Category Archives: Fiat

1983 Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130TC – REVISIT

August 18, 2013 Graham

The Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130TC we featured last fall is back up for sale with a much lower Buy It Now price, in contrast the the previous ask of $23,500.

1983 Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130TC on eBay - REVISIT

The below post originally appeared on our site November 28, 2012:

Hot hatches were all the rage in the 1980s and Fiat's answer to the GTI was a series of hot Ritmos (known as the Strada in the US) tuned by Abarth. The final evolution in the Ritmo Abarth saga, the 130TC, packed a 2.0 liter twin cam, dual carb four cylinder engine capable of 128 horsepower. We've featured two 130TCs here at CICFS already, but this is the first one that has appeared on US shores, making it attractive for Abarth fans who want something just a little different than the 500 Abarth currently being offered by the company today.

Year: 1983
Model: Ritmo
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 69,000 mi
Price: Reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1983 Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130TC - REVISIT

Here is for sale my 1983 Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130TC (2 liters) 5-speed, this car does not need any thing other than TLC. I have a clear Florida title, engine very strong, drives as an Abarth should do, 5 speed manual all original, make no mistake this is not, just a Ritmo 130, it is a factory made Abarth, force to sell due to lack of space and time, too many cars, please text or call at 305-401-7469 mail me at tony1961@msn.com

VIN: ZFA138A0002968221, 1983 model, 69,000 miles

VERY GOOD CONDITION

NO DENTS OR DINGS,

HAD NO ACCIDENTS

RECARO ORIGINAL (OPTIONS) SEATS

PERFECT INTERIOR, ALL ORIGINAL

TWO OWNERS FROM NEW

DRIVE FANTASTIC: TOP SPEED 195 Km/h ( 121 MPH ) - 0-100km/h ( 0-60 MPH ): 7,6

THE CAR HAS FLORIDA TITLE - IMPORTED FROM EUROPE IN 2012

In 1984 Fiat released the final production model of the Ritmo, the 130 TC Abarth. The car is based on the Ritmo 2 body, but contains exciting modifications. Abarth modifications to suspension and engine gave this car ample quantities of both acceleration and handling. The 125TC (130TC predecessor based on Ritmo 1 shell) won the 1982 Italian Group A Championship. The Ritmo 130TC was with Group N rallying in mind, and when released in 1984, was the quickest production hatch available. The Ritmo 130TC was produced between 1984 - 1988, developed 130 bhp at 5900 rpm, and could sprint to 100kmh in just under 8 seconds. This car had a very firm ride that some people would have found uncomfortable. The optional Recaro seats look the business but lack lumbar and under thigh support. They do offer good lateral support while cornering. One cannot help but wonder what the 131 Rally's 16 valve head may have added to this already impressive equation.

An October 1982 facelift saw the Ritmo's styling become more restrained with more conventional re-designed front and rear ends.[9] Base models sold on the continent featured the by-now familiar corporate five-bar grille with single round headlamps set in a conventional grille, whilst all other models featured twin round headlamps (in the UK, all models of this generation featured twin headlamps). The rear gained conventional light clusters either side of the rear numberplate. The 1.05 litre "Brazil" engine was no longer available.

The 105TC was relaunched with revised interior trim, a dashboard mirroring that of the earlier Ritmo Super, and an upper hatchback spoiler in place of the lower one. In the UK, 7-spoke alloy wheels replaced the earlier Speedline ones. The advertising name was revised to Strada II in the UK, although the car remained badged as a Strada. The US version was unchanged but was finally discontinued at the end of the 1982 model year, leaving only sports cars in the US Fiat lineup (the X1/9 and the 124 Spider).

