RE: Fiat Coupe: Catch it While You Can
Discussion
J4CKO said:
Used to stick with Pirelli P zeros I think - 6k out of the front was fairly typical.
What tyres did you have on it, mine came with some crappy Nankangs or something and it was horrific, put some Continentals on and it was like a different car, traction no longer a problem, even in the wet if sensible.
What tyres did you have on it, mine came with some crappy Nankangs or something and it was horrific, put some Continentals on and it was like a different car, traction no longer a problem, even in the wet if sensible.
cheddar said:
white_goodman said:
Itsallicanafford said:
its a bit confusing this article...20V N/a and turbo models were both available, as where 16V n/a and turbo models.
Yes, I found that a bit confusing as well and could lead to someone who doesn't know much about them paying over the odds for a 20v non-turbo! When purchasing, there's a simple road test to confirm whether it's a NA 20V or Turbo 20V.
If the gauges look like this it's a Turbo:
Edited by cheddar on Thursday 19th November 18:29
donaldwh said:
Seems like too much money to spend in restoring a potential rust bucket. The Fiat in not in same class as Peugeot 406 Coupe with 3.0V6 & 5 speed gearbox. It will take tuning to inlet & exhaust systems & software improvement. The PininFarina body is much better styled, it has a proper sized rear seat, so takes 4 comfortably with real leg room & has a huge boot. It has a strut brace to front suspension towers & with good tyres handles brilliantly. I have owned one for 7 years in New Zealand, best touring car & utterly reliable. I can compare with Pug 405 Mi16, 205 GTi, 306 XSi.
You are having a proper full blown giraffe aren't you?If you want to take 4 comfortably and get a big boot, buy a Mondeo.
The 406 coupe was an "ok" looking unreliable under powered wobbly soggy heavy mess of a coupe. At the time they looked ok. Like the Calibra.
It never really troubled any one or excited anyone. It was big and heavy and that was about it.
The V6 wasn't particularly powerful and normally aspirated engines cost thousands to tune properly.
The Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo was smaller, lighter, faster, sportier, better looking, more original and if you wanted more power, was VERY easy to get ridiculous power from.
The old thing with these was that once they were moving they were quicker than an E46 M3
A 406 was miles behind both.
PHMatt said:
donaldwh said:
Seems like too much money to spend in restoring a potential rust bucket. The Fiat in not in same class as Peugeot 406 Coupe with 3.0V6 & 5 speed gearbox. It will take tuning to inlet & exhaust systems & software improvement. The PininFarina body is much better styled, it has a proper sized rear seat, so takes 4 comfortably with real leg room & has a huge boot. It has a strut brace to front suspension towers & with good tyres handles brilliantly. I have owned one for 7 years in New Zealand, best touring car & utterly reliable. I can compare with Pug 405 Mi16, 205 GTi, 306 XSi.
You are having a proper full blown giraffe aren't you?If you want to take 4 comfortably and get a big boot, buy a Mondeo.
The 406 coupe was an "ok" looking unreliable under powered wobbly soggy heavy mess of a coupe. At the time they looked ok. Like the Calibra.
It never really troubled any one or excited anyone. It was big and heavy and that was about it.
The V6 wasn't particularly powerful and normally aspirated engines cost thousands to tune properly.
The Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo was smaller, lighter, faster, sportier, better looking, more original and if you wanted more power, was VERY easy to get ridiculous power from.
The old thing with these was that once they were moving they were quicker than an E46 M3
A 406 was miles behind both.
Good article on a wonderful yet underrated car. I've owned pretty much every model (except a Plus and 16v NA) and loved them all (although they all felt different). I recently bought back one of our old Coupes (a 20v NA) going for parts on eBay for a couple of hundred pounds and it's currently nestled between a £100k Morgan and Lamborghini and doesn't look out of place. Very happy to have such a special car back in my hands - with this kind of styling and engine note they should cost ALOT more.
Currently own an R reg 20VT in scots green with black leather interior. When the first 20v n/a cars went on sale here, I bought a brand new broom yellow one.
20VT does take the biscuit. Very fast and sure footed, comfy, practical, and loads of room for passengers and luggage when required. I agree with the article that the looks have aged well compared to other cars of the same age. My car is currently stock, and is plenty fast enough. Interior wears well if the seats are looked after. Some creaks and squeaks but nothing drammatic.
Maintenance wise, specialists rather than stealers as they have no knowledge of these cars now. I do all my own work (everything except bodywork), so have never had a problem with the apparent expense of belts, clutches etc. It is easy to do the cam belt with the engine in place. Bit fiddly but there is enough movement on the unbolted and supported engine to shift it over and get the belt and idlers on and off.
I'm lucky to have quite a rust free example. It had some lacquer issues when purchased, and has been given a respray since, and underneath is extremely clean and rust free. Rust is getting to be a problem on these cars generally, but in very specific places so easy to find if looking at one with a view to buy.
