Category Archives: Fiat

Fiat, Pininfarina

1973 Fiat 130 Coupe

3 Comments

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.

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

1973 Fiat 130 Coupe blue interior red leather
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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.

1973 Fiat 130 Coupe blue V6 engine
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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

Fiat, Uncategorized

1977 Fiat Moretti 126 Minimaxi

Moretti was ahead of its time in the 70s. Fast-forward to 2019, and Fiat and Jeep, under the FCA umbrella, have created a modern Moretti Minimaxi. Selling at 100 times the rate of the Minimaxi, Jeep's Renegade compact SUV combines a beach-cruiser body style with a Fiat Abarth powertrain, and is even manufactured in Italy.

Like the Renegade, the Minimaxi is based off of a Fiat. The Moretti borrows its mechanicals from the 126 city car, making use of its most powerful engine offering, the 594cc unit. The canvas top and the doors are removable, lending to an airy cockpit, should it be desired.

1977 Fiat 500 126 Moretti Minimaxi rear canvas top
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Year: 1977
Model:  Fiat Moretti 126 Minimaxi
Engine: 594cc twin
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage:  62,000 km
Price: $15,800
Location: Miami, FL

1977 Fiat 500 126 Moretti Minimaxi interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1977 Fiat Moretti 126 Minimaxi

Up for sale is a real nice 1977 Moretti 126 Minimaxi ragtop! You can take the top off! Perfect beach car. Many hours and money has been invested in this nice Italian car. This is a true collector's car. Very few made! I have 100+ pictures available!

Vin Number: 4551623
Originally Imported from Italy
Clean FL Title

One of the world's finest attractive micro cars! The side doors, and windshield also are also removable!

In 1967 Moretti produced only 2,600 cars, in 1973 only 3,292 were produced, and by 1974 production was down to only 1,071. In the seventies, Moretti switched to building mini off-roading vehicles on Fiat platforms. The Fiat 500-based "Minimaxi" first appeared in 1970, and was later adapted to take 126 mechanical components.

This car drives exceptionally well, you can take it to the car shows & for weekend cruises. Definitely gets a lot of attention & questions at the cars and coffee. The Fiat is powered by it's 600cc engine. It moves pretty quick! It has a 4 speed manual transmission. Engine Bay is well detailed. Has a nice exhaust that sounds really nice. Mechanically the car is sound! See the video.

The car did received a restoration. All doors, trunk, hood are all aligned like they should from factory. It has always been garage kept and well taken care. Underneath the floor pans are in great shape, everything was properly redone.

The Interior is splendid and contrast well to the exterior paint, red sport Italian upholstery has been fitted, and tastefully done, and overall condition looks new. Brown roll-up top!

I'm located in Miami about 30 minutes away from the airport. Feel free to come see the car in person. Sold As-is. Thanks for looking. For those interested you can call me at 305 five four two 5662. If I don't answer just leave me a voicemail.

If you're looking to finance I would recommend JJ Best. They can finance your classic car or hot rod and are very pleasant to work with.

1977 Fiat 500 126 Moretti Minimaxi engine
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Where we see fresh paint, our minds wander to nightmares of body filler and poorly repaired rust. A cursory glance at photos won't quell our concerns in the rust department, nor will verbal affirmation; we would ask for photos of the car in its stripped-down state, before the new paint was applied. As for the mechanicals, Fiat 126 components won't be easy to come across in the US, but they are out there, and the car should be a breeze to maintain in Europe.

We love the potential this car has as a West Coast beach car. Or Intermountain ranch runabout. Or daily driver anywhere. It's unique, robust enough, and practical. Then again, our idea of a winter car is a Fiat 500 Abarth on snow tires.

-Graham

Fiat, Giugiaro, Uncategorized

1989 Fiat Panda 4×4 Sisley

Any Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley edition fans out there? Rhetorical question; our site stats show the Panda 4x4 Sisley as a clear reader favorite. You all don't seem to mind Lancia 037 Stradales either, but those are tough to find. So today, readers, we will check in on the Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley market.

Those of us in the US, and possibly even the European readers, might not be familiar with the origin of the Sisley moniker. As it turns out, Sisley is a brand under the United Colors of Benneton umbrella. Something like the heritage brand Orvis in the US, it would seem. So, in addition to canoe appliqués on the seat backs, the Sisley edition adds an inclinometer, the hood scoop, and a roof rack, among other details. An Italian premonition of the various L.L. Bean and Eddie Bauer edition vehicles that have turned up in the US over the years. A final note on the Sisley edition - the Panda 4x4 was assembled in Termini Imerese, Sicily. One could say Fiat Panda 4x4 by Sisley, by Sicily.

