Every since the original Volkswagen Golf GTI appeared on the scene, the automotive landscape has never been the same. The hot hatchback took over where the roadster left off in the 1970s, and cars such as the Mini Cooper S, current Volkswagen GTI and Fiat 500 Abarth offer motorists big fun in small packages. One of my favorite hot hatchbacks of the 1980s is a bit of a dark horse. The Fiat Ritmo, or Strada as it was known here in North America, didn't exactly set the sales charts on fire. That could possibly be attributed to the fact that they weren't the most attractive or well built vehicles. Another reason could be the mere fact that Fiat omitted their hot version from the lineup here, namely the 105TC, 125TC and finally, the 130TC that we see here. The 130TC was a dual carb little monster, capable of 60 mph from a standstill in about seven and a half seconds from its twin cam, 2.0 liter 128 horsepower four cylinder engine. This very original example is for sale in Potenza on the Italian Adriatic coast.
Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130TC, 1985, 2000cc, 89,000km, red over black interior. Black and gray plate, in original condition and perfect shape. Original exhaust and wheels, new brakes, new reconditioned carburetors, new fuel pump, new belt. Ready to immediately use. Enrolled in the ASI, beautiful and fitted with certificate of historical importance.
As with most Italian cars, red suits this Ritmo Abarth. The asking price of over $11,000 USD is a hard figure to swallow when the best, most original Strada here in the US may bring $2,000 to $3,000. But, for those intrepid enthusiasts, there is a lot of interesting machinery that is now legal to import stateside, this fiery little hatchback being one of them.
If you were to draw a picture of the quintessential Italian roadster, the Fiat 1200 might be close to the finish product after the pen hits the paper. These were the father of the Fiat 124 Spider, which lived on into the 1980s. With a 1.2 liter four cylinder engine, the 1200 wasn't the fastest open roofed Italian cars of the era, but they offered a lot of style and fun from a small package. This example for sale in Pennsylvania has been freshened up and the hardtop is a nice addition that you don't see every day.
This is a very nice 1963 Fiat 1200 Spyder. The paint is in very good condition. It runs and drives extremely well. The seat covers are about a year old. We just redid the door panels, full rubber kit and floor mats/carpet. Mechanically, it is very sound as well, just refreshed. It is very clean. We have the removable hard top only. It needs very little to be a gem. We have the original owner's manuals as well.
The best Fiat 1200 Convertible out there may bring $20,000 to $25,000, so a clean example falling short of perfection, such as this car, should be a little bit under that range. I'd say a fair price is being asked here, especially considering that if you just give it a mere passing glance, you might think you spotted the more expensive Lancia Aurelia B24 Convertible of the era.
Before the outbreak of World War II, Bianchi was known as a bicycle manufacturer and a maker of high end vehicles. With the destruction of the Bianchi factory during the war and the death of founder Edoardo Bianchi in 1946, ownership passed on to his son, who kept the business alive, focusing on the bicycle and motorcycle production. It was soon thereafter Bianchi begun to explore the possibility of returning to automobile manufacturing. It was apparent, however, that the costs in doing so were too great for this small company. A partnership with Fiat was thus devised, as this provided Bianchi with the necessary economies of scale and gave Fiat a way to capture the premium small car market under a new nameplate: Autobianchi. This particular car for sale, the Bianchina, was the first product of the partnership. It was based on Fiat 500 mechanicals and had was a rather unique two door body style with a folding canvas roof. Few of these were made, and fewer still made it to the US. This one for sale in Arizona has had a complete restoration and exudes a late 1950s look in turquoise with a white roof.
Summary: 1960 Autobianchi Bianchina Transformabile Special, Series 2, is a very rare Italian micro car only produced from 1959 to 1961. Only 1500 of these semi-convertible ‘transformabile Specials’ models were made. Complete restoration done to show quality. Runs, drives and shows excellent.
Details: Powered by a 500cc/21hp, air cooled, rear mounted 2 cylinder engine, backed by a 4-speed manual gearbox, 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. This is an excellent example of one of the world's most attractive micro cars. A complete high quality restoration done to show standards has been performed. This car was brought down to it’s tub, media blasted with aluminum oxide and all internal floor and doors treated with Por-15 products before body and paint completion. Finished in a classic blue color with cream accents, and sporting Pirelli tires. One look will tell the experienced buyer the level of restoration this Bianchina has received, down to new or rebuilt mechanicals, and attention to details that really make this car a one of a kind. VIN#018118 Motor: FIAT 110.004 #090895
Car History: In 1885, 20-year-old Eduardo Bianchi set up a bicycle-making business in Milan, and before long was making motorized three-wheelers and then, before the turn of the century, four-wheelers. In the 1920s, Bianchi was third behind only Fiat and Lancia in Italian car production. In 1955, following a business alliance with Fiat and Pirelli and a name change to Autobianchi, the reorganized company focused its operations on a long-running series of upscale Fiat 500 variants. Fiat provided the technical components and knowledge, Pirelli provided the tires, and Bianchi created the bodies and assembled the vehicles. The body was designed by Luigi Rapi. The first product produced under this new venture was the Bianchina which was based on the Fiat 500 and offered luxury features not found on the 500. The first body style to roll off the assembly line was the 'Trasformabile' and would remain as the only body-style available until 1960, when the Cabriolet was introduced.
