Category Archives: Fiat

Fiat

1972 Fiat 500L

The Nuova 500 was a staple of the Italian motorways from the late 1950s through the 1970s. With its simple design, small footprint and clever use of space, it provided freedom to the masses with asking little in return. Today, there are still plenty on the roads, both in Italy and abroad and have amassed a loyal following. Part of its legacy is its modern day interpretation, the "Nuova" Nuova 500, if you will. While it has had slightly disappointing sales in the US market, it has relaunched the Fiat brand and reintroduced the fun of Italian motoring to a new generation of Americans.

This particular 1972 500L was one of those cars that caught my eye. It's stance, contrasting wheels and subtle modifications make this a tasty little number. It's stance gives the suggestion that it's ready to pounce at any minute.

1972 Fiat 500L

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This 1972 Fiat 500L was imported from Italy about 7 years ago. Fully restored with new 650cc engine and transmission, new wheels including tubes and tires about 1 year ago, Abarth steering wheel and shift knob, Giannini oil pan, electronic ignition, new top, new interior and much more.
Odometer shows 49,049 kilometers. The car runs very good, good engine and transmission, good brakes. Just a good strong little Cinquecento. Everything works with the exception of the fuel gauge. Inspections are welcome. I actually encourage inspections since this vehicle is being sold as is with no warranty stated or implied. I am not a dealer and am describing this car as best as i can. I am very conservative with my descriptions as you can see from my feedback. If you plan on driving or inspecting this vehicle please do so before bidding. Clear N.J title in hand.

These 500s are great little cars, cheap to run, easy on gas and elicit more stares than most Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Within the last half year, I've seen similar 500s range anywhere from $6,000 up to $12,000 and a little beyond, depending on condition. Most solid 500s in good condition, such as this, settle in around $8,000 to $10,000. This is a small price to pay for what amounts to one of the most legendary motors of the last century.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1985 Fiat Panda

With the revival of the Fiat 500, MINI Cooper and New Beetle, there’s a lot of talk in the automotive industry about how far basic transportation has progressed. These cars are all way more luxurious than their predecessors; some purists deride this fact, but for the most part, the public has warmed up to them because of this. However, back in 1980, Fiat kind of split the middle between vintage and modern when it came to cheap transportation with the introduction of the Fiat Panda. Devised as a basic car that would be cheap to maintain, it was fashioned in the mold of the CItroën 2CV and Renault 4, cars that were popular with rural communities. With simple, box like styling, it had a few unique features like a rear seat that would fold flat, removable, washable seat covers, door trims and dashboard cover and flat glass panels, which made for cheap repairs. This was also the first small, transverse engine vehicle to utilize a four wheel drive system, making it optimal for the rural market at which it was targeted. With a new Panda on the horizon and with talk surrounding it that it may be sold in the US market, this is a good point to highlight a vehicle that is still beloved the world over for its simplicity and all terrain capability.

1985 Fiat Panda

Fiat Panda 4X4 Series 1 (now a rarity). Excellent condition, body has had a little conservative restoration. Leather seats and mechanically flawless. Thanks to her drive system lever very capable in snow or in mountains of ice. Words can not describe the toughness and strength she has to climb out of everything. ALso an interesting car historically. Now a vintage vehicle that can be enrolled in ASI taking advantage of low insurance. Possibility of shipping: All in Italy, pick up direct with maximum delivery within one hour.

At almost €3,000 (~ $4,000 USD), this is big money for what could be described as a peasant car. However, few Series 1 Pandas are left in such good condition these days and one could be assured they wouldn't be exactly throwing their hard earned money away, as these cars are quite durable and are used as they were meant up to the present day. If the seller could knock something meaningful off the price, say, about €500, it could be considered a good buy and a topic of conversation if brought back stateside.