1989 Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley Edition for sale in USA green back rear
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Year: 1989
Model:  Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley
Engine: 999cc SOHC 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  194,000 km
Price: 5,490€
Location: Asti, Italy

1989 Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley Edition for sale in USA green interior canoe seats
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley

rif. 12464539]
panda 4x4 sisley 1989 ristrutturata
auto di interesse storico.
auto d'epoca, totalmente riverniciata e  con imporatanti lavori eseguiti sulla meccanica.
pronta all' uso, nessun lavoro da fare
auto per intenditori e appassionati
? .490 + voltura
astenersi curiosi, perditempo  e offerte al ribasso
da vedere presso nostro deposito di asti in corso alessandria 458
per info 3202434693

...


panda 4x4 sisley 1989 restored
car of historical interest.
vintage car, totally repainted and with important works performed on the mechanics.
ready to use, no work to do
cars for connoisseurs and enthusiasts
?5.490 + voltura
abstain from being curious, time wasters and low-price offers
to be seen in our deposit of auctions in progress alessandria 458
for info 3202434693

1989 Fiat Panda 4x4 Sisley Edition for sale in USA green engine bay tire
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A facelift model, this Panda 4x4 eschews the pushrod 965cc engine of early models for a 49hp 999cc SOHC unit from the FIRE engine family. This example should be galvanized, though we are not exactly sure of when galvanized bodies went into serial production, though it was after the facelift. As long as the 4x4 PTO is in good working condition, we wouldn't have too many reservations with going through one of these mechanically. The engine is standard, simple Fiat fare, and the suspension is conventional up front and a rudimentary leaf spring and live axle out back. Part sourcing, though not the simplest of tasks, shouldn't prove too difficult.

Likely forgotten over the years, these Panda 4x4s, Sisley editions especially, have picked up momentum in the past five years or so. As such, the market is in no shortage of opportunists trying to make a quick buck off of the newfound interest. Low-effort photos seem to be the norm, as far as we can tell. So, buying from afar will require a communicative seller who is willing to provide detailed service information and ample photographs. This example has potential, and how appealing it ends up being is now dependent on how far the seller is willing to go in creating buyer confidence.

-Graham

Abarth, Bertone, Fiat

1981 Fiat 131 Abarth Replica

How does a small sedan from 1981 go from a nomination for the most "trouble prone" car in Popular Mechanics during its time on the market to being a rare and somewhat coveted eBay lot with an asking price close to $20,000? We'll follow that up with another question - when was the last time that you saw a Fiat Brava (131) on the road? Fiat made 1.5 million of them, so scarcity has not always been a defining trait of the series - perhaps Popular Mechanics was right. What they failed to mention? The 131 isn't particularly difficult to repair.

We'll be upfront with the fact that this example falls short of the actual Fiat 131 Abarth Rally homologation car. Those cars were yanked off of the Fiat line in Mirafiori as bodyshells, shuttled to Bertone for fitment of the modified bodywork, and sent along to the Fiat Rivalta plant for installation of Abarth running gear and mechanicals. This car? It just has an aftermarket bodykit from Italy. No 138hp double Weber twin cam with a rally gearbox, and no independent rear suspension like on the homologation cars.

1981 Fiat 131 Abarth Replica red rear view 2.0L Lampredi twin cam
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Year: 1981
Model: Fiat 131 Abarth Replica
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  unknown
Price: $18,500
Location: La Canada Flintridge, CA

1981 Fiat 131 Abarth Replica red Sparco interior 2.0L Lampredi twin cam
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1981 Fiat 131 Abarth Replica


got this 131 fiat with Abarth Body kit its 1981 I bought the body kit from Italy and and had the rims custom made from London. also had the original engine rebuild. brand new paint job car is almost ready to go just needs the final touches more then welcome to come see it anytime

1981 Fiat 131 Abarth Replica red engine bay 2.0L Lampredi twin cam
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Not a lot of effort from the seller of this machine, which is unsurprising. The more eccentric listings usually accompany eccentric sellers, and those guys seem to depend on mind reading to sell cars. We can't be too critical, as where are we going to find another? Needless to say, potential buyers will need to iron out some of the details of the car with the seller.