Most significantly, a hot hatch version — the Abarth 130TC — was added. This model was based on the 125TC with a 1,995 cc engine, but with performance increased to 130 PS (96 kW; 128 bhp) by replacing the single Weber carb used in the 125TC with twin Solex/Weber carbs on a side-draught manifold, and improved cam profiles. The 130TC was capable of 195 km/h (121 mph) and accelerated from 0 to100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.8 seconds.[6] It was a raw hot hatch fitted with Recaro bucket seats as standard in the UK (optional in Europe), and significantly it was the only 1980s hot hatch to continue utilise carburettors instead of fuel injection coming with either twin Solex ADDHE or Weber DCOE40 carburetors. Ignition timing was controlled electronically. Although appearing outwardly similar to the restyled 105TC with its lower door & wheelarch trims, the 130TC could be distinguished by its polished four-spoke alloy wheels (continued from the earlier 125TC), aerodynamic perspex front door wind deflectors, and lower hatchback spoiler. The raw powerful twin-cam mated to a close ratio ZF gearbox made it a handful to drive, with the performance to outpace many of its contemporary rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf GTi, Ford Escort XR3i, Vauxhall Astra GTE and the MG Maestro.

more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_Ritmo

The last 130TC we featured for sale was priced at about $11,000, and that was located in Italy. Is $23,500 the price of unobtanium these days? For this Fiat, I doubt it. While it is certainly in good shape and quite possibly the only example of its kind in the US, that doesn't necessitate such a huge markup. It seems the seller is hoping to recoup the shipping and importation costs while making a tidy profit. With a market for a car this small, this price is just way too out of the ballpark.

-Paul

Fiat

1959 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile

June 20, 2013 Graham 1 Comment

While the cost of fuel has settled down a bit over the last few months, fuel economy in vehicles is still front and center when it comes to the consumer checklist these days. There’s a lot of options when it comes to saving fuel, including the new crop of diesel vehicles, hybrids and smaller alternatives like scooters. However, vintage microcars are a great way of being frugal for those who dare to be different. This 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformable is a great way of having a little bit of luxury and style with your economy that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Year: 1959
Model: Bianchina Trasformabile
Engine: 500cc inline two
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 26,076 miles
Price: Reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1959 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasformabile

This 1959 FIAT Bianchina has only 26,076 miles. The Autobianchi Bianchina is an supermini produced by the Italian automaker Autobianchi, based on the Fiat 500. It was available in various configurations: Berlina (saloon), Cabriolet (roadster), Trasformabile (convertible), Panoramica (station wagon), and Furgoncino (van). The car was presented to the public on September 16, 1957 at the Museum of Science and Technology in Milan.

Initially, the car was equipped with the smallest Fiat engine, air-cooled 479 cc producing 15 hp (11 kW). In 1959, the engine power was increased to 17 hp (13 kW) and in 1960, the cabriolet version was launched. This Fiat is a great driver. It starts right up without trouble and is a fun way to get around town. For more photos, check out the listing on our website www.rmsofnewjersey.com and feel free to give us a call at (201) 934-8888 or email us at sales@rmsofnewjersey.com with any questions or inquiries.

If they are in good shape, these Bianchinas can command a decent amount of coin, which is not surprising, as the Fiat 500 on which they’re based are highly prized as well. Given current market conditions, it’s safe to assume that this car will probably see a final bid of somewhere around $20,000 to $25,000.

-Paul

Fiat

1972 Fiat 124 Spider

June 8, 2013 Graham 4 Comments

For those on a budget, the Fiat 124 Spider makes a great introductory vehicle into the world of classic Italian car ownership. With a production run spanning several decades, examples of all vintages are readily available here in the US, ranging from the most pristine concours examples to those needed a good amount of work for the more intrepid of enthusiasts. This 124 Spider for sale in Florida does a good job of splitting the middle, being a driver quality car in good condition in an eye catching shade of blue.

Year: 1972
Model: 124 Spider
Engine: 1.5 liter inline four
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 79,000 miles
Price: $8,500 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1972 Fiat 124 Spider

For sale is my private car that I use very offen, it is titled and registered in Miami, Florida. Mechanically very good, engine very strong, drives very, super good. It feels as when it was new, this is one of the best Fiats I have ever owned, it rides so tight it is unbelievable. You may be able to purchase a similar Fiat to restore for $4,000 or $5,000 but must expend couples thousand more I doubt it if will run like this one.

