1978 Fiat 124 Spider. Original Window Sticker and all Paperwork since new.

Description for Fiat 124 Sport Spider 1978

1978 Fiat 124 Sport Spider. I have pretty much every piece of paperwork for this car including the original window sticker and sales contract. It even has its original spare tire. The car was originally purchased on August 16, 1978 from Kramer Imports of Santa Monica, California. The car's list price was $6,800.20. The pin stripes and trim added $300. The first owner only kept the car for about a year. The second owner was a pilot for Delta Airlines who bought the car in May of 1979 which explains how it made its way east. He kept the car until the early 2000's. The third owner was a cinematographer who only drove the car for a couple of years before parking it and removing the engine and transmission. The car sat in a basement garage for approximately 11 years until I obtained it three years ago.
Paint: This car has never had any paintwork and all original labels/plates are in place. It is a rare Prugna (Plum) color and the original paint sticker is still in place in the trunk. The paint, however is far from perfect. It has several dents, dings and scrapes. The worst area is behind the left rear wheel (see pics). The tops of the trunk and hood are oxidized, but might be brought back with a buffer. The brightwork is good. All original trim and pinstriping are in place and I believe that all glass is original. I tried to include as many pictures as I could, but Ebay limited me to 24 pics.
Interior: The interior is original and in mostly good condition. The driver's seat has a couple of rips, but the other seats are in good shape. The rear "shelf" has seatbelts and I believe in some markets this was actually considered a seat. The backs of the seats could be better. The carpet is original. The center console has a couple of cracks, but the dash is crack free. It has a really nice upgraded shift knob.The radio is cheap, but it has a short chassis so it fits without sticking out and the speakers are good. I also have a top boot which I will include, but it is black and has a couple of tears (the original top was black, but I preferred the tan top). All lights and gauges work except the fuel gauge. It needs a new sender.
Mechanical: The car was in storage for about 11 years minus its engine and transmission. I was told by the previous owner that the engine was "lost". When I obtained the car three years ago, I installed a 2.0 liter short block with a 1.8 liter head, Weber 32/36 carburetor with automatic choke, headers, electronic ignition and Bosch red top coil. The head was rebuilt including a valve job.It also received a new timing belt and water pump and all new seals. It has also had the following work done in the past three years:All new exhaust system.New battery.The brake system was completely rebuilt with all new seals, pads and rotors.The gas tank was removed and resealed.The radiator was resealed and all belts and hoses have been replaced with new.It has a new canvas Top.It has refinished genuine Italian Speedline wheels.The tires only have a couple thousand miles on them and it has had a recent alignment.It has a new electric fuel pump.It has a new ignition pickup, cap and rotor, plugs and wires.All grounds were cleaned.I've replaced too many bulbs to mention.The clutch was recently adjusted.The valves were recently adjusted.
The transmission and rearend were both filled with Royal Purple and the car shifts smoothly. I only run Valvoline 20W50 VR-1(the same thing I use in my 80's Porsches) in the engine and the oil was just changed.
Rust: The car had minor rust through behind the rear seat and under the battery tray. I patched both areas using POR15 and fiberglass mat. The areas were very small and I have pics of the repairs for anyone interested. The original carpet padding is still in place in the other footwells. I tried to include underneath pics to show that the car is relatively rust free (for a Fiat) and I believe it has always been garaged. The rockers are rust free. I can provide additional pics upon request.
The bad: The clock works, but it cannot be set as the gear is stripped. Additionally, the clock glass is yellowed (very common). The windshield washer system has been removed. The fuel sender is inaccurate and should be replaced (the gauge works fine).
The sale includes the original wire basket wheels that were on the car when I got it. I also have one more refinished Speedline wheel without a tire that I will include. I will also include a Fiat valve adjustment tool along with some other miscellaneous parts.
I am sure I am forgetting something, but please feel free to ask questions. Last summer I drove this car 500+ miles round trip from Braselton, GA to Destin, Florida with no issues. I honestly would not hesitate to drive this car anywhere. This is not a show car, but a nice driver with a few cosmetic issues. I am going to miss it tremendously, but I have too many cars and I am in the process of purchasing another, so this one has to go. Please ask any questions. I would be happy to show the car in person to any serious buyer.
Thanks for looking.