The coupé and spider were marketed in the Canada and US beginning in 1968.
In 1969, the Spider featured four-wheel disc-brakes, double overhead cams, hesitation wipers, steering-column mounted lighting-controls, radial-ply tyres and a five-speed manual transmission.
An optional three-speed automatic transmission from General Motors was available from 1979 through 1985 for North America as well as Japan.
The Spider's convertible top was known for its simplicity of use — allowing a seated driver to quickly raise or lower the top.
When the engine was upgraded to two litres, the model was renamed the Fiat 2000 Spider.
For the 1980 model year a version with a catalytic converter and Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection was introduced for California and optional in the other 49 states.
For 1981 this engine, with 102 hp (76 kW), became standard fitment in North America.

Fiat subsequently stopped marketing the Spider and the X1/9 — to have their marketing assumed by their respective carrozzerie.
In Europe, the Ritmo Cabrio was also marketed by Bertone rather than Fiat themselves.
In the US, Fiat turned over marketing and support of the Spider and the X1/9 to International Automobile Importers, Inc., headed by Malcolm Bricklin.
The coupé and spider were marketed in the Canada and US beginning in 1968. In 1969, the Spider featured four-wheel disc-brakes, double overhead cams, hesitation wipers, steering-column mounted lighting-controls, radial-ply tyres and a five-speed manual transmission. An optional three-speed automatic transmission from General Motors was available from 1979 through 1985 for North America as well as Japan. The Spider's convertible top was known for its simplicity of use — allowing a seated driver to quickly raise or lower the top. When the engine was upgraded to two litres, the model was renamed the Fiat 2000 Spider. For the 1980 model year a version with a catalytic converter and Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection was introduced for California and optional in the other 49 states. For 1981 this engine, with 102 hp (76 kW), became standard fitment in North America.
Fiat subsequently stopped marketing the Spider and the X1/9 — to have their marketing assumed by their respective carrozzerie. In Europe, the Ritmo Cabrio was also marketed by Bertone rather than Fiat themselves. In the US, Fiat turned over marketing and support of the Spider and the X1/9 to International Automobile Importers, Inc., headed by Malcolm Bricklin.
Fiat 124 Sport Spider