Diminutive yet bursting with an abundance of sporting character, the Bianchina offered sturdy and widely available Fiat 500 mechanical components with luxurious levels of trim for the era. The understated yet captivating Bianchina was further enhanced by a series of mechanical upgrades, including a lowered suspension, which contributed to a sportier ride. Despite its small two-cylinder air-cooled engine mounted in the rear of the car, the Bianchina was quite a capable performer, with a top speed of 60 mph and an estimated range of nearly 300 miles. Fuel economy reportedly approached a very impressive 50 mpg. While the Bianchina was just one of the many fascinating European micro cars that were available during the 1950s and 1960s, it was an unqualified success. In fact, with its decidedly sporty demeanor and limited-production cachet, it was quickly regarded by enthusiasts as the rich mans’ Fiat.
It's always amazing to me that old technology could return such high fuel economy figures, but then, it shows how much of a benefit light weight can be. If manufacturers these days would explore more lightweight materials and work on getting the costs down to reasonable levels, it would only help the drive for greater fuel efficiency.
Fiat 500s of this era, in good condition, regularly trade hands in the $15,000 to $20,000 range, with exceptional or rare examples fetching even more money. If this Bianchina sells, I would probably peg it in the $25,000 to $30,000 range, but if the right bidders are in the mix, it may bring slightly more.
My father was one of the first people in the US to place an order for a 2002 MINI Cooper. When we went to order the car, there were no new vehicles on the lot or in the showroom, but a few vintage Minis hanging about. A similar trend has taken shape at Fiat dealers across the country. While the Nuova 500 is readily available in the showroom, every now and then you'll see a vintage Fiat for sale on the lot to draw some customers into the showroom and highlight a bit of the manufacturer's history. Following on to the Fiat 850 Bertone Coupe we featured last week, here is an 850 Spider for sale in Oklahoma City.
Beautiful Italian styling combined with timeless functionality, efficient design and the thrill of a classic automobile – these are the attributes that made the 1972 FIAT 850 a timeless icon. If you are in search of an iconic Italian classic, this FIAT 850 showcases just that. Come see this classic piece of Italian historic luxury.
For about $4,000, you would be hard pressed to find a cheaper way into an Italian vehicle without it instantly bankrupting you. The convertible top on this 850 Spider looks a bit ill-fitting and a few trim items could use some freshening up, but overall, this car looks to be a nice survivor that falls short of show quality but could be instantly enjoyed.
Introduced in 1964, the Fiat 850 came in many flavors. From a roadster to a small van, there was a model for nearly every taste and lifestyle. One of the more interesting models was the Bertone Coupe. Related to the 850 Spider, the factory entered these coupes into competition in the 1969 Rallye Monte Carlo. Its rear mounted four cylinder engine was just under 1.0 liter in capacity and produced 52 horsepower in stock form. This 850 Coupe for sale in California is in original condition and is quite complete; always important when dealing with a rare beast such as this.
Short history of the Fiat 850 Sport Bertone Racer and Carrozzeria Bertone:
A very limited edition of this model have ever been built and just a few are known to survive after 40 years. This is your chance to own a piece of automobile history designed by Carrozzeria Bertone. Similar Bertone Racer Coupes were raced in the Monte Carlo Rally. Giuseppe Bertone, called "Nuccio", (July 4, 1914, Turin, Piedmont – February 26, 1997, Turin) was a famed automobile designer and constructor. He took over Carrozzeria Bertone from his father, Giovanni after World War II, growing the small business to a car building and designing powerhouse.
About this Fiat 850 Sport Bertone Racer:
Runs great, shifts great and is a pleasure to drive. California car, solid body with 75,000 original miles. Newer tires. Custom polished intake manifold with 32/30 Weber carburetor for more horsepower and torque. The original carburetor is also available. Custom made exhaust with a sporty note to take advantage of the bigger carburetor. Original exhaust is also available. Straight body (some small scratches and dents but nothing major).
