Project Abarthvx

This is the story of the construction of  my tribute to the Pininfarina Spidereuropa Abarth

(click here to view all Abarthvx project photos as a gallery)

1. History

As already noted Pininfarina showed the prototype of a new Abarth version of the Fiat 124 Spider in April of 1982 at the Salone Internazionale dell''Automobile di Torino. The production version of this car would come in 2 series later in 1984 (200 cars) and 1985 (300 cars). However this initial prototype was unique in that it came in the traditional Abarth red color.

2. Restoration

AbarthVX starting point

AbarthVX naked

AbarthVX proper color

Euro VOLUMEX body conversion:

AbarthVX on the rotisserie

Abarth VX undercoated 

Raptor Liner

3. Mechanical

Rear suspension installed (2023-08)

Front suspension installed (2023-09)

Rack and Pinion (R&P)  steering installed (2023-09)

Braking system installed (2023-10)

Front brakes


Rear brakes

Standard 124 handbrake setup

R&P specific brake pedal (bend around steering shaft)

Brake booster 8" (as per VX) vs 7" (STD)

Master cylinder - 1990-1994 VW Corrado (Dorman M390271)

VX master vs VW master

Booster with machined spacer and VW master cylinder mounted

Abarth volumetrico supercharger fits with this revised brake booster/master cylinder setup

Fuel system installed (2024-10)

Left bumper mount hast to be installed first since the securing bolt is best accessed when the fuel tank is out.

2025-01 Update - change in plans, decided to go with retro style chrome bumper conversion so different mounting brackets have been installed.

Tank (STD Fuel Injection tank) installed

Tank is vented via 3 hoses and vapor separator

Fuel pump, pre-filter and post-filter and lines

This car is setup for throttle body injection (i.e. Fuel injection)

Fuel feed and return lines inside the car

Driveshaft installed (2024-10)

Driveshaft rear section is shorter than STD as VX diff is deeper

Driveshaft front section is shorter to mate with 131 gearbox being installed in this car

Rear Electrical installed (2025-01)

Rear view - inside trunk without liner

Rear View - inside trunk with liner

Rear View - Trunk lid closed

Front Electrical installed (2025-02)

Driver Side View

Passenger Side view

Inside Engine bay view

Front Driver Side View

Front Passenger Side View

Center Electrical installed (2025-02)

Siblings - A work in progress ...