-Paul

Fiat

1939 Fiat Topolino 500A

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With the Fiat 500 barely a year old in the US market, few consumer may be aware that this car can trace its lineage back before the outbreak of World War II. Legendary Italian engineer Dante Giacosa set out to create a small car for the masses in the middle of the 1930s and came up with the 500cc Fiat Cinquecento, which quickly took on the name “Topolino,” or little mouse, in Italian. It was a revolutionary car, with an ingenious design; it’s sidevalve (and later overhead valve) inline four cylinder engine swung out ahead of the front axle. The engine only produced horsepower in the single digits and was good for a top speed of around 53 mph, but fuel economy was outstanding at almost 40 mpg. After World War II, few Italians, however, could afford the asking price of 720,000 lire, which represented a yearly salary three times over for the average worker. Nevertheless, the Topolino soldiered on until the introduction of the Nuova 500 in 1955, a car which became so much a symbol of Italy that it overshadowed its predecessor and was built under license worldwide. Our feature car for sale in Switzerland has undergone an outstanding restoration and is a one family vehicle. The car even has its original Turin license plates.

1939 Fiat Topolino 500A

In same family ownership since new! With original license plate Torino, TO-59233. Serial Number 3245TO. First registered in 1940. Totally restored in bi-coloor Beige and Black, aoriginal paint scheme. Originally the car was blue. Interior redone in red artificial leather, originally was in fabric. Soft rag top redone in original fabric. New sunroof. Engine, 500 cc, 8 hp, overhauled in 1998, driven 800 km after overhaul. Electric starter. Original Pirelly White Star Tires, installed new 800 km ago. Original documents available. Registered in Italy. Never in an accident. Approved by the ASI (Auto Storiche Italiane) registry with certificate.

At almost $20,000, this is big money for a supermini, but the historical significance of this car has me thinking that this is a fantastic value for a restored and documented example of Italian engineering ingenuity. Overall, this is a great example of a milestone car overlooked, even by some hardcore automotive enthusiasts.

-Paul

Fiat

1987 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth

Following on to the Innocenti de Tomaso Turbo we featured yesterday, here is another, larger hot Italian hatchback. Known as the Strada ("road" in Italian) where it was sold in North America until 1982, the Ritmo, or "rhythm," was Fiat's answer to the Volkswagen Golf GTI. With the rise in popularity of the hot hatchback in the 1980s, Fiat was not about to be shortchanged. The first sporty Ritmo, the 105TC, appeared in 1981. This car had a 1.5 liter, 104 horsepower twin cam four cylinder engine, however, it lacked the Abarth name. Later that year, the Abarth 125TC was unleashed with a 2.0 liter, 123 horsepower engine. The final evolution of the Abarth Ritmo was the 130TC, with a higher output 2.0 liter engine, producing 128 horsepower. The 130TC was upgraded with twin carburetors, Recaro seats and upgraded alloy wheels. This car could reach 60 mph in 7.8 second, which was extremely fast for its day and outpaced many of its rivals. Our feature car is for sale in the south of Italy with about 40,000 miles on the clock.

1985 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth

From my private collection I am selling my Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130TC series 3, 1985. Amazing undercarriage, perfect Recaro interior, 65,000 km with excellent mechanicals. All documentation, new rubber, trim, fast with excellent roadholding. Price is negotiable, just €9,800 (~ $12,800), plus expenses for the ride. I do not respond to e-mail, I evaluate trade-ins of old cars to my liking, or exchange for a red Alfa Romeo 155 Q4, 156 GTA, 75 turbo America, 3000, 3000 V6, 147 GTA, Escort Cosworth, Renault 5 GT Turbo or other interesting trades.

The Ritmo has was never a favorite of mine, but with the twin cam engine, styling tweaks and Abarth's DNA enfused into it, suddenly this becomes an attractive package. It might not be engineered as well as the VW GTI (most certainly the reason they are more scarce), but it exudes that Latin flair which turns what appears to be an irrational choice into an almost irresistible one.

-Paul

Fiat

1962 Fiat 2300 S Coupe

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Italian coupes have always been an interesting lot and more often than not, as these strikingly handsome sporting vehicles were based on the underpinnings of rather pedestrian sedans. The Fiat 2300 S Coupe was styled by Ghia with production subcontracted to OSI. The car's roofline was unlike anything else on the market at the time, with a forward swept C pillar that predated the similar looking Plymouth Barracuda by four years. The coupe had a wider track and more aggressive final drive gearing than it's sedan counterpart, and the S version saw the employment of dual carburetors to give the overhead valve straight six cylinder engine 136 horsepower. Our feature car is a two owner original vehicle for sale near Turin, Italy.