It can be drive anywhere, anytime, unfortunately I need to sell most of my collection because I need the space and the money. Please ask me anything you need to know, come and see it if possible. You will not be disappointed by this car, very hard to find condition and this color belongs to this car. Also hard to see, you can call me any time or day at 305-401-7469. My name is Vladimir. There is not any issue with this car, no rust, very clean, take a look at the pictures, there is a small scrach at the top rear passanger fender. Pictures talk by themselves, all gauges work, horn, shifting is good. Beleive me this is not for a museum or councours but as I said it rides very tight, smooth. Good luck.

I’ve never seen one with them mounted, but the Lancia Beta style alloy wheels work rather well on this Spider, complimented by the slimmer chrome bumpers that the earlier models carried. For the condition of the vehicle, the asking price isn’t too far off the mark in terms of what these cars are fetching nowadays. As long as major rust issues aren’t lurking underneath, this looks to be an honest little roadster that you wouldn’t be afraid to use on a regular basis.

-Paul

Fiat

1960 Fiat 1200 Spider

June 3, 2013 Graham 1 Comment

Sometimes the simple things in life can be the most elegant. This isn't the fastest or most exclusive Italian classic, but this Fiat 1200 Spider for sale in California has undergone a recent refurbishment and would be a unique and economical choice for cruising to the beach this summer.

Year: 1960
Model: 1200 Spider
Engine: 1.2 liter inline four
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 18,987 miles
Price: Reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1960 Fiat 1200 Spider

Presented formally for sale for the first time since completing a thorough mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment during the summer and fall of 2012, is this beautiful 1960 Fiat 1200 “Vetture Speciali” Spider. Originally purchased at a Fiat dealership in San Francisco, the car was driven very little since new, but remained with the original owner until his passing in 2009. His neighbor bought the car from the original owner’s estate with the intent of bringing it back to its former glory, but eventually he was convinced to sell the car to us.

The cabriolet version of the 1200 or “spider” was restyled in 1959 and given a new body designed by the renowned designer Battitsta Pininfarina. The 1200 Spider was built by Fiat's Vetture Speciali (meaning: special cars) unit, and has amazing similarities to Ferrari's 250 GT PF Cabriolet of the same era (minus 8 of the 12 cylinders of course). Available at a fraction of the cost, the popularity of the 1200 Spider skyrocketed with sports car enthusiasts. A new 1200 Spider sold for $2,595 and proved to be a rather prudent choice, especially in the American sports-car market. In 1960, the Spider was given a boost of power, with the 1221cc engine reaching a peppy 63 horsepower. Production of the Spider continued with few changes through March of 1963.

Now presented in a striking color combination of black paint with two tone red and black interior (available factory options at the time), our special little Italian dish is certainly a head turner. As you can tell from the pictures, a painstaking effort was given to ensure that this wonderful 18,000 mile California original sports car was preserved and presented as if it just left the factory in Italy. The car has competed respectfully in two prestigious Concours d' Elegance events in Southern California, earning second place honors at the La Jolla Concours d' Elegance this past April. As great as this Spider appears in person or in pictures, she performs even better. The engine presents in as new condition after being rebuilt, resealed and repainted in factory colors with everything correct down to the stickers and oil filter cannister. The paint was stripped to bare metal with not an ounce of rust found anywhere. All chrome and stainless has been rechromed and refurbished, and all interior components: gauges, rubber, switches, handles and panels have all been reconditioned. To give an idea of how well preserved this Spider really is, the canvas soft top was replaced on the car in January of 1972 and is still in amazing condition! Seize the opportunity to purchase what is arguably the best original example of this model of Fiat in the world! Certain to increase in value in a fast appreciating European sports-car market, this special Fiat Spider represents a sound financial investment while providing classic Pininfarina styling and Italian panache and performance.

We welcome and recommend any inspection of this truly outstanding machine. Please contact Tim at 760/717-3997 for further information. You'll be glad you did!

These 1200 Spiders can fetch in the low to mid $20,000 range in good shape, and I'd expect this one to come close to that figure. I get used to seeing Spiders of all kinds painted in red, but in black, it kicks this car up a notch in terms of classiness.

