AngelsFiatWorld - in the beginning there was Fiat

My brother had owned a '72 124 Sport Coupe and was storing it under a tarp in Mom's backup yard for too many years. Dusted off the cobwebs, unfroze the brakes and drove it from Sacto to LA in 1985. Valve timing was advanced by two teeth. Ran like gangbusters, but ran a little hot.

Liked the Fiat so much, bought it from my twin brother Ed (that's him next to his '74 124 TC Special family car). The sport coupe was my only mode of transportation for about 18 mos.

In 1986, picked up a '71 124 Sport Coupe (bottom right) that had only 54K miles. Spent about six months going over the body, engine and suspension. Two weeks later the passenger's side got t-boned by a Honda Accord going 35 mph.

In the photo, the back end is raised a little high due the accident. You can see the shattered windshield. The inside of the right door is touching the center console. The wheels, now on the 68 124 Spider, were originally special ordered for this Sport Coupe.

After the accident, parts were transferred to the 72 Sport Coupe to prepare it for two seasons of Solo One racing. After competing successfully, the car was retired to the street. See separate article, 'Riverside Raceway' back at the Article Index.

Those who own Fiats completely understand the labor of love necessary to own one. Having a roadworthy Fiat, one must be resourceful, inventive, persistent, and, above all else, willing to accept the unbalanced reward of an hour's worth of exhilarating driving pleasure for each hour tinkering, repairing or improving the car in the garage - Did I hear someone say, "Fix It Again, Tony" ? - pete angel 2/99