1962 Fiat 2300 S Coupe

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Original and very rare Fiat 2300 S Coupe. Always maintained. It runs perfectly. Original matching number engine. This rare coupe has been made by Fiat involving Abarth factory for the mechanics and the engine. This car has been homologued by ASI (the most relevant Italian classic car association, the Italian branch of FIVA) with the gold plate for its stunning original preserved status. Sold new in Turin, the car has original Italian title and first original black plate Turin. Only 2 owner since new. The odometer signs 66333 km. Everything on this rare coupe is original and it works!

Big Fiats are rare, interesting beasts and this coupe is no exception. They often are viewed as a Ferrari for the working man, as many of them had larger engines and accoutrements befitting vehicles with more prestigious nameplates. As with most upmarket Fiats, few examples are still on the road these days, so to find one in original, numbers matching condition is a real treat.

-Paul

Fiat

1958 Fiat 600 Multipla

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The Fiat Multipla can appear to be a larger car in pictures than it is in real life. This small multi purpose vehicle is amazingly only 139 inches long and 57 inches wide, which is not much more than an original Mini. And in that small footprint, you had room for six passengers. How did Fiat do it, you ask? By using the rear engine platform from the 500 and positioning the driver and front passenger above the front axle, thus maximizing interior volume. About a quarter million Multiplas rolled off the assembly line from 1956 through 1969, often being employed as commercial vehicles or taxis. This example for sale in Switzerland appears to have lead a very easy, sheltered life.

1958 Fiat 600 Multipla

Splendid Multipla delivered brand new in Italy that only had two owners in 54 years. Extremely well cared for and in perfect driving order, original mileage, absolutely rust free, expertized as Veteran Vehicle. Commercial version of the Fiat 600, equipped with the 633c four cylinder engine and 29 horsepower. One of the first monospace of history, from 4 to 6 seats, spare wheels, manuals. Perfect car for historic events as well as a vintage assistance vehicle or as advertisering car.

It is rather amazing that after 54 years, this Multipla has seen only two owners. From its condition, it surely appears as such. With a top speed of under 60 mph and a 0-50 mph time of around 43 second, this is one of the slowest cars you can by, but there's no denying the Multipla's charm and uniquely Italian take on a small people carrier. While no price is listed, the very best Multipla would fetch anywhere from $25,000 to $35,000 at auction, so anything under $30,000 should be considered reasonably well bought.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1976 Fiat Mirafiori 131S

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When discussing vehicle styling, a whole lot of terms tend to get thrown around; organic, retro, streamlined, you name it. Here is the epitome of another term, “three box design.” The Fiat 131. Unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in 1974, this would be one of Fiat’s most successful models well into the 1980s, with over 1.5 million produced in Italy, not including an additional 400,000 manufactured under the “Seat” brand. This 131 employed a fairly conventional front engine/rear drive layout with a solid live rear axle. In 1978, a minor facelift was carried out and new twin cam four cylinder engines were introduced. Few 131s exist stateside these days and ones that do are often overcome by rust. Here is an early 131S sedan with an upgraded 2.0 liter engine, ignition system and a more recent repaint.

1976 Fiat Mirafiori 131S

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It would be rare to find one of these in this type of solid, rust-free condition anywhere. The body and engine bay has been repainted with the original Arencio Scuro color (Dark Orange). I removed the stock 1800 engine (along with the air conditioner and all emission control components) and replaced it with a rebuilt Fiat 2-liter engine and upgraded to a Weber 34 ADFA carburetor. I replaced the stock air cleaner with a compact & easy breathing K&N unit. I recently installed a Compu-Tronix performance ignition system from Allisons Automotive. Check out the following link for information about this: http://www.allisonsautomotive.com/products.html#electrical … no more distributor rotors, heat damaged seals and vacuum advances to wear out on the hot exhaust side of the engine bay. I have not made any performance enhancements to the engine. The interior was nicely reupholstered and is in excellent condition with absolutely no signs of wear. The dash is perfect with no cracks. I believe the AM/FM cassette radio is what came with the car when it was new and it still works. I replaced the speakers in the doors a couple of years ago. The automatic transmission features the typical Fiat sport shift gate and works smoothly with no issues. Brake service has been performed on all fours. Stock wheels have been upgraded with refinished 14 inch Speedlines (including a matching full spare) as found on the late model Spiders / Pininfarinas. New Pirelli P6 tires are on those wheels.