With bidding starting at $5,000, some semblance of sanity is preserved with this listing, though the overall attractiveness of the offering really depends on where the reserve is set. Finding a similar bodykit won't be easy, and the amount of bodywork required to install it on a standard car would be considerable. Does that increase the value of this example? We would say yes, unfortunately. And, if the rust is in control, the deal is even sweeter. With some good communication with the seller and careful bidding, we think that this Abarth replica could make for a very nice addition to someone's garage.

-Graham

Fiat, Pininfarina

1983 Fiat 124 Spider Restomod

We weren't expecting to find a Fiat Spider restomod service while searching for a car to post today. In fact, we didn't even realize that it was a restomod until reading the listing. The real reason for clicking on this Fiat Spider was to check out the hubcaps - look familiar? They're the hubcaps off of the Fiat 500 1957 Edition. Normally one of our favorite hubcaps, they are a bit too large for the Spider, and seem to make the car look shorter than it really is.

Taking a look at the ad description, the details of the restomod side of things are sparse. The car has been stripped to a bare metal and repainted. The suspension, brakes, and engine have been upgraded, but the exact details of the upgrades are absent from the listing. The interior work looks to be of high quality, and is inspired by Maserati on this car, apparently.

1983 Fiat Spider restomod blue side
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Year: 1983
Model:  Fiat 124 Spider
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  25,000mi
Price: $89,995
Location: Barrington, IL

1983 Fiat Spider restomod maserati tribute interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Fiat Spider Restomod

This is a Roadster Salon Spider Tributo resto-mod based on a 1983 Pininfarina Spider with only 25K miles. The pictures show a version with some additional key options, like the hand made Spider America hood and body work, and upgraded engine. Lead times are currently 18-24 months. However this particular project was started for an older customer with health concerns that will prevent him from taking delivery. Car is in later stages of build, but can still be customized toyour particular taste. Lead time is Spring delivery, depending on options and trim selected.

Roadster Salon only builds about 30 vehicles per year, with a fraction of them Tributo models. These cars can be finished with Ferrari or Maserati influences. All are numbered and signed by our craftsman. The version shown has our exclusive Maserati tribute interior, and other touring features. Please call and ask about the detail differences between the two versions.

Every Tributo features bare metal tub and body treatments. Interiors from the finest leather hides, hand stitched with old world craftsmanship. The Tributo is the ideal car for enthusiasts who love the vintage looks of older sports cars, but do not like the old school driving experience. Roadster Salon upgrades all the most important safety and performance elements such as steering, braking, handling, engine and structural rigidity- so that the car feels like a contemporary automobile. Electrical components and wiring are also upgraded to a more modern standard, so that reliability is significantly improved.

While stunningly beautiful, the Spider Tributo is meant to be admired but driven frequently if desired. Please contact us for more specific details. This is a re-engineered automobile with full warranty coverage. It is not a conventional restoration. Efforts were made to improve the car in every respect, not adhere to tenants of originality.

1983 Fiat Spider restomod engine bay
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Looking at the photographs, the car sure seems to be in good condition. And, the car comes with some sort of warranty. We would inquire as to what brand of parts were used in the mechanical side of the restoration, but suspect that high-quality components were utilized.

A new Fiat 124 Spider runs around $30k. Reviews of the current Spider are mostly positive, though the engine is a bit dated. The new Spider can't compete with the original on appearance, no doubt. But, if it were our money, we'd buy a new Spider for when we needed modern comfort, and a classic Spider when we wanted something more charming. Spending $90k for one Spider just seems a bit frivolous for our tastes. That said, we salute the builders of these cars and hope to see more like them - surely there are enthusiasts out there willing to pay for perfection.

-Graham

Fiat

1973 Fiat 124 Familiare

We read yesterday that Americans referred to pasta as macaroni up until the late 80s, when the Italian word started to gain prominence in the US. We grew up calling pasta noodles, and still call it that, so make of that what you will. So, while we believe that 124 wagons like today's example were sold as the Fiat 124 Station Wagon in North America, we've gone with the European moniker Familiare, because we like it.

While the 124 Familiare appears to have plenty of room for, say, a family of five, we hope it's a tight five on the scale, because each family member will be allotted 13hp for forward progress. In the old country, that must have been a real surplus, but we'd suggest packing light, lest you strain the sweet little 1200 single cam engine.

