While the basic shape of the Fiat 124 Spider remained largely the same for the duration of its production run, the car was later upgraded with a 2.0L engine and optional Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection. Known primarily for its Pininfarina styling and low cost of entry, the Fiat for sale here as a Barn Finds Exclusive is a project, but one that still runs and could be an excellent source of parts for anyone restoring one of these classic Italian roadsters. This example will need rust repair, a new top, and a few other bits to be a driver, and is offered for sale for $2,000 in Waco, Texas.

This is one of those cars that may seem like is endlessly available, but parts cars are beginning to dry up. Whether this example returns to roadgoing use is up to the next owner, who will also have to source a replacement interior and clutch if you intend to restore it. The Fiat 2000 is the younger sibling of the original 124, which to this day remains one of the more affordable ways to gain entry to the exclusive club of Pininfarina-designed vehicles without needing to shell out six, or even five, figures. The luggage rack on this example is a throwback to another era, when you may have actually put your suitcase on the back for a weekend getaway.

The seller notes there is rust in the floorboards and rocker panels, and as you can see, the torn-up soft top has done the interior no favors. What’s ironic about this is a few months ago, I came across a seemingly very nice Spider in a local scrap metal recycling facility that had been removed from a driveway with its long-term partner, an Alfa Romeo Spider of the same vintage. That car had a nice set of Paanasports, amazing interior, and some rust in the panel behind where the soft top stowed. Seeing this car now with its running 2.0L motor, I almost wish I had grabbed it for peanuts and socked it away, seeing as the drivetrain and lack of rust the upper body would have suited me nicely.

That’s really all it takes for a car like this to be saved – someone who is working on an example that doesn’t share the same flaws. This one is a project, and it’s a shame about the rust. But realizing that a new clutch and some other minor services might get you headed down the road again (albeit it with a torn top and possibly soggy interior) makes this Fiat 2000 Spider seem closer to rescuing than its pictures might otherwise suggest, especially if you can live with the rust for a while – based on the gallery of pictures below, it’s far from terminal.

• Location: Waco, Texas
• Price: $2,000
• Mileage: 50,000
• Title Status: Clean
• VIN: 4H27F183040