New Member - Happy New Year

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smathews
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2022 12:34 pm
Your car is a: 1974 FIAT 124 Spider

New Member - Happy New Year

Post by smathews »

Hello Everyone,

I am the second owner of a 1974 124 Spider (since 2006). Previously, I owned a 1969 124 Spider from 1977 to 1980. Longtime aficionado of Italian motors, and FIATs in particular. I've also had the pleasure of owning a 1970 Datsun 510, a 1969 Triumph Spitfire, and 1991 Honda Civic Si. Spent a few years helping out/on the crews of various SCCA entries in the Northeast Region campaigning CP 240/260/280Zs, and SSC Renault 5s, from the late 70s to early 80s. Many unforgettable days at Lime Rock Park.

Scott Mathews
1969 124 Spider (sold long ago)
1974 124 Spider (owned since 2006)
rdv
Posts: 470
Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2006 8:34 am
Your car is a: 69 AS Spider
Location: Hamburg, Germany

Re: New Member - Happy New Year

Post by rdv »

Hi
and welcome! So you have FIAT in your blood?! Because of your visits at Lime Rock Park you are from Connecticut?
Many forum users from there..

Can we get your car data for the worldwide Spider Register? Thanks in advance.
Bye Ralf
69 AS Spider
-------------------------------
the Worldwide Spider Register
Be part of it and register your car(s). Starting point here:
https://www.fiatspider.de/worldwide-spider-register
smathews
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2022 12:34 pm
Your car is a: 1974 FIAT 124 Spider

Re: New Member - Happy New Year

Post by smathews »

Hi Ralf,

I grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts. The closest road track was Thompson Speedway in Connecticut; Lime Rock was a bit farther, maybe a 2.5 hour drive. We also campaigned at Loudon Park (now New Hampshire Motor Speedway) and Bridgehampton. Occasionally we'd venture out to Watkins Glen, Pocono and even Nelson Ledges. Great years. Our primary competition in CP were Bob Sharp and Bob Leitzinger, which for all practical purposes were Datsun factory teams. I remember the regionals at Lime Rock in 1980, late Sunday afternoon hanging out in the paddock. Paul Newman, who had placed first overall in the big bore race (AP, BP, CP, AS, BS) earlier strolled over and we shared some war stories over a couple of Budweisers. My girlfriend at the time was so star struck she couldn't talk.

Car data
1974 124 Spider (purchased from first owner in 2006)
VIN 124CS10087921
Original motor, currently being rebuilt by Allison's Automotive to:
Clean up cylinders, bored 1mm over to bring displacement form 1756cc to 1798cc
10:1 forged aluminum pistons
Lightweight, aluminum billet flywheel
Street performance cams with oversize valves
Allison's header and exhaust system, HushPower muffler
KYB shocks front and rear, comp springs

Take Care
rdv
Posts: 470
Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2006 8:34 am
Your car is a: 69 AS Spider
Location: Hamburg, Germany

Re: New Member - Happy New Year

Post by rdv »

Hi Scott,
great memories! And great project!

Can we get pictures of your car (before and then.. after your rebuilt)?
So you got one of the last cars with chrome bumpers before changing to US safety bumpers.

Cheers Ralf
69 AS Spider
-------------------------------
the Worldwide Spider Register
Be part of it and register your car(s). Starting point here:
https://www.fiatspider.de/worldwide-spider-register
smathews
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2022 12:34 pm
Your car is a: 1974 FIAT 124 Spider

Re: New Member - Happy New Year

Post by smathews »

How do I insert images? I don't see an "attach file" icon.
rdv
Posts: 470
Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2006 8:34 am
Your car is a: 69 AS Spider
Location: Hamburg, Germany

Re: New Member - Happy New Year

Post by rdv »

Hi,
how to post pics is described here:
https://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopi ... 12&t=35729
or
https://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopi ... =12&t=5074

Important: You have to upload the pics on another website Google, flickr etc. before you can place a link in your fiatspider.com post.
And photobucket is not the best choise!

Cheers Ralf
69 AS Spider
-------------------------------
the Worldwide Spider Register
Be part of it and register your car(s). Starting point here:
https://www.fiatspider.de/worldwide-spider-register
Poiana
Posts: 7
Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2014 10:26 pm
Your car is a: 1978 124 Spider

Re: New Member - Happy New Year

Post by Poiana »

smathews wrote:Hi Ralf,

I grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts. The closest road track was Thompson Speedway in Connecticut; Lime Rock was a bit farther, maybe a 2.5 hour drive. We also campaigned at Loudon Park (now New Hampshire Motor Speedway) and Bridgehampton. Occasionally we'd venture out to Watkins Glen, Pocono and even Nelson Ledges. Great years. Our primary competition in CP were Bob Sharp and Bob Leitzinger, which for all practical purposes were Datsun factory teams. I remember the regionals at Lime Rock in 1980, late Sunday afternoon hanging out in the paddock. Paul Newman, who had placed first overall in the big bore race (AP, BP, CP, AS, BS) earlier strolled over and we shared some war stories over a couple of Budweisers. My girlfriend at the time was so star struck she couldn't talk.

Car data
1974 124 Spider (purchased from first owner in 2006)
VIN 124CS10087921
Original motor, currently being rebuilt by Allison's Automotive to:
Clean up cylinders, bored 1mm over to bring displacement form 1756cc to 1798cc
10:1 forged aluminum pistons
Lightweight, aluminum billet flywheel
Street performance cams with oversize valves
Allison's header and exhaust system, HushPower muffler
KYB shocks front and rear, comp springs

Take Care
Sorry I’m a bit late to your post, welcome, may I ask what carburetor setup did you use? I’m building the same basic engine for my 78.
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