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Editor's note: This is part of a new series at KSL.com featuring some of Utah's coolest cars. If you own a customized vehicle — from sports cars to semi trucks — email fjolley@ksl.com with a photo of the vehicle and a brief description for consideration.SALT LAKE CITY — "It makes you smile. It makes you happy." That's how Chris Rooklidge describes his 1972 Fiat 124 Spider.
Rooklidge's love of Fiats began with his first car, an X-19 he owned in 1986. His pursuit of the 1972 Spider began in 2015 on the KSL Classifieds. The price was too high at the time, and the Spider began a trip through trade-ins, auctions and finally made its way back to Rooklidge, now with a lower price.
The 124 received a replacement top, tires and wheels, which were taken from Rooklidge's other Spider, a yellow '71. He redid the seats Wednesday and said he plans on refinishing the real-wood interior parts "in the very near future." It has the stock 1600cc engine and a two-barrel Weber carburetor (Fiat switched over to fuel injection in 1980.)
Rooklidge drives a Jeep Cherokee during the winter, but took the topless Italian out for a long drive in last weekend's nice weather. He said it's a fun little car that gets him a lot of looks, and it's great in nice weather and does not feel like a domestic car.
He admits Fiats don't have the greatest reputation for reliability, usually having electrical problems. However, he said his 124 works fine and has only had one minor, non-electrical problem.
The original run of Spiders went from 1966 to 1985, and Fiat claims there are 8,000 of its best U.S.-seller still registered. In December, the company announced a new version for 2017, and Rooklidge can't wait to see it.
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