The Fiat Ritmo Abarth range started out with a relatively tame offering, the Fiat Ritmo Abarth 105TC. It aped the famous VW Golf GTI's performance, producing 104bhp from its 1.6L mill. As time went on, the Ritmo Abarths continued to see more powerful engine options, and by 1984, Fiat had installed a 128bhp 2.0L twin cam 4-cylinder in the Ritmo Abarth 130TC. In contrast to the fuel-injected GTI, the Ritmo Abarth sucked down fuel through twin carbs - more exciting, if not as livable in day-to-day driving. The Fiat also featured a more favorable cylinder head design, with a cross-flow twin cam architecture sure to breath better than VW's single cam reverse-flow design.
Unique trim separated the Abarth models from the standard Ritmos. Inside, optional Recaro seats were available. Exterior improvements included Abarth-specific wheel arch trim, spoilers, bumpers, as well as upgraded alloy wheels.
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.
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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
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
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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.
