Abarth Fiat 124 Rally Spider (1972 – 1975) Review

By the 1970s, Abarth was exclusively offering Homologation specials based on existing Fiat models - and the two companies moved closer together. The 124 Rally Spider was based on the already impressive 1800cc twin-cam Fiat 124 Spider, but was comprehensively modified for competition use.

The main area of improvement was in power - the Rally Spider had twin Weber carburettors and new exhaust manifold – and the last few cars were even offered with an optional 16-valve head. The stiffened bodyshell was fitted with lightweight glassfibre bonnet and boot as well as alloy door skins, dropping kerbweight down to well under 1000kg.

All Rally Spiders received a rollcage and permanent hardtop. Independent rear suspension improved the handling and resulted in some competition success - one won the 1972 European rally Championship. Pure road-going examples are almost impossible to find these days, as they are so popular in European historic rallying.