-Paul

Fiat

1975 Fiat 124 Coupe

June 2, 2013 Graham 3 Comments

Following on to the rare Fiat 130 Coupe we featured a few days ago, here's another Fiat Coupe from the 1970s: the 124 Coupe. This 124 Coupe is the final "CC" iteration, with 1975 representing the final year of this compact coupe. It's open roofed sibling, the 124 Spider, would live on to see another decade. While 124 Spiders are rather plentiful, this 124 Coupe for sale in Portland offers the collector a rare chance to get one of these in complete, if not perfect, shape.

Year: 1975
Model: 124 Coupe
Engine: 2.0 liter inline four
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 52,943 miles
Price: Reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1975 Fiat 124 Coupe

Hello, and welcome to my eBay auction. Before I start I want to apologize to those of you out there that know far more than I do about the history and details and facts about these cars. I am a fan of them and a “car guy”, but I just have never had the pleasure of even seeing one of these cars let alone owning one. This is my first drive down 124 coupe laneJ

This car is a 1975 Fiat 124 Coupe with a 5 Speed. The third generation of Fiat coupes of the 60s and early 70s. This little car had an engine upgrade from an 1800cc to a 2000cc or 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine. It runs and drives better than I ever thought possible. Fast, fun, nimble, agile. It is a total blast and I am surprised by how much I like driving it. Old cars can be a bit of a love hate affair and so far this one is all love. Here is what I love about the car.

#1. Everything works. The blinkers, the wipers, the gas gage, all the gages as a matter of fact, the headlights and brights! The best part is the horn. Full Italian twin bugle style. I honk it constantly. Just to wave at gawkers.

#2. The engine and mechanics. No smoke, no drips, no overheating, no drama. Good clutch and brakes. Matching Michelin tires too with lots of tread. Lots of power and vintage pipe sound for days..

#3. The look. I call this inexpensive exclusivity. Nobody has one of these cars anymore. They just do not exist in my town anyway. Portland is a town that prides itself in being different and nobody has one of these cars that I have seen. It is also very stock looking. Right down to the Italian Speedline wheels and tool kit.

Here is what I don’t love about the car.

#1 The Paint. It is a 10 footer. If you look close up you will see that the color is a bit faded and there are spots of touch up and overspray. But yes this also shows care.

#2 The Interior. Again, not horrible. But not fantastic either. The seam on the passenger cushion is coming apart and the seats are brighter than the door panels. The carpet looks good and the floor pans are solid.

#3 There are traces of rust here and there on the car. I would not call the car a rust bucket or anything and again the floors are solid, but when the car is repainted there will need to be some repairs made to put a stop to it.

That is about all I can tell you. I am happy to answer any and all questions you have as well. Please understand that this car is almost 40 years old. It is fun and cool and even economical, but it is not going to replace your Accord as your only mode of transport. I am setting the reserve very low and I know the Fiat will sell as long as we all play by the rules.

#1. Only bid if you have intentions to buy.

#2. Ask any and all questions before bidding.

#3. Please contact me BEFORE BIDDING if you have zero or negative feedback.

Just be real and genuine and I will make sure that the winning bidder is happy with his or her purchase. I have 100% positive feedback and I plan on keeping that. Also, I will end the sale for the right offer so don’t wait till the last second and worry about missing out. Just call me and we will work out a fair price. I’m Justin my Phone number is 503-969-5127. I am available most of the time and love to talk about the Fiat. Thanks again for looking and Happy Bidding!!

Last month, we featured a 1970 "BC" 124 Coupe that sold for $8,900. That car was in a bit better shape than this CC 124 Coupe, and benefitted by having a cleaner look without the heavier bumpers and fussier grille of this model. Still, this is a neat piece and I wouldn't be surprised if it brought between $5,000 to $7,000 to the right buyer.

-Paul

Fiat

1987 Bertone X1/9

May 25, 2013 Graham 2 Comments

Summer weather is here, and this Bertone X1/9 is the more unorthodox choice for the open air motorist. Introduced in the early 1970s as the Fiat X1/9, this car was the replacement for the rear engine 850 Spider. This was a radical departure with its four cylinder engine mounted amidships, something that, other than the Porsche 914, was normally reserved for more exotic iron. This ultimate example of the X1/9 is for sale in California and has been comprehensively restored.

