too so pass on my best to him. Last year I travelled to the US for the FIAT Freakout in New Hampshire and witnessed the enthusiasm many there have for the 124 spider. It was never sold here new but we have a few hundred imports now to add to large fleet of other FIATs dating back to 1903 when the firdt was imported. Keep it up and again, great to see it being used above all else.

[@yamatodamashii1179]

Don’t wait for someday.

[@carlosv3784]

this is unbelievable! wtf this is a master piece. You're definitely going to go places in whatever you choose to do with quality like this.

[@adrianoagliardi1450]

Bellissima ! La Fiat 124 spyder è la mia preferita! Una linea sempre fantastica ! ✌️🇮🇹😄

[@HomeMadebyHeather]

Oh my goodness!! I loved every minute of this video!!! Mu husband just surprised me with a 1974, same exterior color as yours, I cannot wait to change my interior from black to tan. Also cannot wait to drive it, but it is winter in Canada, and apparently she needs a brake repair and is leaking oil....let the count down to spring begin!!!

[@jaredhughes9130]

My first car was an '81 Spider from Craigslist. I put over 40,000 miles on it by commuting, because those cars deserve to be driven daily, and was sad to sell it a few years back. I know I'll own one again when I have a two car garage, because they really are fun cars and the online community is amazing.

[@Jrggr05]

another great vid, keep up the good work!

[@itslucien]

this fiat is beautiful and it’s in such great condition! also love your visuals, this was so pleasing to watch. i live in washington too so hopefully i get to see this beauty on the road one day

[@SuperProperT]

Thanks for that. My first Fiat was the same as yours. It didn't have the the great back story, but it was the same car. 20 years later...I still have a Fiat.

[@riejurv50]

This cars have sooo much to appreciate!! I've been daily driving classics since I got my license back in 2012, my first one a 1979 Citroen Dyane 6, wouldn't have changed it for anything, still have it, together with some other cars, a '58 Plymouth, an spanish-made Dart GT... I'm crazy for a convertible, they allow to enjoy the driving much more than a closed car, even more here, by the Mediterranium where I live. But classic cars are getting very expensive here, even more convertibles and it is quite rare to find convertibles here, which I don't really understand... Back to the video, one of the best I've seen lately, gives so much emphasis to what this cars and hobby can bring to yourself if you really live it. Go on like that!!

[@philagethechef]

Just test drove mine after a few years of it sitting daily drove it through highschool and college the more you drive them the more reliable they are.

[@studiocalder818]

Well, I am an Alfahoolic and own a Duetto but I have to admit that the Pininfarina/Tijaarda FIAT Spider is supreme. Have fun, enjoy it

[@antonypinque5394]

Great video! Thank you for creating it !

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

Awesome video, well done! Definitely a time capsule that will only increase in sentimental value as time goes on.

[@SteveLowtwait]

Nice video with an in-depth look at the Fiat. I've been considering a classic 124 as a weekend car. Your passion for it is inspiring.

[@klaus7174]

This is exact the same Car, I owns. Spider 2000. it was reimportet from Fiat at the 80. 👍👍👍

[@stunsisacul]

This kid gets it. I had a Midget in high school. I’m 45 now and it’s like listening to myself tell me about driving it. Might need one again.

[@ethan073]

Such a well put together video. Great job man 😎

[@jakeearley3842]

Beautiful video, Josh! You convey the free and open feeling of the Spider. That gorgeous body style, and still many practical features: so easy to open and close the ragtop, easy to reach space on the rear 'seat' for packages, battery in the trunk to stay cool for long life, plus a spare tire and still room for luggage. Mine was a 76, I think, the last year pre-catalyst. Fond memories. ,

[@sacha8274]

I’ve watched this multiple times and I love this car, and I can’t get enough of the video

[@klusterluk5854]

Definitely the best car I drove while I was over there. Keep up the good vids 👌

[@BigNews2021]

I had a 1975 spider, got it my senior year in high school and kept it for 5 years. I redid all the wood trim in shop and it came out beautifully. Great beach car, I would throw two surfboards in the back and head to the beach with my buddy. I miss it.

