1971 Fiat 124 Saloon - makes the Lada look Concours

As overunn says chris, this car MUST be done haha, I'm actually quite envious in a good way about this machine, i always think of the 124 as a few small tweaks away from being a pinsharp 60s italian business saloon , jet black, squared off briefcase 3box profile and enough of that typical fiat zest to want to drive it
I reckon get the worst done so that it can pick up an MOT, then do the cosmetic panels et al once the mojo of using it has kicked in

Which one

Saw this the other day and thought this was the right place to put it



What style are you going for?

Any word on this? Just noticed it's a month since you last updated!

You'll be able to get nearly everything you need to build the body on here: www.ladapower.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&view=category&virtuemart_category_id=150&limitstart=0

Prices are pretty decent too. Wish I'd known about this source before I wasted 80+ hours repairing sections I could have bought complete replacements for on the Riva.

Sometimes it's actually better not to look at the big picture. If you know that you're going to rebuild it regardless of what it throws at you then just pick a smallish section at a time and repair it properly then move on to another small section. That way you can keep looking back at what you've done and remind yourself that it is possible. It also means you can keep one side for reference measurements as you go. At the end of it all you'll have a Fiat 124. That has to be worth a bit of pain! :-)

Looking forward to april or may! Be sure to take lots of pics!

Little bit of an update - in talks with a chap in Greece who says he has a 1438cc twin cam engine out of a Special T Berlina.

Other than that its just a case of buying what panels I can find, as the lada panels are definitely different (sitting proud, or just a bad fit)

Well the idea was to get the engine that's in the car sorted, but it doesn't turn at all, and a bit of diesel down the plug holes hasn't helped one bit. So it looks like its seized solid

The panels that are badly made are the sills and rear arch sections.

It is certainly the long road, but as you said in your OP, you have put off too many projects and this has to be done.

An MCM Vs. Roadkill style challenge between you and plums needs to be arranged.
Take bets, race at RRG and donate the winnings to charity? Could be an idea.

I noticed it is warming up, here in the North East and the lighter nights are on the way. Get the pots soaking in diesel and pull the head off as said, see what the state of play is.

What have you been trying to turn the motor over with? Sure it isn't in gear?