1973 Fiat 124 wagon green passenger rear quarter
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Year: 1973
Model:  Fiat 124 Familiare
Engine: 1,197cc 4-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage:  35,309mi
Price: Auction
Location: El Monte, CA

1973 Fiat 124 wagon green interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1973 Fiat 124 Familiare

Minor surface rust. Nice floor board, not running, Missing rear seat. Needs minor body work. Will put 4 good tires to roll. Needs total restoration.All stock only two owners. Price reverse

1973 Fiat 124 wagon green engine bay 1200 single cam
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Looking at the underside photos provided by the seller, the condition of this California car appears to be very redeeming. The floors seem to be - and are claimed to be - very solid, with little rust to find underneath. Exterior sheetmetal shows some flaking of paint due to rust, but it appears to be the sort of surface rust that the seller is claiming. Mechanically speaking, the car has needs. The seller says that it does not run or drive, so expect the worst, but given the simplicity of these engines, we wouldn't be too worried.

This car clearly requires a bit of cleaning up, but we don't agree with the seller on the need for a full restoration. The interior will probably clean up pretty nicely, though new seats will be in order. And, the mechanicals could be brought back to driving condition with a reasonable effort. We're running a crank, some rods and pistons, and two cylinder heads to the machine shop this afternoon. Our Fiat 500 Abarth will suffice, but this 124 Familiare? Well, that would be ideal for the job.

-Graham

Fiat, Pininfarina

1976 Lancia Scorpion

After last week's mostly negative take on the Lancia Scorpion, here we find ourselves sharing one yet again. The reason for this is twofold. First, we had an unpleasant interaction with a painter earlier this week while stripping down a Milano Verde for some rust repair, and made us think a little bit. He was incredulous as to why anyone would spend the money to repair an 80s Alfa sedan. We don't wish to sound like that painter, so we won't rain on the Scorpion parade just because we don't 'get' the cars. Reason two? Well, we 'get' this one!

The example that we shared last week was actually in better shape, but we like the details on this one much better. First, the BWA basket wheels are all sorts of cool. And then there's the paint color; we love how the black trim works with the bright blue. Finally, this car has a quad headlight conversion from a Lancia Beta Spyder/Zagato. Mind you, these are all aspects of any Lancia Scorpion that could be altered, but seeing them all present on a car for sale is rather compelling.

1976 Lancia beta Montecarlo Scorpion blue exterior rear quarter
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Year: 1976
Model:  Lancia
Engine: 1.8L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  80,786
Price: Auction
Location: Conway, SC

1976 Lancia beta Montecarlo Scorpion blue exterior black seats interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1976 Lancia Scorpion

You're looking at my 1976 Lancia Scorpion targa-top coupe. This is a neat little car that is almost ready to be put back on the road. I purchased this last Summer when I bought a '65 Porsche 912 from an older gentleman and he asked if I'd also buy this as well to help him out. I had always thought they were cool, and had literally only seen one other in person many many years ago, so I bought it. It wasn't running when I got it, but it looked like a pretty well taken care of example overall. 

I had the starter rebuilt, performed a general tune up, oil/filter change, and she fired right up. It runs really well. I was told the motor was rebuilt a few years back. It has an Alquati intake with Weber 42 DCNF's. Exhaust is a CSC system. Bosch alternator, Pertronix ignition. I had a shop install new clutch master and slave cylinders, and new brake master and slave cylinders. The shop had the car for well over 8 months and I was getting peeved. They kept saying "It'll be ready tomorrow" and tomorrow never came. I finally went and took the car back, but they hadn't connected some of the brake lines or bled them, as well as the clutch line. They also had let the hard top fall off the car and get scratched, as well as lost one of the black plastic trim pieces on the hood, and the shift knob is missing! Needless to say I won't be going back to that shop!!! 


The car was originally a different shade of blue as you can see in some of the pics (inside trunks, door jambs). I like the color now as it's very period correct and looks great. The paint job is several years old but looks good. I'd call it a 5 footer. Not really any major paint flaws, it's just not "perfect".The hood has a few small dings in it that a paintless dent repair guy can massage out. The interior is in really good condition and was restored about 10 years ago, and looks very good still. This Carolina's car has been stored indoors, and is very solid underneath for a 43 year old example.

I believe the rims are vintage 15" BWA's. Front brakes are Wilwood 4 piston calipers with slotted rotors. Koni struts in front, KYB in the rear. 

The car comes with two tops...the fiberglass "double bubble" hardtop as seen in the pics, and the folding cloth top that is stored in the front trunk. As I mentioned, the shop let the top fall off the car and it has some minor damage. A paint shop can fix easily. 

