A simple, but perhaps therefore even more beautiful design. The first pictures above show it with 1600 cm³ engine. As Abarth version it exists also with 1800 cm³ and independent rear suspension. Between 1970 and 1975, the 124 Spider is quite successful in the national and European motor sport. In the World Rally Championship, it only has defeat the Lancia Stratos. This is surprising because a convertible, for example, due to its higher weight and possible lack of rigidity of the body, brings not the best conditions.
The by Pininfarina developed car is introduced in November 1966 at the Turin Motor Show. In addition to the grille and rear lights reveal different hoods the various versions. This get bucklings depending on the mixture preparation or motor version. The 124 Spider is more designed for the U.S. than for Europe. After 1981 it is sold on as "Pininfarina" with the words 'Europe' until 1985 with 2.0-liter engine (see table).
In the end there is even a compressor version with 99 kW (135 hp) at 5500 rpmrpm and the incredible torque of 206 Nm at 2900 rpm. At the motors can be clearly read the power reduction with the introduction of the catalytic and the fuel injection, despite more engine capacity. The acceleration performance is also affected by the changed rear axle, because the car is nearly 200 kg heavier.
The relatively simple body, derived from the sedan, you can see in figure 4. Start of exception at the rear with the by four longitudinal and a wishbone guided driven rigid axle. The tank behind with filler neck in the corner would be unthinkable today. It makes room for the spare tyre above the rear exhaust silencer.
The standard of time is interrupted by the disc brakes, which are also installed on the rear rigid axle. To the front is all again conventional. About a center bearing the cardan shaft leads us to the longitudinal lying engine block. Below an axle with double wishbones and in front a filigree stabilizer.
The large air filter with two intake manifolds conceals not only the dual carburetor system, but also partly the cylinder head with two overhead camshafts, which is responsible for the relatively high specific power output. Apart from that it goes on again totally normal with cooler + fan and distributor ignition. If you look closely, you can even recognize gasoline pump and oil filter membrane.