2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio Convertible 2-door 1.4l on 2040-cars

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Hagerty takes a ride in a 1970 Fiat 124 Spider BS

Whenever Fiat finally rolls out the version of the new MX-5 Miata it co-developed with Mazda, it's tipped to wear the number 124. But it won't be the first time. The Italian automaker last made the 124 in the late 1960s and into the '70s on a little convertible that may lack some of the cachet of other classics from the same time and place, but endures as one of Fiat's most notable models. And perhaps best of all, it's more accessible than a convertible Ferrari or Maserati – even an Alfa Romeo or Lancia – of the same era. In this latest video, launching its new Ride Along series, Hagerty takes a spin in a particularly rare light blue 1970 Fiat 124 Spider BS, and invites us to come along for the ride. Turns out it's a particularly good ride for single gentlemen out on the prowl, at least to hear Hagerty marketing director Marcus Atkinson tell it.

Marchionne defends FCA recalls, says Wrangler won't be all-aluminum

FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne recently received the 2015 Industry Leadership Award from the SAE Foundation. While speaking with the press after the event, the boss discussed his thoughts about some key issues regarding the company's future. One of the big regulatory issues facing FCA at the moment is the upcoming public hearing by the National Highway Traffic Safety into the automaker's handling of 20 recalls. Marchionne has no intention of testifying there, according to The Detroit News. The CEO also thinks that the government regulator is becoming much more aggressive in how it handles safety campaigns, but the Feds aren't necessarily doing a very good job of communicating that. "We need to work with the agency in a very cooperative and open way to make sure that we can meet their requirements for their new stance," he said, according to the newspaper. "We have no option but to comply with their requirements and we will. I have nothing to hide in this process. I just want clear rules." Marchionne also dropped the news that the company has changed its mind about making the next Jeep Wrangler totally from aluminum. "Because of the difference in cost, not just the new material but the actual assembly process, I think we can do almost as well without doing it all-aluminum," he said to The Detroit News. This seemingly opens the door for the model to remain in production in Toledo, OH, but only just a crack. Marchionne says that the new Wrangler would still use a large amount of aluminum, and there are "at least" two sites in contention for the assembly. The company doesn't have too long to make a decision because the model reportedly launches in 2017.

Fiat retraces its roots with 1957 Edition 500

A car like the Fiat 500 is nothing if not retro, but the Italian automaker is making it all the more so with the 1957 Edition seen here.
Marking 57 years since the iconic Cinquecento launched in 1957, this new special-edition 500 upgrades on the model's Lounge trim level with such unique touches as throwback 16-inch wheels, vintage-style badges on the nose and tail, and an interior decked out in brown leather with ivory trim and gray door panels. It comes in either white, light green or the baby blue pictured here, the latter two colors distinguished by contrasting white mirrors and roof.
Power comes from Fiat's 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic, with a sport-tuned suspension and premium audio as standard. A limited quantity - Fiat has yet to say how many it'll build - will begin arriving at dealerships in the spring, with pricing to be announced closer to launch. In the meantime, you can check out the images above and the press release below.