1) Speedometer needle is a little jumpy at low speeds and reads approximately 10 – 15 miles high.
2) The odometer currently reads just over 59,000 as of the date of this listing. It is probably not accurate – title reads exempt. Who knows/cares?
3) I removed the clock from the instrument cluster because it was inaccurate and making a constant irritating noise.
4) The engine temp gauge recently stopped working. I have a replacement you can install.
5) The rear view mirror day/night adjustment tab is broken. I tie-strapped it in place and an easy adjustment of the mirror with your hand makes it work perfectly.
6) Exterior passenger side has three small paint dings.

This not a fixer-upper. It is truly a collector car that drives great and can be used as a daily driver right now. It is not a concours show vehicle (although close) and requires the owner to give it the type of simple maintenance consistent with any car from its era. The car is over 35 years old and is a fine example of a well maintained part of classic Fiat USA history. I reserve the right to end the auction early if I start to feel guilty about selling it.

This is certainly not the most desirable classic Italian car, but it’s an important one for me, as I was brought home from the hospital in my mom’s 1978 Mirafiori 131S two door. Her example was a 3 speed automatic like this four door. Ironically, as the transmission was built by GM, you would have thought it would be the one item on the car that wouldn’t have a tendency to act up, but unfortunately the transmission case was cracked from new and was a troublesome gearbox as a result. Still, in pale yellow, it was a handsome looking car and I remember the front seats being very comfortable. Ultimately that car gave way to a 1983 Honda Accord hatchback with a 5 speed manual which proved to be an infinitely better piece of engineering. I wouldn’t be surprised if bidding gets up to around $5,000 for this rare beast, but anything more would be a bit outrageous, in my opinion.

-Paul

Fiat

1982 Fiat 2000 Spider

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Along with the Alfa Romeo Spider, the Fiat 124 and 2000 Spider were some of the most iconic Italian roadsters from the 20th century. Having enjoyed a long 19 year production run, these cars outlasted their parent brand in the United States. This 1982 model represents the final year Fiats were sold new in the United States until the brand returned last year with the Nuova 500. For the car's final three years on sale in the US, it would be called the Pininfarina Spider; essentially the same car minus the Fiat badge. It isn't hard to find good 124 and 2000 Spiders these days; the later models with the larger, federally mandated bumpers being more common.

1982 Fiat 2000 Spider

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Body restored and engine rebuilt in 2004. Approximately 9,000 miles on the rebuilt engine. Engine: new head, bearings, piston rings, timing belt, tensioning bearing, fuel pump, water pump. Transmission: New clutch and throwout bearing. Body: Paint base coat clear coat. New convertable top, rechromed bumpers, roll bars, original wheels have been painted. Interior: New carpet, original seats, steering wheel.

Clean, mint condition 124 and 2000 Spiders hover in the $10,000 to $15,000 range these days, with later fuel injected models with the 5 speed manual bringing the better money. This restoration looks very complete, as the paint, interior and wheels look top notch. There's even a nice roll bar installed, which had me thinking for a minute. My father owned a 1968 124 Spider and he autocrossed it on a regular basis with some success. For the brave new owner willing to fit a set of competition tires on a second set of rims, this would prove to be a very worthy and unique entry in a local parking lot course near you.

-Paul

Fiat

1967 Fiat Dino Spider

Introduced in 1966 at the Turin motor show, the exotic Fiat Dino Spider was an effort to homologate the Dino V6 engine for Formula 2 competition. The Dino Spider's 2.0 liter V6 produced 158 horsepower and was hooked up to a 5 speed manual. This made for a quick package in the day. The first Spiders were built at Fiat's Mirafiori plant, but by the time the larger engined 2.4 Spider arrived in 1969, assembly shifted to the Ferrari factory and these convertibles were built alongside the Ferrari Dino. Spiders are rather rare to find anywhere in the world these days; only 736 emerged from the factory in 1967. This example for sale in Bavaria is about the best Spider I've ever laid my eyes on.