One seat has a tear on the seam on the bottom and the other one on the back. A must see and drive in order to appreciate. Many new used parts are also available (at extra cost) including, new water pump, piston rings, gasket set, engine, transmission, distributors, new OEM exhaust, racing headers (I have been told they are Abarth but not sure), etc.
Last year, a similar 1969 850 Bertone Coupe came up for sale on eBay priced at $15,000. It was in a little bit nicer shape than this example. Prices are ranging from around $10,000 and under for rough runners to about $15,000 to $20,000 for the best examples. This car may hit $12,000 at the high end. It's not the most exotic of Italian cars, but it is rare to find a car with racing pedigree and Bertone design in this price bracket.
Sometimes you don't need a supercar to experience huge motoring thrills. Even the smallest of cars, such as this recreation of a Fiat 500 Abarth 695 SS will provide big car thrills in a small package for relatively little cost. While this 695 SS is not an original, it is well executed example with good attention to detail, from the Jaeger gauge cluster to Abarth badges.
Really nice Fiat Abarth 695 esse esse with the coveted Assetto Corsa kit. Vehicle is complete, including the original Jaeger dashboard. Vehicle has been restored by a Fiat specialist. During restoration, the engine was overhauled and gearbox rebuilt. Vehicle is on the new Avon tires. Ready to use for the historic motor sport (including street legal). This 500 is completely rust free.
At a shade under $13,000 USD, this Abarth clone is priced around the going rate for standard 500s in the US. Considering an original 695 SS may run around $40,000 to $50,000, this is a relative bargain. Given the fact modern clones are more usable than the originals, both with regards to drivability and the fear of devaluation that comes with use, I think I would be more inclined to buy a sorted example like this rather than pay for the premium of an expensive museum piece.
Even after Fiat’s exit from the US market in 1982, two of its models soldiered on in the US market, the 124 Spider, which was dubbed the Pininfarina Spider, and mid-engine X1/9, dubbed the Bertone X1/9. Production of the car was transferred to importer Malcolm Bricklin, who had a hand in bringing Subaru to the US market and later brought us the Yugo. The X1/9 had staying power, hanging on until 1989. Even with the large, federally mandated bumpers, this example for sale in Florida looks great in basic red over black and is just in time for some summertime enjoyment.
Very few Fiats X19 in this condition. This 1986 Fiat X19 Bertone only has 32,786 miles on it and it shows great . When you drive it you will fall in love. There is nothing mechanically wrong with it. It does not have a radio. It does have AC but it is not cold although all the components are there. Undercarriage is fine ....NO RUST. It has a ding the size of a nickel on the drivers door that is hard to show on pictures. Bid with confidence...this car is as good as they come!
It’s nice that this seller has set a no reserve auction, which will help to give us an idea of where the market is right now for X1/9s. If I had to guess, I’d assume this one would probably wind up at around $8,000 to $10,000. If it sells for less than that, the buyer got a true Italian car bargain. Few come as nice as or unmolested as this one.
Back in January, we featured a rare Fiat Abarth Allemano Spider that was prepped for competition use. Here we have a nice example that car's road going brother up for sale in Santa Barbara, California.
Gorgeous 1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Spider. Coachwork by Allemano. Chassis No. 635135. Numbers Matching Example. 1 of 750 Allemano Spiders Built. Fitted with Optional Campagnolo Wheels
Offered for sale is a fantastic example of an exceedingly rare and beautifully presented 1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Spider with coachwork by Allemano. While a vast majority of Carlo Abarth’s offerings were closed cars, some of his clientele preferred open cars for competition and he was aware that a roadster could be successful in the profitable U.S. market. As such, he commissioned a Spider from Zagato based upon the 750GT. With Zagato's initial designs drawing only limited appeal, Abarth turned to Carrozzeria Allemano, the Turin based coachbuilder famous for their work with Maserati throughout the 1950s. The result of their efforts is a Spider that's entirely unique, sleek and sporty while retaining a period Italian charm. It’s believed that Allemano only built 750 Spiders for Abarth and complete correct cars are especially difficult to find, making this a truly uncommon opportunity.
Tastefully finished in a rich dark blue over black, this car is turns heads and garners attention wherever it goes. The distinctive curved bumpers are in excellent condition, as is all of the chrome and polished alloy trim. The car doesn’t appear to have ever been in any accidents, all of the panel fits and gaps are excellent and the finish is free of any dings or scratches. The car is factory correct with three exceptions: the optional and extremely rare period Campagnolo wheels (which happened to have caught the sunset in the pictures and therefore look much more gold than they actually are – send us an inquiry and we can forward you a picture of them when they’re not in direct sunlight), leather seats (they were originally vinyl), and squareweave interior carpeting (originally just rubber mats). The car’s interior is equally as clean. The seats aand carpets are flawless, as is the original dash, which retains its correct Abarth gauges and switchgear. The door trim is complete with proper storage pockets and the car’s navy soft top and boot cover are in perfect condition.
