I had a boyfriend who had a Fiat back in college. Every time he drove it over railroad tracks, the steering had to be realigned. It was an awesome car, and fun to ride around in, and the reason why the Mazda Miata’s sold for more than their list price the year they were introduced.

Why don’t you just call the guy and ask him what year? Between the time you call him, and make arrangements to meet him to look at the car, you can assess what the car is worth. There are a number of restorations that are featured on the web.

That’s a 1975 model or newer. You can tell because the 74’s had a thin chrome euro bumber with big fat rubber blocks to make it legal in the US. The 75’ had the same bumber as the 76’ and newer.

You can get the actual year from the VIN. They didn’t change much after 75’, but some of the interior trim was leather covered in the newer ones.

The wheels on the car you show lead me to believe it’s a mid 70’s model.

I wouldn’t pay more than $200 for the one you show, unless it has a new engine under that faded hood. Expensive cars to restore and keep running properly.

Compare years and prices here

F ix I t A gain T ony

I’m surprised any of those things are still running.

I had a 1971 Fiat 124 coupe. The car was a blast to drive, but it had so many mechanical problems that I ended up junking it. They’re not easy to work on, and parts are hard to find. If you hook up with a club that has other Fiat enthusiasts – there are people who love Yugos, so there is bound to be one – you might get some pointers on maintenance. But know one thing: you are buying trouble if you get this car. You would be better off looking for an old MGB or TR4. The ones from the early 70s aren’t as valuable as the ones from the 1960s. They’re persnickety, too, but easier to work on.

Get a 1970 Datsun 240Z.

Good suggestion with the Datsun… but if you want a roadster, then before the 240Z, was the Fairlady

Hmmmm… I haven’t been hearing very good reviews on this car. My only other choice is a 1984 Dodge Rampage, I could turn it into something like this with a lot of money, but the convertible has more class :P

@Jeremycw1 , that’s sort of an El Camino wannabe. And anything built in the mid-80s is going to be a pig, considering the medieval emissions controls those things had. You can get a Mazda Miata from the early 1990s for a couple of grand, in decent shape. If you’re looking for a project car, consider one of those. Jackson Racing makes a supercharger for that car, if you want it to scream.

@IchtheosaurusRex I just want something that will look cool, and a convertible would be a sweet fix up car. I really wish those Fiats didn’t have so many problems. :/ maybe I could get a new engine? who knows.

@RealEyesRealizeRealLies
Love that car. Tons of style. Nissan makes some handsome cars. The 240z actually remained the Fairlady name in Japan.

@Jeremycw1 , the car had many, many problems beyond the engine. The framing members were very weak, probably to save on weight. Body integrity was very poor. You would really need to be serious about fixing up this car, and it would cost you thousands of dollars to do it right. There are lots of other ragtops to choose from.