1967 Fiat Dino Spider

This Fiat Dino Spider in the first series (AB) was prepared in June 1967 at Mirafiori and 1967 in Europe in the color "blu francia" delivered. The Fiat was bought by the current owners in 1993 imported from California to Holland. In the last 15 years numerous work was carried out on the car at Italo-Dutch specialists; verifiable restoration work:

The body was restored and repainted in 1999 by an Italian specialist in "azurro metallizato." In 2001, the interior was completely redone. The original 2.0 liter V-6 engine (135B000252) was rebuilt extensively in 1996. There were new pistons and camshafts, electronic ignition, bigger cooler (by 2.4 L engine), new oil pump and water pump installed. In 2002, the differential was rebuilt. The gearbox was rebuilt at 8000 km (2007) and new synchro rings were installed.

The condition of the Spider can be described as very good. The 12 year old restoration has minimal wear. The partly renewed chrome is in good condition. The body is fine, the interior is good with minor signs of wear. The technique, such as brakes and suspension are free from defect. Since the rebuild of the engine about 22,000 km have been done. The Dino has received an oil and brake service in 2010.

These Ferrari engined Fiats often command Ferrari level prices, and this Spider is no different at €62,000 (~ $81,000 USD). While the Fiat Dino Coupe had a sharp, fastback style to it, the Spider had more sensuous curves and metallic blue paintwork makes for one of the most beautiful Fiats ever made. With cars this rare, buy the best you can fine, as finding parts isn't always the easiest task. This partiuclar one certainly is certainly one of the better examples I've laid eyes on.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1976 Fiat 131 Abarth

We've covered a good amount of Lancia's rally history in this past week, but during their spate of wins in the 1970s and 1980s, Fiat had a few successes of their own. Namely, with this car, the 131 Abarth. This car is a three time World Rally Championship, winning the title in 1977, 1978 and 1980 along with 18 race victories between 1976 and 1981. Of course, to go racing, manufacturers had to homologate the vehicle they were entering into competition, which is the genesis behind the road version we see here. These cars had the twin cam 2.0 liter Abarth engine good for 140 horsepower fed through a five speed gearbox driving the rear wheels. The seller states this is about one of 200 of the original 400 built that still exist to this day. I was surprised to see such a rare, original piece of rallying history located a little over an hour due south of my ancestral home in Portugal.

1976 Fiat 131 Abarth

131 Abarth - the nightmare of the Escort. 1 of 200 survivors of the 400 built to homologate group 4. Unique in Portugal. Four time winner of the Rally of Portugal, three times with Markku Alen (1977, 1978 and 1981) and one time with Walter Röhrl (1980). World Champion in 1977, 1978 and 1980.

2000cc, independent suspension, limited slip differential exclusive original model (same as group 4), 155-160 hp, lightweight fiber exterior panels built by Bertone, Aluminum doors. Two Weber 44 IDF carburetors with Abarth intake manifold (optional). Cromodora Wheels 15x7 "original manifold and carburetor preserved and included as standard. Engine and chassis numbers correct and original. Totally original/never restored. Imported from private collection in Italy. Much better than having money in the bank!

Beyond its pedigree and butch looks, the 131 is a significant car for me because my mother drove when I was born. Granted, her car was a pale yellow 1978 131 Mirafiori two door with a GM sourced 3 speed automatic transmission, but it still possessed the crisp Italian lines and quite comfortable seats which proved their worth on long trips. It wasn't the most reliable car, evidenced by the fact my parents traded the 131 in for a 1983 Honda Accord hatchback and owned Hondas for 15 years thereafter. Even still, it hasn't soured me on Italian cars and now, over 30 years on, cars such as this 131 Abarth have become a legend in their own right.

The asking price of €66,000 (~ $87,000 USD) is very strong money, even for such a limited run, championship winning vehicle. The exchange rate has not been kind to the dollar, but having been listed for almost two months, I can't help but think we are around $20,000 above the proper price point for this car, especially when you have low mileage Lancia Delta Integrale Evolutions out there in the $25,000 to $40,000 USD equivalent range. Granted, those cars will not be street legal in the US for another four years. For me, though, it would be worth the wait.

-Paul