Presentation at LA Auto Show

[rdv]

Hi,
does anyone know the history of the red "Ur"-Spider, which was hanging on the wall at the FIAT presentation? (seen at youtube)
It is a first series AS Spider in US-version and seems to be like new!

My screenshots here:



Ciao,
Ralf

PS: here's the link to the official FIAT video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2wTjrlzVJo

[spiderdan]

Would that be a 69?
My 68 (Cdn version) doesn't have headrests or bumper over-riders.

I would have lent them mine...

[JohnMc]

I would agree that it is a 1969. Has headrests and small round sidelights.

[toyfiats]

Would that be a 69?
My 68 (Cdn version) doesn't have headrests or bumper over-riders.

That's because only on the US-spec models were these standard.

[vandor]

I would agree that it is a 1969. Has headrests and small round sidelights.

The US 1968 model year Spiders had both of those. By Federal regulation all cars sold in the US had to have both.

[JohnMc]

I saw this and thought was interesting. I guess it depended when it was sold as to when they needed head restraints but Fiat might have added before mandates.
The General Services Administration mandated head restraints for the front outboard seats of Government cars in 1966 and established criteria for testing the performance of restraints. In 1968, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration established a head restraint requirement for all passenger cars sold in the United States after January 1, 1969. The requirement and its associated test criteria were promulgated as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 202. http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/regrev/ ... 06108.html

[vandor]

Y'know, I might be wrong on the head rests. Looking at US magazine articles from 1968 the test Spider does not have head rests, so it does look like they first came on '69 Spiders.

[spiderdan]

Must be a US ad.
It don't have headrests or bumper over-riders either.
1968 FIAT 124 SPIDER ~ Match This. $3,181 ~ Original Black & White Print ad ~

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-FIAT-124-S ... SwNSxVRpsv

[dreavis]

I went to the LA Auto Show on Saturday and after seeing the car up close I have to say I liked it. There are definitely some styling cues from the original and enough new ideas thrown in to make it interesting. The rear quarters, grille, and a few other components take directly from the 77 1800 sitting in my driveway.
Yes, it is difficult to say it doesn't resemble the Miata because it is the same size and general shape, but it was good looking - the blue metallic paint brought out the lines better than the white - and made me excited for the future. Hopefully, they'll sell a bunch and then we'll have an updated version to complain about in a few years.
BTW, they didn't have info on pricing and I was very disappointed not to be able to sit in the car or see the interior up close.

PS - For any other VW TDI owners out there I found it hilarious that none of the VWs on display were TDI models. As if they don't exist.

[spidernut]

This is from the Fiat Facebook page: "It was purchased by FCA from Jody Paul White" allegedly a 68

[dreavis]

When I was at the show the 68' was gone. I asked the woman on stage and she said they brought it in for the unveil and then removed it a day later. She mentioned she wished they had kept it as part of the display.

[btoran]

never thought to hang mine like that, but it's an interesting idea...... could clear up valuable floor space in the garage, or hang it like artwork in the living room for the winter.... maybe both. anyone know what size hooks to use?