[PDX.124]

What I like about the return of the 124 Spider, is the possibility of experiencing an old school Italian roadster. It's for this reason, that I prefer as stripped down a model as available. Modern technology is great, but it's the ability to have the quality without the refinements, that attracts me. Even the Classica may not be stripped down enough!

 

[Greg]

You are not the only Classica fan. I have a red Classica and I love it.

Greg

 

[PDX.124]

You are not the only Classica fan. I have a red Classica and I love it.

Greg

Awesome! Did you ever drive an original Spider?

 

[iamz]

Nope, you're not. When I order my Classica, it will be the base model with no options. I'm even a little disappointed it comes standard with push button start.

 

[Greg]

Awesome! Did you ever drive an original Spider?

Yes, in fact I even remember riding in them when I was small enough to fit in the back seat. Since then I have owned many vintage Fiats, and currently still own an older Alfa Spider.

Greg

 

[Azzurro]

I'm a fan! Though I'd ideally like an Abarth, a Classica is my second choice and it would be nice to save some money. Love the stripped down version, no options. I'd probably build that car into a little rocket.

 

[PDX.124]

Yes, in fact I even remember riding in them when I was small enough to fit in the back seat. Since then I have owned many vintage Fiats, and currently still own an older Alfa Spider.

Greg

Wow! How close or apart is the driving experience of the modern version to the original?

 

[Greg]

Wow! How close or apart is the driving experience of the modern version to the original?

It's interesting, some things are the same, some are very different.

That feeling when you put the top down is the same. I can't put this into words, but believe it or not, I have had the car for about two weeks and just put down the top for the first time today. As soon as I did that, it was like I was having flashbacks to 1973 riding in the car with my dad.

The suspension feels like a modern version of the old 124, which it really is. It's tighter, less body roll, more grip, faster steering. The steering wheel in the new car seems to have no self centering action compared to an older 124. That's likely due to the castor angle and could be changed with alignment, but it's the single biggest difference I notice.

The new car is much more powerful. It would take a seriously souped up classic 124 to beat the new car in any sort of speed contest.

The overall driving position is similar, but you sit farther back in the new car. That gives a different feel when the car slides.

The view over the hood is very similar and reminds me of the old car a lot. The new hood is longer.

All in all, this car is in my view a legit spiritual successor to the original.

Greg

 

[PDX.124]

That feeling when you put the top down is the same. I can't put this into words, but believe it or not, I have had the car for about two weeks and just put down the top for the first time today. As soon as I did that, it was like I was having flashbacks to 1973 riding in the car with my dad.

I feel it's safe to say, mission accomplished.

 

[Greg]

I feel it's safe to say, mission accomplished.

Good point PDX. Ultimately that's really what it's all about. When I first got the car I was so focused on gathering data on the car, and product development that I never really took the time to just enjoy it. I am doing that now, and I really really enjoy this car.

Greg

 

[Noodles]

I am loving my Classica. Getting the windows tinted today.

 

[Good-Win Racing]

Loving our Classica, price leaves room for more additions.

I think the Classica is easily the best value. The one factory option we added was the Technology package upgrade.

All the other upgrades we are doing day by day.

 

[PDX.124]

Is Bluetooth standard on the Classica?

 

[canesice]

Is Bluetooth standard on the Classica?

yes. the Fiat Radio 3.0 supports bluetooth

Option 1: (best with most details)
You can download the Radio guide here:
http://www.fiatusa.com/en/owners/manuals/index.html

This entire guide is for the 3.0 radio which the the standard offering in the classica.
(unknown why there is not a separate guide for the 7.0 radio. perhaps it is in the owners manual)

Option 2:
You can download the Users guide here: (owners manual also helpful, but the users guide has the radio details)
http://www.fiatusa.com/en/owners/manuals/index.html

starting on page 212 is the detail on the 3.0 radio which the the standard offering in the classic.
If you get the tech package, you get the 7.0 radio which is described in a bit of detail starting on page 216

 

[ameridan]

I too wanted the Classica as I don't care for the tan leather and all of the electronic extras. I do like the Technology package though, especially for the Backup camera and improved radio with the headrest speakers. They say the car also rides better because of the tires on the 16" wheels. I got the white color with the intent to add the red Mopar stripes someday.

Goodwin Racing - you've got yours shining!! What wax did you use?

 

[Chipshot]

I'm with you. To me it's all or nothing. I'll probably take the all route, though I can't see the need for a nav system or headlamp washers even on an Abarth.


I remember having to get leather seats on a Miata in order to get ABS. Of course now cars can't be bought without ABS, stability control, 4+ airbags, and every emission control imaginable.

 

[UncleMike]

I can remember the days with only an AM radio and NO AC! The Classica has plenty of goodies for me....and I'll add a touch here and there if the piggy bank will allow.

 

[John 124 UK]

Classica vs Lusso: less is more. I think it's a very personal choice, with good arguments for both.

I chose Classica, but not for budget reasons - I want as close as poss to a great-looking 60s sport car as I can get, with the modern additions of reliability and weatherproofing. An updated MGB if you like.

Engineering wise (for me): simple = better. The less modern tech, the fewer the gremlins in 10 years time. I'd love to ditch the push start and have a simple flat metal key.

Maybe one thing to consider in Classic vs Lusso - how long do you intend to keep it?

I am intending to keep mine indefinitely as I suspect the (new) 124 will still be a looker in 5-10-20 years, and high volume production numbers suggests long-term parts availability, especially since some parts are MX-5 shared. Think MGB again - simple, affordable, popular, supported, and still visible on the roads. I want mine to be a future classic, so the satnav/tablet was a no-no (nothing gives car age away like the satnav - look in any 10 or even 5-year-old car).

Ditto leather - modern leathers (I think they have plastic coatings?) tend to look a bit ropey & creased after a few years, especially the bolsters, and I think cloth feels so much nicer - warm in winter, cool in summer - the opposite of leather. **

Wheels - hmm - well - the bigger ones DO look the part, but the smaller Classica ones give me so much more tyre cushioning.

Just one more thing - I prefer the painted windscreen surround (Classica) to the chrome one (Lusso). I guess that's a personal thing again - in the 60s Bridget Bardot could have slapped on earrings & other bling, but, being already beautiful - she didn't need them - less is more!




** I've never quite been able to see how leather became synonymous with luxury. To this day the Royal Family have the leather removed from the rear of their cars and replaced with cloth - the current State Bentley is an example. The reasoning (comfort aside) is that leather was originally reserved for the chauffeur who sat up front in the rain - those in the covered rear didn't require their seats to be weatherproof. (Okay, history lesson over).