1971 Fiat 124 Sport Coupé

Registration No: OEY 701J
Chassis No: 124BC10160168
MOT: Exempt

• Desirable specification including Cromodora alloy wheels, Hella spotlamps, headrests and rear windshield electric defrosting
• Subject to extensive works when purchased to ensure the car was running without fault
• Recently subject to replacement electric starter and the carburettors re-tuned and balanced on rolling road
• Offered from a private collection

Often overshadowed by the glamorous Fiat 124 Spider, the Sport Coupé is an underrated, stylish and advanced four-seater grand tourer that was mechanically unbreakable and fantastic to drive. Styled in-house, Mario Boano was responsible for the 124 Sport Coupé’s svelte lines while the interior was typical late '60s Italian, with a well-stocked instrument cluster, woodgrain dash and supportive bucket seats. Under the bonnet, these cars were the first to receive the legendary high-revving Lampredi twin-cam engine, driven through the rear wheels via initially a four-speed, but later a five-speed manual gearbox. Based on the advanced 124 saloon platform, the Sport Coupé and its Spider sibling shared the same suspension set-up consisting of unequal length wishbones and coil springs up front and a coil-sprung live rear axle. The result of this was incredible handling characteristics, with Autocar stating "Seldom have the Autocar staff been so unanimous of their praise of a car" and that the "handling and road-holding set new standards.

The first series, codenamed the ‘AC’, was launched in 1967 with a 1438cc engine. The initial AC series remained in production for three years, before the subsequent BC series of 1969. This series would see revised styling with twin headlights and revised taillights shared with the Lamborghini Jarama, and overall a more modern look for the time. A larger 1608cc engine would produce 110ps, 20 more than its predecessor and further interior styling changes and additional option would also be available. Sadly rust has accounted for most of these exceptional cars and the numbers of surviving examples continues to dwindle.

Presented in the desirable combination of Red with contrasting Black interior, This particular BC series car boasts an impressive specification that includes Cromodora alloy wheels with chrome centres, Hella spot lamps, headrests, rear windshield electric defrosting and an electric starter motor. Having been brought to the UK from Sweden in 2017, ‘OEY 701J’ was purchased by its current owner after having been made aware of the car in February 2018 by classic specialist garage Retromarques, whom he used for works on some of his other cars. After being offered the car, the vendor instructed them to complete a full inspection. The sale was agreed and at that same time, Retromarques were instructed to perform all works necessary to ensure the car was in perfect running order. The carburettors were fettled, with leakages remedied, the fuel pump replaced with new hoses, the engine mounts replaced, thermostat replaced and further minor fettling was also undertaken. The total cost of these works was £1,751.

Over his ownership, the car has been stored in a dry garage along with a number of other enviable classics and modern classics and enjoyed occasionally, with works undertaken as required. More recently, in October 2022, the car was subject to a replacement rear brake caliper as it was sticking and in December 2022 the car benefited from a replacement electric starter motor and the carburettors re-tuned and balanced at a total cost of £541. Now offered for sale as the vendor is reducing his collection, ‘OEY 701J’ is offered with a small collection of receipts and invoices from its time in Sweden, a collection of invoices and receipts from its time in the UK, a wiring diagram and the V5C document which displays just 1 former keeper.

Please note although the factory specification included a leather interior, the current seats are vinyl covered.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07943584762