Now, I also own a GTV 24v V6, and drive both cars enough to compare, and I will say that the Alfa does come first in standard form. V6 Busso engine simply cannot be beaten for sound and instant responsiveness. Handling is sharper than the Coupe (I smirk every time I hear how the V6 spoils the handling. For me it plants the front end better and gives the car more feel), and looks wise, it has the edge. Boot is smaller, and rear seats are just for decoration, but it is a beautifully balanced car and the self steer rear suspension makes a big different. However, the Coupe is more quirky, and the 20VT is a superb engine for covering lots of distance rapidly and comfortably.
I'm lucky to have both. They are awesome cars
20VT does take the biscuit. Very fast and sure footed, comfy, practical, and loads of room for passengers and luggage when required. I agree with the article that the looks have aged well compared to other cars of the same age. My car is currently stock, and is plenty fast enough. Interior wears well if the seats are looked after. Some creaks and squeaks but nothing drammatic.
Maintenance wise, specialists rather than stealers as they have no knowledge of these cars now. I do all my own work (everything except bodywork), so have never had a problem with the apparent expense of belts, clutches etc. It is easy to do the cam belt with the engine in place. Bit fiddly but there is enough movement on the unbolted and supported engine to shift it over and get the belt and idlers on and off.
I'm lucky to have quite a rust free example. It had some lacquer issues when purchased, and has been given a respray since, and underneath is extremely clean and rust free. Rust is getting to be a problem on these cars generally, but in very specific places so easy to find if looking at one with a view to buy.
Now, I also own a GTV 24v V6, and drive both cars enough to compare, and I will say that the Alfa does come first in standard form. V6 Busso engine simply cannot be beaten for sound and instant responsiveness. Handling is sharper than the Coupe (I smirk every time I hear how the V6 spoils the handling. For me it plants the front end better and gives the car more feel), and looks wise, it has the edge. Boot is smaller, and rear seats are just for decoration, but it is a beautifully balanced car and the self steer rear suspension makes a big different. However, the Coupe is more quirky, and the 20VT is a superb engine for covering lots of distance rapidly and comfortably.
I'm lucky to have both. They are awesome cars
Loved both of my 20vT's, would never have sold but I bought a dod 2nd time around & sold it for £2.5k less than I paid after 5mths & a blown turbo. 1st one was written off (not by me).
Both std except SS exhaust, went like stink & handling was more fun than precise!
7yrs on I still miss mine, a mate misses his too despite us both owning more exotic cars since.
Both std except SS exhaust, went like stink & handling was more fun than precise!
7yrs on I still miss mine, a mate misses his too despite us both owning more exotic cars since.
James Junior said:
JeffreyLebowski said:
I know it's fashionable to slag off Vauxhalls, but saying the Calibra has aged terribly is a load of crap, personally I think they're a sleek, handsome design for the era that with a more fashionable badge (and probably better driving dynamics, although I've never driven one!) would probably be sought after today.
Fiat Coupe along with Alfa GTV V6 (not Phase III) and GT V6 try and find a decent one of either for sale with less than 90,000 on the clock. Regret selling my 1998 Phase I GTV V6 for 2k now to fund GT should have kept it and had 2 Bussos in the family. Remember for GT V6 that only just over 400 were brought into UK less than that left so rare car now. Only thing you need fit over standard on either car is Q2 differential money well spent and GT is better on 17" rims than 18". So catch a V6 GTV or GT while you can. 
I remember testing a 5 cylinder N/A model in maroon metallic with tan leather, God I fell in love with that car! My old man put me right off as the local fiat dealers were renowned for being s
te so I bought yet another ford rs of some sought.
I tell you what though, if a similar interior'd car came up for sale I'd be tempted! Would have to be an N/A model for me just to replicate the sound of the one a tested
te so I bought yet another ford rs of some sought.I tell you what though, if a similar interior'd car came up for sale I'd be tempted! Would have to be an N/A model for me just to replicate the sound of the one a tested
PHMatt said:
There is a big phat ZERO on PH for sale. I should imagine the vast majority have rusted and blown transfer boxes (4x4 models) and so have been scrapped.
A few for sale here..http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/classic_cars.php?ca...
Always thought the Calibra looked a little bit like a small 90s Camaro.
Regarding rust on Coupes, I'm not surprised they haven't rusted much, like it's Tipo cousin, it was fully galvanised. FIAT were very keen to shake off their rust reputation so went full at it with the Tipo based models from the late 80s.
Someone above mentioned Bangle did the interior. It was actually Pinifarina who had that task - and a wonderful job they did too!
PHMatt said:
j_s14a said:
How I miss the era of these cars. Just think of what's around today compared to then:
Fiat coupe
Alfa GTV
Corrado
Celica GT4
MR2
Calibra turbo
200SX
MX6
Prelude
FTO
audi S2
Modern cars are so boring.
