We're late for our Saturday post (it's already technically Sunday), so we'll make this a quick one. Yesterday consisted of a train ride from Detroit to Chicago to pick up a Milano Verde that we sorted for a Lancia expert. The drive home was comfortable and uneventful, and now having finished up some work on the Rabbit pickup project, it's time to blog.

The Strada was the English-marked version of the Fiat Ritmo, though we didn't even realize that these were offered in North America until very recently, when a reader asked if we could locate one. The answer was no, because these were reportedly not so reliable when new, and as such, flocked in droves to the junkyards. Though not so embraced in Italy from what we hear, we still like the way these look. The details are more enjoyable than those on the contemporary VW Golf, but the overall shape isn't quite as satisfying to us.

Year: 1981
Model:  Fiat Strada
Engine: 1.5L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 3-speed auto
Mileage:  49,000
Price: $2,900
Location: Tehachapi, CA

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1981 Fiat Strada

Very rare Italian Gem, Fiat Strada - ‘81. 4 door with hatchback, 49k miles, has been garaged since last time driven in the ‘90’s, needs a good cleaning but appears to be in good original condition, engine cranks over strong but no gas, no knowledge if it starts up and runs, hatchback window needs to be replaced. 

The VW 3-speed auto is a real shame, and at the same time probably somewhat reasonable to keep running. The really convenient aspect of these is the ubiquitous SOHC 1500cc X1/9 engine underhood; parts for those are very convenient to find in the US. Generally, though the Strada were not well-received when new due to their poor reliability, we have to imagine that a good home mechanic could get one into a reasonably reliable state.

For us, this example isn't quite worth a bite. The automatic transmission is the key detractor, especially when so many manual transmission Ritmos are available in Europe at a similar price. The low mileage seem more like a resignation than an act of preservation to us. And still, we encourage one of you to pick this thing up and get it back into great shape - let us know if you do so!

-Graham