81 Spyder 2000 Anniversary Edition

[fergarelli]

Hello All,
I have a 1976 124 that I have spent the last few years working on and still have a few remaining issues that I was planning on working on over the winter months (headlights still blow a fuse when I turn them on, need a new carb, need to fix "fuel smell" I believe is coming from the charcoal canister in the trunk, etc.). But recently, I came across a 1981 "50th Anniversary Edition" Spyder 2000 (apparently #804 out of 1000?). It looks in fairly good shape (no rust) but has some SERIOUS issues that I want to know would be worth the hassle of working out. Specifically:

1) There are two "hard wires" coming from the battery. One to the fuel pump and one to the radiator fan. It looks like someone tried to remove the ignition switch (beat up housing) but the car appears to still have the original key so I'm thinking the two issues are related.
2) Has a bunch of very poorly applied "Bondo" on the right rear corner/trunk.
3) Interior and top are pretty rough but could be cleaned up and worked around for awhile.
4) It's fuel-injected but didn't know how much of a pain these systems are compared to my 1976.

All in all, I'm trying to decide if it's worth using all my "chips" with the wife to go for the 1981 and a new set of problems, or just stick with my already known problems on the 76. And I've already been told that attempting to keep both could result in being served divorce papers . Lastly, I could probably get the 81 for $1000 or less. Any and all thoughts are much appreciated. Sincerely, Eric

[SunnySideUp]

And I've already been told that attempting to keep both could result in being served divorce papers

Welcome to the club!

The Anniversary Edition basically gets you 14" Iron Cross wheels, a custom barley gold color, and in some cases the brown accent leather interior. (The "brown" accent interior showed up on other Spiders - Fiat must have had some sets left over.) Of course, you get badges denoting its unique number. Other than that it is just like any other fuel injected Spider. The wiring issues and ignition switch you mentioned are repairable. The Bondo issue can be resolved and properly repaired. If it's truly horrid you can get some repair panels to take care of the situation or even go extreme and cut a chunk off a donor car and craft it onto the '81. If the frame isn't damaged and there really isn't any rust you'd probably have a good project - especially for under $1K. The good news is that you are currently a Spider owner and know what to look for. The Anniversary edition currently doesn't seem to do any better in resale than a "plain" Spider of the same year - probably because the color is unique and most (but not all!) people tend to favor the more prominent colors on a Spider instead of the unique gold color. As for cashing in your chips for it - how about proposing that you get both of them in good driving condition by next spring and then let the lesser one go? That way you will have the opportunity to choose which one you like best.

Let us know what happens!

[mscafide]

I would use the $1000 and put it into the devil you know.

In fact, I think you should talk to the wife and tell her you considered spending the money on the other Spider but would rather take her out for a nice dinner instead.

Mike

[fredguaz]

FWIW. I love my Fiat. But I love my wife more.
Good luck.

[fergarelli]

I decided to stick with "the devil I know" and spend the winter getting my 1976 in shape instead of going with the 81 with new problems. To that end, any folks live in/around Tri-Cities, WA? I moved over from Seattle earlier this year for work and would love to connect up with folks on the Eastern side of the state