1987 Bertone X1/9

Obsessively restored 1987 Bertone X1/9

Looks and drives like a brand new car - many, many thousands of dollars spent over the course of 5 years, all receipts and photo documentation available
80k miles, <500 miles since restoration
Black/Black
Leather interior

Engine:
Complete stock rebuild no modifications
Polished stainless steel expansion tank
Re-cored radiator
All new hoses
Ceramic coated water pump
Ceramic coated water pump pipe
Remanufactured alternator
Remanufactured and matched fuel injectors
Polished intake manifold
Ceramic coated exhaust manifold, shield and down pipe
Polished stainless steel exhaust system

Drivetrain:
Rebuilt gearbox
Resurfaced fly wheel
New clutch pressure plate, bearing and disc
All new clutch hydraulics including metal lines
New CV joints

Suspension and wheels:
Nickel plated uprights all around
New wheel bearings all around
All new suspension bushings
Koni red adjustable shocks rebuilt by Performance Shock Inc. in Sonoma
New front control arms
Rebuilt steering rack, new tie rod ends
Epoxy and powder-coated rear suspension arms and links
Nickel plated Bertone lug nuts
Refinished and powder coated original Speedline wheels

Brakes
All new hydraulics, including metal lines
Nickel plated Fiat Uno turbo front brakes, freshly rebuilt with polished pistons and new ventilated rotors and pads
Powder coated brake shields
Polished aluminum freshly rebuilt stock rear calipers with new rotors and pads
New brake hoses all around

Interior
Refinished leather seats
New original Bertone steering wheel
New original Bertone gear lever
Immaculate dashboard no cracks
New carpet
“Brown wire” mod to increase power to all accessories
LED instrument lighting
LED interior lighting
Rebuilt pedal box
Tool roll
Owners manual etc.
Original jack

The X1/9 survived in the US market through 1987, even after Fiat pulled out of the market in 1982. Bertone took over the marketing and importation of the car from there and quite a few were sold thereafter. These late X1/9s are quite affordable these days and I’ve seen a few out there in good condition. For the price of a used economy car, you can have something that everyone on the street will want to stop and talk about with you. The best X1/9s will hover around $10,000 to $14,000, so I'd suspect this restored example has a reserve set somewhere around that range.

-Paul

Fiat

1970 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe

May 6, 2013 Graham 3 Comments

Just as soon as we feature one Fiat 124 Sport Coupe, here comes another one. This BC series 124 Sport Coupe for sale in California is my favorite of the all, with its front end resembling a bit of a Fiat Dino Coupe.

1970 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe

Up for auction is my clean 1970 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe. I have owned this car for 28 years. It has been a fun-to-drive, reliable car and I will be sorry to see it go. As can be seen by the pictures, the Fiat is in excellent condition, with only a few minor flaws to the exterior and interior. It does have a small paint chip on the upper left rear fender and a couple small door-dings. The passenger seat has a split in the cushion bottom and there are splits along the seams on top of the rear seat. The dash has one crack just above the gauges. It is mechanically sound. The last time I drove the Fiat the water pump bearing was making noise, although it was running at the normal operating temperature. Just want bidders to be aware of this. It will probably need a new headlight/directional/wiper switch as this has periodically stopped working. Easily found and replaced.

At 106,809 miles I had the timing belt and front cam seals replaced. Also both front brake flex hoses and the rear fuel lines. Oil and filter were changed every 3,000 miles. The Fiat has been garage kept, covered, since I've owned it. Paint and all bright work are clean. Glass is in excellent condition. I can't imagine finding a cleaner example. The Fiat has been shown at the Italiano Concorso in Monterey, California, of which I have photographs. Comes with original owner manuals and print ad. Please email with any questions.

The 124 Sport Coupe we featured last week did not sell, not meeting its reserve with a final bid of $8,400. That was surprising to me, as that car needed a bit of work. This BC variant is in much better nick. As such, I'd suspect it will probably sell for a figure close to $10,000 or a little above.

