Driving a Pininfarina-designed automobile is an honor in of itself. The Italian carrozzeria, or coach builder, boasts one of the most impressive design resumes in automotive history. They’ve had their hands on such prestige brands as Ferrari, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo, to name a few.

The 19-year production run of the Fiat 124 Sport Spider saw changes both large and small. The engine size and transmission both went through several iterations before settling nicely into a 1.8 liter, 5-speed (the specs for this particular vehicle).

A car like this comes with certain expectations about how it should drive. The Spider more than meets those expectations. This is a car in need of an open road to flex its 116hp at 6,000 rpm. With a listed top speed of 104mph, you’ve got more under the hood that you’ll probably ever need. The roadster hums beautifully, with those unmistakable Italian notes singing to you as you move up and down through the gears.

Someone please give a medal to the designer at Pininfarina who realized enjoyment of a convertible shouldn’t be hindered by overly complicated mechanics. The manual soft top is quickly and easily raised or lowered by the seated driver. A great way to keep pace with changes in your mood or the weather.

The interior is clean, simple, and focused in its design. The seating configuration is on par with other 2+2 roadsters (translation: This car has room for two, plus space for your duffle bags on the back “seat”). The dashboard gauges are straightforward and easy to read. It’s got everything you need to keep tabs on your engine and your speed.

Unlike today’s vehicles, which are designed to soften and dampen the noise and feel of the car in order to achieve a quiet cabin, roadsters like this are designed to stimulate the senses and let you experience the driving experience. The ride isn’t harsh or especially loud. It’s simply tactile and beautifully unfiltered. You can hear and feel the engine working with you as you cut through twisting highways and country roads.

It’s fast. It’s quick. It’s nimble. It’s agile. It’s everything that’s fun about driving, together in one beautiful, sporty, inspired Italian package.