I am selling the car as it sits because I have moved on to another project that is more up my alley...another classic air cooled Porsche 911 to bring back to life. You can probably have this car back on the road with a few hours of work connecting and bleeding the lines. Im pretty sure everything is still there, just needs properly hooked up and bled. I'm just not fooling with it any more. Someone might ask "Why don't you just fix it and get more $$$ in the end?".  It's one of those things where I got so disgusted by the shops' BS that I have just moved on. If you're handy, you'll be on the road in no time. 

1976 Lancia beta Montecarlo Scorpion blue exterior engine bay Fiat Lampredi
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The condition of this example is at a juncture where it could either descend into disrepair or emerge victorious, faults having been addressed. We see a fair amount of non-terminal scale on the underside, especially on the shield covering the coolant pipes underneath the car. The engine bay shows signs of neglect, with flaking paint and missing timing belt covers, and the seller states that some brake and clutch bleeding will be required to make the car streetable.

If there is one problem we have with this car, it's the current bidding. Seems pretty high for a repainted car without any sort of refreshing, other than the claimed engine build a few years back. With rust to address, hydraulics to bleed, and a so-so interior, we'd hope to see something under $5k. But, like us, perhaps the bidders are loving the 037 look to the quad headlights - we can blame them!

-Graham

Abarth, Centro Stile Fiat, Fiat

1987 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth

When automotive paradigms shift, we see the production of some very interesting models during the transition years. For example, as Ferrari moved toward its longitudinal midship engine orientation, it saw fit to rotate the engine in the Mondial, resulting in the surprisingly improved Mondial T. Similarly, The Ritmo 130TC straddles the hot hatch era and the epoch surrounding its tried-and-true Lampredi twin cam 4-pot.

By equipping the Ritmo with a 1995cc twin cam four replete with twin sidedraft carbs, the 128bhp Ritmo 130TC Abarth could rip its way to a 121mph top speed. Oddly enough, the carbureted engine had its ignition controlled by a Marelli Digiplex system. We are particularly intrigued by the rear suspension in all Ritmos; a transverse leaf spring meets lower control arms with McPherson struts. It seems like clever packaging and distributes the spring reaction force across a nice area by using a separate rear subframe.

1987 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth driver rear
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Year: 1987
Model:  Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  31,000 mi
Price: Auction
Location: West New York, NJ

1987 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth interior
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1987 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth

***VIN: ZFA138A0004954933

This 1987 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth is the final evolution of the model, following the 105TC and 125TC. The car was built to compete with the Mk1 VW GTI and is powered by a carbureted 2.0L twin-cam four paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. In addition to the powertrain, the Ritmo Abarth features include sportier exterior accents, bolstered seats, and an uprated suspension system. This example is believed to have been sold new in France prior to being exported to Japan, and the seller recently imported the car into the US. It now shows 51k kilometers (~31k miles) and has been modified with an aftermarket muffler, OMP strut bars, Sparco pedal covers, a push-button start, Sony cassette player, and a wood-rimmed Abarth steering wheel. 

This 130TC is finished in metallic gray with black cladding around the wheel wells and side skirts, the latter featuring red accents. A paint-depth meter has been taken around the body and the results are reportedly consistent, as shown in the attached dropbox gallery. Additional exterior pictures are also provided, including closeups.

Factory alloy wheels wear red Abarth center caps and a set of Michelin Energy tires. Inside, the 130TC was fitted with unique cloth upholstery and bolstered front seats. Interior modifications include a wood-rimmed Abarth steering wheel, Sony cassette player, push-button start, Sparco metal pedal covers, and a few other items. The odometer indicates 50,715 kilometers (~31,500 miles).

Under the hood is a 2.0L DOHC inline-four equipped with dual carburetors. Output was 128 horsepower when new, which is sent to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. Period testing claimed 0 to 60 mph could be achieved in under eight seconds. A mechanical inspection was completed just prior to this listing, during which time the rear driver’s-side shock was replaced and the engine oil was changed. 

This car is being offered with all appropriate import documentation and a clean title. All offers are welcomed and encouraged.

Link to additional Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jjmturnr1w8lrgd/AACGeKMpmMye0xxrDa83geOPa?dl=0

1987 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth engine
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In terms of styling, this car is oddly weaker than its German rival, the MK1 GTI. There is a reason for this; the VW Golf was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, and set the standard for hatchback design. The Ritmo design out of Centro Stile Fiat, while certainly handsome, can't quite compete with the work of Giugiaro.