The original 747 CC inline 4-Cylinder engine with correct 2-Barrel Weber carburetor runs beautifully, starting without any smoke or hesitation, idling consistently and pulling strongly through each of its four gears. The car’s four wheel drum brakes function effectively (it hardly weighs anything, after all), and the car’s wheelbase, front transverse leaf-spring suspension and rear independent coil-spring suspension make it handle like a go-cart. It’s undeniably fun to drive and one immediately understands Abarth’s legendary racing history from behind the steering wheel.
This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an exceptionally rare and unique Abarth Spider that’s ready for club events, shows, or even just weekend drives. Finding another 750 Allemano bodied Spider is nearly impossible, so serious Etceterini or Abarth enthusiasts and collectors ought to give this car significant consideration.
My favorite part about this car has to be those gorgeous, original Campagnolo wheels. Even though they aren't stock, you just don't see period accessories like this on a regular basis. Like most vintage Abarths, this Spider will not come cheap, but whoever lands this car will have a fun runabout and be able to give a little bit of a history lesson to buyers of the new Fiat 500 Abarth and the legend behind the Scorpion badge.
The Fiat 126 was a bit of an automotive mash up. Designed as the replacement for the Nuova 500, the 126 debuted in 1972 and was based on that very car's rear engine architecture, albeit with a more up to date body. Produced in Italy until 1979, the 126 had a lot more production life left in it, as it was produced until 2000 by FSM, a joint venture between FSO and Fiat in Poland. This 1987 model for sale in Rome has been fully restored and would make an affordable and unique import subject, as it now 25 years old and legal to bring to the US.
1987 Fiat 126 FSM. Registered historic, completely renovated recently, complete body restoration with photo documentation, new interior, mechanical coupons with oil, filters, brakes, master cylinder, etc. For sale reluctantly due to space. The restoration was finished about a month ago. Price is not negotiable. I'm selling it for what it cost me. I welcome email and telephone contact. No time wasters. I have other photos.
At an asking price of $3,500, you could probably be just under $5,000 by the time you took care of all the importation costs. That's not an insignificant amount of money for basic transportation, but given this car's complete restoration, you would be hard pressed to find a better example of a 126, no matter the country. Imagine the looks you would elicit upon pulling up to your nearest stateside Fiat dealer...
With the popularity of mid-engine sports cars gaining traction in the late 1960s, Fiat sought to get in on the action and devise a replacement to their rear engine 850 Spider. With styling conceived by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the X1/9 used the all new single cam engine from the front drive Fiat 128, which was handy, as this powerplant was set up having a transaxle, which made conversion to mid-engine use a rather easy affair. At the start, the car’s body was manufactured by Bertone with final assembly carried out by Fiat, and towards the end of the car’s life, the production shifted entirely to Bertone, with the car being transitioned to the “Bertone” badged in 1983 with the exit of Fiat from the US market. The car was marketed in the US until 1987 by Malcolm Bricklin and his company, International Automobile Importers, Inc. The X1/9 soldiered on until 1989 and has garnered a legacy of a lightweight, good handling compact, if a bit susceptible to the usual rust and teething issues that plague Italian cars of the period. This example for sale in Ohio is a Fiat badged X1/9 and beat the odds as a 69,000 mile survivor.
1980 FIAT X1/9. VIN# : 128AS000133787. MILEAGE: 69,498. These X1/9 are hard to find and are listed on Yahoo's ten most desirable used vehicles that are impossible to find. You want to talk about a rare beauty...this 1980 Fiat X1/9 is it. This one has been well maintained as you can see from the pictures. It runs great and there are no issues.
Since the Fiat 500 came to the US last year, I’ve noticed a few Fiat dealers peddling vintage models of the marque, no doubt as a tactic to get people interested in the history of the brand and appreciate the qualities of current offerings. Since it is for sale at a dealer, the almost $8,000 price doesn’t surprise me. If this was from a private seller, you might be able to snag this car for about $2,000 to $3,000 less. If this example is rust free, it, along with the Lancia Scorpion/Montecarlo would be about the cheapest way into a mid-engine Italian vehicle. The color and US spec bumpers are not to my taste, but it is nice to see clean examples of this sporty runabout are still out there if you search hard enough.
