Fiat 131 Sport (Racing)
Discussion
Jerrycans said:
I'm looking at a Fiat 131 Racing and wonder if anyone has experience of these. They seem like a more affordable alternative to the various performance Ford's of a similar vintage or even older (thinking Lotus Cortina here) . Any opinions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
I'm guessing you are not in UK, as the 131 Racing was not what it was called in the UK, its was the Mirafiori Sport in the UK. So, if you are UK, a Racing will be LHD import I guess?But, yes, as said, rust, rust, rust............and more rust.
They had a nice interior and a great chassis.........but, more affordable to buy (if you can find one) than the various performance Fords, but it won't be more affordable to run.......although less of an issue, if you are indeed not in the UK. Parts availability won't be anything like it is for a Fast Ford.
A couple of mates had them back in the late 80's, one was fitted with a LSD. They were more agile than my Dolly Sprint of the time but the Dolly had the more grunt /power (albeit on 2" SUs and ST Group2 cam) . They were lovely cars and made the RS2000 of the same era look cheap and agricultural. And yes the Fiat Twink engine is a gem on the twin 40 webers.
fredd1e said:
And yes the Fiat Twink engine is a gem on the twin 40 webers.
It was a shame they didn't fit 2 x DCOE's to the 131 Sport (Racing) from the factory instead of the single downdraft, given they ended up doing exactly that with the Strada Abarth a few years later, even if just for the UK market, as we never officially got the 131 Abarth.
We had a 131 Sport and a 132 1800 ES in the family in the 80s.
Both wonderful cars, but relatively fragile.
The 131 was capable and cool, ultra low profile (185 / 60!) ensured roadholding way beyond its competitors. It also had a wonderful marcasite interior and a stubby gear lever unique to the car.
I’d love one, but suspect the standard 115bhp would be underwhelming these days.
RSD Built a handful ...Was going to say recently
Where's that gone ! http://www.rallysport-development.co.uk/fiat-131-a...& https://www.facebook.com/specialstage/videos/speci...
Had a Supermirafiori 1600T/C and had lads of fun driving it. A few mods here and there. Then I bought a silver 2000T/C Sport. Driver door was fubarred with rust and rear arches were showing signs of it too. Ended up moving that on and eventually bought a black one with orange interior. Loved that car and wish I still had it.
I had 3 twin cam 131’s many years ago. The first was originally a 1600 pushrod that I fitted an 1800 into, then the 131 Sport, and the finally a 2000 Supermirafiori.
Loved them all, but the latter one was more comfort orientated than the others, with PAS and a raised ride height
Other than the aforementioned rust, I also had the back axles explode on both of my 2 litre cars.
When it let go in the Sport, the prop dropped onto the road, and the rear diff cover resembled a colander. In fairness, I knew it was on its way out and had a spare axle in the boot at the time. The replacement axle came out of a 1300 car, and had a lower final drive so made the car seem just that bit quicker.
At the time, 115bhp seemed perfectly adequate, and it was quite a quick car amongst its peers of the time.
I’ve seen some nice examples for sale in Italy, but they attract strong money over there. I also remember that in Europe, the Racings had smaller 13” wheels than the 14” ones we had in the UK.
Although spares not easy to come by in the UK, there appear to be a number of suppliers in Europe for standard and updated parts.
If I had the benefit of hindsight, a large barn and plenty of funds, my 131 Sport would be one of my past cars I would have squirrelled away.
Loved them all, but the latter one was more comfort orientated than the others, with PAS and a raised ride height
Other than the aforementioned rust, I also had the back axles explode on both of my 2 litre cars.
When it let go in the Sport, the prop dropped onto the road, and the rear diff cover resembled a colander. In fairness, I knew it was on its way out and had a spare axle in the boot at the time. The replacement axle came out of a 1300 car, and had a lower final drive so made the car seem just that bit quicker.
At the time, 115bhp seemed perfectly adequate, and it was quite a quick car amongst its peers of the time.
I’ve seen some nice examples for sale in Italy, but they attract strong money over there. I also remember that in Europe, the Racings had smaller 13” wheels than the 14” ones we had in the UK.
Although spares not easy to come by in the UK, there appear to be a number of suppliers in Europe for standard and updated parts.
If I had the benefit of hindsight, a large barn and plenty of funds, my 131 Sport would be one of my past cars I would have squirrelled away.
Not a 131 racing or sport but a full blown Abarth.
Just look at the thing!!!
https://www.piloteclassics.co.uk/vehicle-details/u...
Just look at the thing!!!
https://www.piloteclassics.co.uk/vehicle-details/u...
My Dad bought a 131 Supermirafiori in 1978, AKM875T, which I learned to drive in.
It was automatic but a nice car to drive if heavy on unassisted steering. Arches were perforated at less than three years old.
Had to wield the WD40 on damp mornings to get it running.
However, it was comfy, handled (my novice experience notwithstanding) and when running the twincam sounded nice.
Oh, and the wiper arms fell off. Random.
Would love to drive one today as a comparison.
It was automatic but a nice car to drive if heavy on unassisted steering. Arches were perforated at less than three years old.
Had to wield the WD40 on damp mornings to get it running.
However, it was comfy, handled (my novice experience notwithstanding) and when running the twincam sounded nice.
Oh, and the wiper arms fell off. Random.
Would love to drive one today as a comparison.
killysprint said:
Not a 131 racing or sport but a full blown Abarth.
Just look at the thing!!!
https://www.piloteclassics.co.uk/vehicle-details/u...
They are fabulous things, although they need a pair of DCOE's or DHLA's fitted to them though, a bit like the RS1800 needed as well.Just look at the thing!!!
https://www.piloteclassics.co.uk/vehicle-details/u...
Fantastic chassis on the 131 Abarth.
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