Yesterday's Moretti Minimaxi sat opposite today's Fiat 130 Coupe on the Fiat model spectrum. The big coupe is the result of Torino challenging Jaguar and Mercedes for their share of the high-end coupe market. According to contemporary reviews, the 130 achieved its dynamic goals, cornering beyond expectation for a vehicle so large. But, glancing at the sales numbers, it's apparent that the 130 Coupe never experienced much commercial success.

The mechanical layout, aside from a few eccentricities, wouldn't be out of place on a modern coupe. McPherson struts up front are sprung by torsion bars, while the rear suspension is independent, making use of angled trailing arms and toe links, with the axle shafts covering lateral location duty. The V6 engine is unique for the era, making use of two camshafts per bank, and utilizing a belt drive for engine timing. The 163bhp, combined with assisted brakes and power steering, ensured an effortless driving experience.

Year: 1973
Model:  Fiat 130 Coupe
Engine: 3.2L V6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  16,757
Price: $39,999
Location: Madison, WI

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1973 Fiat 130 Coupe

1973 Fiat 130 Coupe by Pininfarina, around 4400 ever made, none sold in the USA, Blue, Red leather, V-6, 5-speed, AC-blows cold, 16k original miles, driven by many celebrities in Europe(Enzo Ferrari, Sophia Loren, 2-ex. Italian Presidents-etc.), these cost $10,000.00 more than the 911 & BMW competitors that year(around 28K), runs & drives great, new tires, new battery, a blast to drive, aftermarket stereo, aftermarket Nardi wheel, driver door speaker cover is cracked-see picture, 1 plastic tip off the choke is broken-see picture, has a little bubbling by the front window, a super cool extremely rare car, there is maybe 2-3 in the country, a real head turner, if you are a collector - you need this one - don't miss this rare chance !!!

Specs:
The Fiat 130 Coupe was one of Pininfarina's classic designs and one of the most influential designs of the 1970's. They were sold in Europe exclusively and only a few have made it to American soil. Only 4400 were produced from 1970 to 1977 and only 800 were ZF 5-speed manuals like this one. The 130's 3.2L V6 engine with alloy heads and iron block were designed by Aurelio Lampredi, the man behind Ferrari's early V12's and the Dino V6. The 130 has a single overhead camshaft and toothed belt drive good for 165HP. This coupe's oblong headlights were never fitted on any other production car. The body was built by Pininfarina then shipped to the Fiat Rivalta factory for final assembly. This car is 190'' long and weighs in at 3528 lbs. When it was introduced in 1970, the 130 Coupes were considered one of the most luxurious interiors in the world with soft leather seat and side panel upholstery and a stunning rolled leather headliner. This 130 has power steering, power disc brakes, power windows, and twin horns (one city, one highway). All gauges and lights work. The back seat has loads of leg and headroom.

A car with such low production numbers but without Ferrari desirability occupies a difficult space when it comes to procuring spare parts. Whereas a Fiat Dino owner can justify some expense when it comes to rare engine or suspension service parts, the 130 Coupe just doesn't command the prices that make it worth a $10,000 engine rebuild - to most people at least. With that in mind, this car will require a clean mechanical bill of health before diving in. It is very likely in great mechanical shape, but that must be confirmed through inspection. We do not like what the windshield rust implies, and would be careful to check for more rust areas or bodywork repairs when inspecting this example.

To us, the Fiat 130 Coupe represents the pinnacle of cool GT motoring without relying on heavy-hitting brand cachet. Ostentatious in size and power alone, these big coupes have a powerful presence. The seller provides a wholly unnecessary history of the vehicle; do people in the market for a 130 Coupe really need the history lesson? And, the pricing seems more opportunistic than realistic, especially given the unknowns of the car. But, these are rare vehicles, and the completeness of this example can't be ignored. With some investigation into the mechanical state of this example, and some negotiation on price, this could be a good purchase.

-Graham