-Paul

Fiat, Uncategorized

1968 Autobianchi Bianchina Berlina Quattroposti

April 29, 2013 Graham 2 Comments

Developed off the Fiat 500 platform, the Autobianchi Bianchina was designed to offer small car customers a little bit more style and luxury. It's quite rare to come across one of these cars in the US, but this late model Berlina Quattroposti for sale in North Carolina would certainly make for an interesting around town runabout, especially in this era of ever increasing fuel costs.

1968 Autobianchi Bianchina Quattroposti

Sold to me by the President of the Fiat 500 club in the Netherlands. this is a very original Fiat 500 derivative (all Fiat 500 mechanicals), Autobianchi Bianchina. This body style was not sold in the US and was meant for the Italian market only. The previous owner bought it directly from the original owner in italy.

This car is largely original and un-restored but runs and drives, has low miles and is a great collectors car for shows and parades. At only 10 ft long its about 2/3 the size of a normal car. The body is in great shape for a 1960's Italian Car but does have a couple of issues. Most notably the rear lid has rust through and will need to eventually be replaced, there is also a rust hole in the drivers door, some pitting on the chrome and the bumpers have been painted silver. The interior is original to 1968 and is overall good. the top is usable but definitely old as are the seat covers, one of them has a seam split. All the electrics work and I have personally driven this car on some short ventures.

The Bianchina Quattroposti has 4 somewhat usable seats and a backward slanted rear glass that adds a very classic look. This was the upscale version of the Fiat 500 and makes an appearance in the movie "Roman Holiday." Mechanically it starts, stops, turns tightly and sounds like a Fiat 500, same engine and transmission.

For a similar vintage 500L in good condition, you can expect to pay in the range of $15,000 to the low $20,000 range. The Autobianchi variant is a little bit obscure in this market, and the condition here is a little bit rough, but originality has its merits at times. Somewhere around $10,000 to $13,000 is probably a good estimate as to where this Bianchina will sell for.

-Paul

Fiat

1968 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe

April 28, 2013 Graham 1 Comment

The 124 Spider was rather popular in the US, seeing the brand through their exit from the market in 1982 and living on as the Pininfarina Spider until 1985. Less well known is the coupe related to the Spider, the 124 Sport Coupe. Sold in three series from 1967 through 1975, this coupe had traces of exotica in its DNA, from the four cylinder engine designed by Aurelio Lampredi to the styling penned by Mario Boano, who also designed the Ferrari 250GT. A little under 300,000 of these coupes were produced through all three series (AC, BC and CC). This early AC is for sale in Washington state.

1968 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe

This is a Fiat 124 Sport Coupe from California, the car appears to have extensive mechanical rebuilding including suspension, and engine. The car has been fitted with twin Weber 40 DCOE carbs and clearly has cams to go with the carbs. Timing belt is nice and tight and looks to be recently replaced, probably when the engine was done (guessing 8,000-10,000 miles ago) sorry no receipts. The engine does not smoke at all and is a delight, clearly who ever rebuilt it did an excellent job. The car also has the sump protector on it along with what appears to be an Ansa rear muffler and twin tip, sounds great dignified growl.
The car shows 44,577 on the odometer, I am guessing that is more like 144,577.

I am selling the car for a client, who found something else he wishes to purchase even though the 124 was a recent purchase. In order for him to purchase the other car he needs to sell this one. The car drives incredibly well, and is very docile when driven gently, but when you open the throttle this thing seriously comes to life. Handling is superb, and the car has a set of period BWA wheels with excellent tires. The car drives great and the suspension is all very nice and tight, looks to have a larger front anti sway bar also. The exhaust is in great condition as well and the car is fitted with a set of tubular headers.

Brakes are excellent. Transmission shifts perfectly and all syncros are pefect. All glass is in fine condition. Most of the chrome shows wear but is quite serviceable. Missing the upright trim on the rear edge of the drivers door. There is very little rust present on the car and its very solid and decent underneath, see the pictures. Rust bubbles are present on the right rear window, and right rocker just in front of the rear wheel. There was some rust repair under the rear edge of the hood. The dark green paint looks good from ten feet, but the new owner will eventually want to repaint the car.

