USA - The first FIAT 124 Spiders have arrived in the United States ready to be handed over to their waiting customers.

• Fiat 124 Spider officially returns to the U.S. with its arrival at port
• Iconic Italian roadster, last sold in the U.S. in 1985, will begin arriving at FIAT studios this month
• 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the Fiat 124 Spider’s introduction
• All-new Spider is the most affordable turbo-powered convertible in America with a starting price of $24,995 U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
• Fiat 124 Spider lineup includes Classica, Lusso and Abarth models, while the first 124 units will be available as limited-production Prima Edizione Lusso

Last sold in the United States more than 30 years ago, the iconic Fiat 124 Spider is back.

The first shipments of the all-new 2017 roadster have arrived at the Port of Baltimore and the Port of San Diego, and will be available at FIAT studios in North America this month.

“After much anticipation, the all-new Fiat 124 Spider is here in the U.S. and will start to arrive at FIAT studios next week,” said Bob Broderdorf, Director of FIAT Brand North America. “Just in time for the prime convertible season, customers will now have the opportunity to experience our Italian-designed, fun-to-drive roadster for themselves.”

Nearly 50 years ago, on Nov. 2, 1966, the original Fiat 124 Spider was introduced at the Turin Auto Show. Spider sales in the U.S. began in 1968 and concluded in 1985. Today, nearly 8,000 Fiat 124 Spiders are still registered in the U.S.

The all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider brings classic Italian styling and proven performance to a new generation of buyers. Paying homage to the original 124 Spider, the all-new Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic design.

The roadster comes standard with the proven 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine, the engine’s first application in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. The engine delivers 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque on Classica and Lusso, 164 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque on Abarth, and is available with a six-speed manual transmission (26 mpg city/35 mpg highway) or a six-speed automatic transmission (25 mpg city/36 mpg highway).

The Fiat 124 Spider has a double-wishbone front suspension and rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bars, and tuned electric-power steering system for enhanced handling and fuel efficiency. Available safety features include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection and ParkView rear backup camera. Available technology and convenience features include passive entry with keyless go, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, and FIAT Connect with access to Pandora, Stitcher and Aha apps.