[@quantumrichards2219]

Absolutely awesome video my man!!!

[@Cypress_green]

This is great content, keep it up!

[@anthonyvercillo224]

Just saw this and I just got my '78 Spider going again. I echo EVERYTHING you have said in this video, I get all the same feelings when I drive it! Thanks for this video!

[@jonathanknez1283]

Excellent writing and thoughtful points. Thanks for going into the details of the intangible benefits of owning an older or unique vehicle. There is something to be said for treating a car not as an appliance, but as lens that helps you focus on experiences. Sounds silly, but even my daily commute seems more meaningful in my Sonett beyond simply getting there. Same for motorcycles, changes the way you travel which changes the way you think about your destination.

[@RetraCast]

Yeah it’s always in the back of my mind making stuff like this if I’m just being cheesy haha. But it’s definitely true for people who just understand it and have been there. Glad you liked it

[@onefastcyclist]

I owned a 1970 1438cc 124 Sport that I bought in '74 for a little over 12 years - Simply wonderful to rev, corner and enjoy the open road - enjoy it for as long as you can

[@RetraCast]

I love mine but those early year spiders are just that bit extra nicer with their all chrome bumpers and mirrors vs the black plastic and rubber ones on mine. Both are still beautiful but I would like to get one of those at some point too if I could. Maybe keep that as a more pristine occasional driver while mine is more regularly driven.

[@onefastcyclist]

@@RetraCast Yes, and the earlier engines had a two stage weber 2v, mechanical advance distributer and more sporting cam profiles that all came together at about 4.500 rpm; then that little over square mill screamed like a banshee all the way to 6,800!

[@iananderson2244]

Nice video and glad to see a younger person that appreciates having a classic spider over wanting a classic muscle car. We have a 1980 spider and enjoy it and our son who likes driving it also. It will be his some day

[@kenguru5382]

This is gold.

[@0311mtb]

Great video. I bought my Spider 6 months ago. I love it! It's such a fun car and I think it's actually pretty easy to work on. By the way, mine is also light blue with a tab top.

[@geremiagermogli]

Beautiful video, beautiful car, great attitude. From Italy.

[@paulsaul6361]

Masterfully done

[@MrSnrub-zh1xi]

My first car was also a 1979 fiat spider, and I also haven’t driven it for a couple years because college. It was so fun, and I can’t wait to get it back on the road. Love the snapped clutch cable mention- I used to carry a spare in the trunk! Cruise on down to Oregon sometime!

[@cheers3246]

Totally underrated vid! 👌

[@KadenBarriga]

Fantastic video Josh! I’m planning a similar video to this for my 2000 BMW Z3 Roadster. You did a really phenomenal job telling your story with the car, and the cinematography and sound design were great too!

[@Miixalis]

Keep this beautiful car one life and protect it like your eyes!

[@frosti7]

Brilliant video & Cinematic style, you managed to make me "feel" the story, and reminds me of the very reason why I'm here - this car was featured in "Somewhere in Time", a very nostalgic movie (much like your video)

[@johnmckenna8989]

..I bought a 1959 Triumph TR3A in 1970, ...Had to start it with the hand crank (on a rainy night).....Paid $150.00 for it and I'm still driving it to-day....Just maintained and never restored.....Hope you get 51+ years with your Fiat as I have with my Triumph.....No trailer queen, it's been from Niagara Falls to Vancouver Island, where we are to-day.....( I'm 74+ )

[@lawrencehamilton6105]

Excellent video - lots of talent on display here!