Alfa BrerraFiat coupe
Alfa GTV
Corrado
Celica GT4
MR2
Calibra turbo
200SX
MX6
Prelude
FTO
audi S2
Modern cars are so boring.
VW Schirroco
Toyota GT86
Vauxhall Astra GTC/VXR
Nissan 370z
Mazda MX5
Honda Civic Type R
Mitsi - not a fan - do they make anything anymore?
Audi - all kinds of fast cars in 2015
When you add in current Fast Fords, Renaults etc etc I can't really see why you think we're worse off now than then?
Scirocco = golf in a dress.
GT86/BRZ = good call.
Astra = Astra. Enough said.
370 = only 2 seats and expensive.
Mx5 = got fat over the years, good diet recently so another good call.
Civic = original great, got fat over the years, now a shadow of itself.
Mitsubishi = as an FTO owner, I agree nothing special.
Audi = see Scirocco. Boring to drive, boring to look at inside and out.
With a few exceptions, modern cars are dull. Boring engines, dull steering, overly aggressive styling and dull interiors.
Came late to the party - bought my '99 20V VIS last November. 83K miles and I'm the 3rd owner. It's my daily driver and a great job it does as such too. Hardly surprising since, as has already been said, the Coupe is essentially a Tipo with a stylish body and a nice engine.
Not even an advisory for any corrosion on this year's MOT (after 16 years) and the car's been thoroughly practical and reliable. Just had a major service which included rear discs and pads, handbrake cables (well known for those!) a full exhaust system, new battery and a new radiator - so that stung a bit! Then again, the car feels special every time you start it up and drive it plus mine's a keeper so I'm happy to stay on top of the servicing.
Can definitely recommend them - just make sure you track down one that's been well loved and looked after. Plenty fall into the wrong (cheap) hands due to the low buy-in price (I paid £1,850 for mine - bargain!).
The N/A versions are a sweet steer and supposedly more reliable than the Turbo versions but obviously I can't comment on that.
Not even an advisory for any corrosion on this year's MOT (after 16 years) and the car's been thoroughly practical and reliable. Just had a major service which included rear discs and pads, handbrake cables (well known for those!) a full exhaust system, new battery and a new radiator - so that stung a bit! Then again, the car feels special every time you start it up and drive it plus mine's a keeper so I'm happy to stay on top of the servicing.
Can definitely recommend them - just make sure you track down one that's been well loved and looked after. Plenty fall into the wrong (cheap) hands due to the low buy-in price (I paid £1,850 for mine - bargain!).
The N/A versions are a sweet steer and supposedly more reliable than the Turbo versions but obviously I can't comment on that.
Edited by firebird350 on Saturday 21st November 17:28
I had a new 20VT in 1998. Lovely car and the fastest thing I'd ever driven. L&M International looked after it and Owen Developments did a Unichip piggyback ECU to get 280hp out of it. Back then nobody knew how to tune them so a lot was trial and error.On long hills at WOT the FI light used to come on! First engine blew up at 12k miles thanks to Regal Autosport, the car was less than 12m old!
R696 JDL, where are you now my lovely?
R696 JDL, where are you now my lovely?
PHMatt said:
j_s14a said:
How I miss the era of these cars. Just think of what's around today compared to then:
Fiat coupe
Alfa GTV
Corrado
Celica GT4
MR2
Calibra turbo
200SX
MX6
Prelude
FTO
audi S2
Modern cars are so boring.
Alfa BrerraFiat coupe
Alfa GTV
Corrado
Celica GT4
MR2
Calibra turbo
200SX
MX6
Prelude
FTO
audi S2
Modern cars are so boring.
VW Schirroco
Toyota GT86
Vauxhall Astra GTC/VXR
Nissan 370z
Mazda MX5
Honda Civic Type R
Mitsi - not a fan - do they make anything anymore?
Audi - all kinds of fast cars in 2015
When you add in current Fast Fords, Renaults etc etc I can't really see why you think we're worse off now than then?
Scirocco = golf in a dress.
GT86/BRZ = good call.
Astra = Astra. Enough said.
370 = only 2 seats and expensive.
Mx5 = got fat over the years, good diet recently so another good call.
Civic = original great, got fat over the years, now a shadow of itself.
Mitsubishi = as an FTO owner, I agree nothing special.
Audi = see Scirocco. Boring to drive, boring to look at inside and out.
With a few exceptions, modern cars are dull. Boring engines, dull steering, overly aggressive styling and dull interiors.
I think they are a very special, if flawed in some areas car, the original 16 valve turbo has an Integrale engine but is worth cock all, definitely a classic in the making, currently at rock bottom, defintely due to start appreciating, it is so obvious really, will never be another Integrale but it is better than the current values, one to watch for sure.
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