What is nice is that this extremely rare coupe is solid straight completely driveable and can definitely be enjoyed while being improved on. The front seats are aftermarket and comfortable, no idea what happened to the original front seats. Most of the interior is nice but the dash pad is seriously in need of being recovered. All gauges and lights work. Not a cheap car but it has been a long time since I have seen one as over all solid and nice driving as this one. If I did not have so many cars of my own, I would have already bought this one its an absolute blast to drive and will give a stock 2.0 liter Alfa a serious run for its money.

Feel free to ask any and all questions, the car is advertised locally and the owner is open to offers. My name is Jim and I can be reached on my cell phone at 425 238 5317 please be aware that I am on the West coast and will appreciate your taking the time zone into consideration. The car must be paid for in full in verifiable funds before it can be shipped or driven away. I am happy to help arrange shipping for the new owner. The reserve reflects what the owner has invested in the car and in my opinion is a bargain. Thanks for looking and for bidding.

This isn't a perfect 124 Sport Coupe, but it seems to be all there and the seller is rather honest in its description. I'd suspect somewhere around $7,000 to $8,000 would probably be a fair value for this one, given that the seller has a reserve set. While I tend to like the BC version a tad better, with its dual headlamps, this AC is clearly a product of the Spider of which it shares its platform and is a classic Fiat that you certainly don't see every day (or every year, for that matter).

-Paul

Fiat

1980 Fiat Brava

April 22, 2013 Graham 4 Comments

Towards the end of Fiat’s original run in the US market in the early 1980s, the manufacturer had several offerings in showrooms. The newly introduced Strada (known as the Ritmo elsewhere), the mid-engined X1/9 and Fiat 124 Spider. While the Strada would be discontinued after Fiat’s exit in 1982, the X1/9 would continue on as the Bertone X1/9, which the 124 Spider would be sold under the Pininfarina badge. There was one other holdout in the US market until the pullout, the 131, later known as the Brava.

Offered as a two or four door sedan and four door wagon in the US, these weren’t particular flashy vehicles, but their tidy styling and Italian DNA gave buyers seeking something a little less boring in the family car segment. Not only that, the 131 went on to win the World Rally Championship three times; an accomplishment few of its competitors could boast about. This Brava for sale in New York is a rare chance to get one of these cars in good condition.

1980 Fiat Brava

For sale is my 1980 Fiat Brava sedan. The car is completely stock and has only 51,670 miles. The only item added to the car is an AM/FM cassette radio I installed in the car back in 1993 (I still have the original radio plastic blank). This FIAT drives very well and is in wonderful condition. I have the original manual, brochure, keys, pictures from the original owner and maintenance records. It has Pirelli tires which are in great condition, original wheels, jack and tool kit.

History......I purchased the car in 1993 from a person in Michigan. I believe I am the second owner. It had 33,000 miles on it and was completely original. The car had been rust-proofed when it was bought from the dealer in Michigan. Domenick's Foreign Cars of White Plains inspected the car before my purchase. That inspection in 1993 revealed some previous body work to the right rear quarter panel and appeared to be an excellent repair (I have the body shop invoice!). Although I put 18,000 miles on it, the car has been driven about 500 miles in the last 10 years. It has been garaged since 1993. In the last 200 miles, I did extensive work to the mechanicals....complete engine tuneup, transmission serviced, replaced suspension, brakes and replaced various lines, hoses and wires. In November 2011, the car was repainted for the first time in its original color using a 2-stage urethane process. I have kept this car in very good order.

Items of attention.....The timing belt could be replaced as it is over 5 years old. The headliner is sagging a little and I considered replacing it myself but discovered a local shop that replaces headliners. If I keep the car I will get this done. The A/C needs to be recharged or converted. The driver seat left side seam has come apart. The interior rear deck lid needs repair. This is a rare 1980 Fiat Brava in fantastic condition.

Even though they are rare, the 131 and Brava doesn’t have that much of a following in the US, which has kept prices low. For a car like this, I’d expect somewhere around the $4,500 to $5,500 mark would snag it. Unfortunately, this Brava has the GM sourced 3-speed automatic transmission, but, with a car like this, beggars can’t be choosers. I haven’t seen a clean 131 or Brava like this in a while and it’s nice to see a few of these out there in the wild that are still well preserved.

-Paul