[@cityconnectionent]

Hey "Tony", You just helped me decide to keep and restore my ole' 79 Spider Fiat. You did a great job of making that video, your dad should be really proud of you. I bought my Spider used in 81 with 17K miles. It now has 90K on it. I drove the shit out of this car and kept it garaged for years, but about 20 years ago I needed the garage space so out into the driveway it went. Even with a cover it slowly went to shit. It called me all the time, saying fix me, drive me. So what the hell, let's do it. I have the time, let's make it happen. By the way my name is Salvatore, it makes sense doesn't it?

[@RetraCast]

I wish you luck on it! These old Italian cars manage to be both simple and frustratingly put together hahaha. But there’s a good amount of resources online for parts and info

[@sophiyastudios]

this is one of my dream cars - so cool

[@beny2331]

This has been my dream car ever since i was like 12 or something. You described it perfectly!

[@studedude56]

I loved this video. Hello from Olympia.

[@JohnAnderson4242]

Great video! I am an older guy who loves euro imports like this, they love you when you drive them. They even wink sometimes

[@Amaury0971]

I hope to get mine running one day. Thanks for this amazing vid

[@robertamoyaw1979]

Road trip time!!! 🤠

[@FabianRomano1]

Great video and beautiful car

[@svenfritsch9702]

Bruh, this vid is absolutely amazing! I think Fiat should pay you for making such good advertising :D

[@danstoddart1641]

Nice car Josh. Have a 1981 blue exterior blue interior 5 speed. Bought it new in 81 has 75,000 km now. Still love driving it

[@franciscoalbertorojas5379]

You have convinced me to find myself such a car. Well done.

[@annhanntz275]

Fling It Around Turns! I feel the same way and have had one since 1978. The value has increased dramatically according to Hemings Motor news...Only the Aston Martins have increased in value more than the 124,now the second most increased value percentage wise than only the Aston Martins.A 1969 sold at Mecums for 48,900 last year, bone stock. The Abarths are 50,000 to 175,000 range depending on History.Good clean stockers are now over 12 to 15 thousand regardless of what you read on the internet, most sales are between club owners with the best cars done in private. I'm one the original members of the Fiat Club America going back to the very begining, If your not a member, you should be. I write articles for technical advise for the club magazine called Ricambi, column is called Downshift. You did a super job on the video!

[@RetraCast]

Thanks! I’ll have to check out the magazine and club sometime. You should check out my first video in this car series where I give a tour of our cars. Mountain Loop Car Barn #1. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5K8nImPr8lkd6M My dad actually is a big Fiat collector and we have a lot of other classic Fiats like the 850 spider, 850 coupe, dino, 128 3p, Lombardi Grand Prix, and lots more. Some are in better shape than others but we’re hoping to have them all restored someday.

[@andreasprokscha6357]

Very cool Guy, nice filming and storytelling skills and of course, amazing Car!

[@pater444]

Great content, i have been watching you about 4 month's from now and i can't believe that your channel is so underrated (i mean range and views ofc). Keep it up

[@RetraCast]

Thanks, I feel like I’m definitely getting there though. Crazy to see the support I’m getting everyday

[@ArizonaPoet]

A pair of crescent wrenches will make the suspension tight. Fun to rev past 6,000 with traffic passing you while you drive like a mad man.

[@bigbri4090]

Amazing composition, edit and a cool car too!

[@jacopovalentino]

Well done!

[@treeskier802]

Really cool video. I saw one of these cars for just $4000 on Facebook marketplace. It looks to be in great condition. I’m just not someone who works on cars and I’m unsure if there are parts or a mechanic in my area who would service it. I’ve been looking now for 2 years to find a fun convertible in decent shape at a price of $8000 or less. I find it awfully difficult. Again, really cool video. Thanks for posting it.

[@nbarges]

Great video, nicely done. I am 69 and have a 79 Spider also, it's great to see a young man enjoying a classic car, don't see that much anymore. But then your Dad's a car guy so it's in your blood. Maybe your brother can get one those other classic on the road and you guys can have a blast together. Suprise you still playing cassettes though, lol.

