The Fiat 124 Spider was introduced at the Turin auto show in 1966.  Despite being released along with the Fiat Dino Spider (a 6-cylinder Ferrari derivative in a Pininfarina shell), the smaller Fiat  roadster received rave reviews and stole the show. 

The new roadster was an affordable sports car with an unheard of complement of standard equipment.  Powered by a bellt-driven twin overhead cam 1400cc engine, the car also had disc brakes on all four wheels, a  full complement of gauges (including a tachometer), bucket seats, and a sophisticated suspension and steering system. 

The 124 Spider went through many changes during its 19 year production run.  The engine increased in displacement from 1400cc to 1600cc (1608cc first, then 1592cc) in the early 1970’s, then to 1800cc by the mid  1970’s.  The 1979 “Spider 2000” introduced the 2000cc engine, first carbureted then, by 1980, fitted with a Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system.

By 1983 Fiat found the American marketplace to be a loss and ceased production of the car and all sales in the United States.  Pininfarina continued to produce the car and sell  it in both Europe and the United States until 1985. 

My Fiat Spider is a 1980 Spider 2000 (a CS2 bodied car), you can see it and the current restoration progress here.  My brother has a 1981 Spider 2000 (CSO body) in original mint condition.  I have also  owned Fiat 850 Spiders (a rear-engined Bertone designed car) and Alfa Romeo Spiders.