Fergus Mussell, Contributor - Fiat 124 Spider

Fergus imported this stunning Fiat in 2022 from an enthusiast in San Francisco who had cherished the car for 28 years. It took a while to reach the UK, though. It was meant to be a 30-day voyage on a container ship, but the car was first offloaded in Panama, eventually making its way ‘home’ to Italy, where it spent two weeks, before being transported to Felixstowe Docks via France and Belgium!

Three months later than expected, Fergus took delivery of his Fiat and immediately discovered a seized oil pump. Once that was sorted back home in Cornwall, he got stuck into the fuel and cooling systems, then the brakes, before sourcing a set of period correct wheels.

Luckily, this example didn’t have any rust issues, but Fergus was unhappy with the suspension springs, which had been cut to give the car a lower ride height, so with help from fellow Fiat enthusiasts, standard springs and dampers were sourced and fitted along with polybushes.

The result was the 2-litre injection model 124 Spider Fergus had always wanted – and one he is not afraid to use, as evidenced by him joining the Practical Classics team on their winter 2024 adventure around the west of England.

He says he couldn’t be happier with the car. ‘I love the design, in particular the rear and the lights. It’s a beautiful car but the details are stunning. I love the key in the in the zero on the badge.’

Fergus adds that he likes a good pair of hips, too. ‘I've always loved a sports car with hips. And the 124 has got beautiful hips and edges… oh and the door handles do it for me, too! The whole car is a work of art.’