With VW GTI's of the era taking off in price, we aren't surprised that this car, the auction of which ended before we could post it, did not meet the reserve of $11,900. Play your cards right, and you can import one of these from Europe to the US at a competitive price. But, the market in Europe is becoming evermore aware of the predilections of US buyers, and the prices have risen in step with the demand. As former MK1 GTI owners ourselves, we can totally see the appeal, and could very well end up with one of these in our garage in the near future.

-Graham

Centro Stile Fiat, Fiat

1974 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe

1 Comment

The Fiat 124 Sport Coupe series is similar to the Alfa Romeo GTV in that it is mechanically similar to its convertible platform mate, yet wholly more appealing. Both the Fiat 124 Sport Coupe and 124 Sport Spider ride on similar unibody platforms with a double wishbone front and a 4-link rear suspension. And, power for both comes from some form of iron block, aluminum head twin cam Lampredi four cylinder engine.

This being a CC model, power comes from the destroked 1592cc engine, revised from the 1608cc engine in the BC to qualify for Italy's sub-1600cc class. And, since the car was imported from Italy, it lacks the emissions equipment of a US model, breathing freely through its single Weber carb.

1974 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe red CC passenger rear
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Year: 1974
Model:  Fiat 124 Sport Coupe
Engine: 1592cc 4-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  52,000
Price: Auction
Location: Roswell, GA

1974 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe red CC interior tan
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1974 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe

Magnificent car in excellent condition, rare in the US.  

Few show winner car, all original and correct.

1600 cc twin cam 5 speed manual. a pleasure to drive. 

This 1972 Fiat 124 coupe was reportedly the subject of a refurbishment completed three years ago in Italy which included a repaint in red, interior reupholstery, and other work.

 The car has since been imported to the US and was acquired two years ago. who has driven it approximately 2k kilometers. 

Power is from a 1,592cc twin-cam four driving the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox.

 This 124 coupe reportedly won an award for Best European Car at the 2018 United Way Car & Truck Show in Roswell, Georgia and is now offered with Georgia 

Body : Excellent and totally ruste free

Paint:  Excellent with no scratches nor chips

Mechanics: Excellent condition motor with recent service, excellent transmission no noise, new clutch. 

Brakes: excellent. 

Tires are new.

This is a turn key and go car no issues.

1974 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe red CC engine bay
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The car is said to be turn key with no issues, and we hope that the claim holds to be true. These cars deserve the level of attention that this example seems to have received. From the clean engine bay with intact hood insulation to the tidy interior, this car shows very well.

We recommend these 124 Sport Coupes to those who can't stomach the recent prices on a comparable Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV. Parts support is similar, and the performance is comparable. We even prefer the design of the Fiat, though ours would be an early AC model with single round headlights. Depending on where this auction ends up, this could be a great opportunity to pick of an Italian sports coupe at a fraction of the price of an Alfa GTV.

-Graham

Fiat

2018 Fiat 500X Pop Manual

Oh nice, a manual Fiat 500X! Sort of appealing, right, a fuel-efficient, manual transmission compact SUV? Consider your opinion unpopular then, because this new Fiat 500X with a manual transmission is worse lot poison than the typical, slow-selling Fiat 500X. The upside to this is the $5,500 discount before any negotiations begin. That works out very well for a vehicle whose warranty clock will begin to tick the day you drive it off the lot, as opposed to the day it was supposed to be sold.

Admittedly, there are better options in the compact SUV class. Many better options, in fact. But we aren't SUV enthusiasts, we are Italian car enthusiasts, and as such, we must mute out reality with our unassailable bias. What we really have here is a jacked-up, 5-door, 5-seater Fiat 500 Abarth. Yank the muffler, and you'll be familiar with the cackle of the 1.4L FIRE MultiAir turbo's exhaust note.

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Year: 2018
Model:  Fiat 500X Pop
Engine: 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage:  14
Price: $16,499
Location: Bonham, TX

Fiat 500X pop manual white interior stickshift
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Fiat 500X pop manual white interior black
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We'd feel worse featuring one of the worst-reviewed compact SUVs were it not for the 500X's redeeming qualities. First, there is the Abarth engine with a manual transmission. And second, there's the fact that should something go wrong, you'll be sourcing parts from one of the best-selling platforms in North America - the Fiat Small Wide 4x4 architecture underpinning the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass. Safety in numbers, or something.

The 500L is more our speed, but were we to need some more room from an Italian car, the 500X would be on our (short) shopping list. We love the manual transmission availability, and we'll take the Abarth engine in anything we can get it. Laggy and loud, it's a hoot once on boost.

-Graham