[@RetraCast]

With cassettes I liked the old school stereo in the car and had a wired aux adapter but I hated how cheap they were and always broke. So I’d make my own mixtapes for the cassette player out of convenience. Though now days they make Bluetooth cassette adapters so I just use those now. What a crazy time to be alive those exist haha

[@cristopherromano5631]

Love this car

[@fiatspiderpolska2069]

Nice movie!, I love that car since 11 years!;)

[@sampowell5346]

I’m about to get one of these and fix it up. It needs a head gasket and some tlc but this video made me even more excited. This will only be my 3rd car but my second built before 1983. Keep up the great work!

[@RetraCast]

I wish you luck! They definitely can be a bit of a pain at time but it’s worth it haha. They’re fairly simple to work on but the later ones have a bit more going on.

[@yankee2yankee216]

I have a Miata, which I LOVE, but I must admit, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for 1960s era MGBs, Triumphs, Fiat 124s, Alfas and the like. I drove a 124 just like this one once, and it was FINE!

[@RetraCast]

The Miata is basically the modern day equivalent. You get way better reliability and practically but have the trade off of just pure classic feel and style. Though pretty much the same, they are still very different and have their own place.

[@stephenalexander3057]

This video is a god damn masterpiece. Blown away man!

[@RetraCast]

Thanks, I’m glad you and everyone loves the video. But what’s actually funny is the video was originally supposed to be a bit longer and have a few more pretty big parts to it but they got cut cuz I had spent almost two months making the video already and had to wrap it up to move on to other things I had going on. I’m still very proud of the video but always know it’s not the true masterpiece it was originally meant to be. Anyways. Random trivia for you I guess haha.

[@sergiorobles2203]

Dude, such a cool video! Hope you’re still driving that thing

[@PRTEVYBMW]

Nice job kid,you are a credit to your age group! FIAT on,Cheers;)

[@terrytaylor9460]

Nicely done ✅

[@P.Galore]

Great video - Great Car Guy! - Great Car!

[@drjohn5801]

Well done - an incredibly excellently crafted piece of cinematography.. this is not a video - its art.. well done man - bravo!

[@drjohn5801]

@@exxxz1999 👺

[@KiwiEVadventures]

Just saw your post on Reddit. Well done, mate. Love the Fiat and want to see the video on the Lada!

[@RetraCast]

Thanks, I’m super excited to film that one next. I have to admit as an American I don’t know much about them so I’ll have to do quite a bit of research for it. Now is the perfect time to film it with all the snow on the mountains though. I also did a video on a Saab Sonett III and a Porsche 924 before this as well as a tour of our car barn. We got a lot to work with, I just need more time to film hahaha.

[@ralphlasalle4075]

I had this exact year Spider. Still regret selling it!

[@Jaq365]

I'd say "Film It Again Tony". More on your Spider, please. I had a 1974 myself.

[@mhdover2385]

Such a cool video, love the car! It reminds me a lot of my dad's '72 MGB, which was basically the british equivalent to the 124 spider. Unlike you, I always loved classic cars or cars in general, but I had the very same experiences in learning how the car works and the excitement of seeing every little spring and lever working together. I am eager to start saving up for my own first classic, which will likely be a roadster, like an MGB, a Spitfire, or maybe a 124, who knows. I hope you have many years ahead of you filled with amazing stories and memories that you share with this beautiful car!

[@mhdover2385]

Returning to this after watching your barn collection video, let me tell you that I am so incredibly envious! So many cool cars! What I wouldn't give to be locked in with these beautiful vehicles, fixing them and then taking them for a spin on a weekend... you even have the perfect scenery for it... amazing!!!

[@RetraCast]

Oh yeah I’m well aware of the MGBs. We have one and my brother drove it for a while (though he never got as into cars as I did). I have plans to continue the series this summer and do a video on ours. Anyways glad you feel the same for these cars and I wish you luck on yours