Think of the great homologation specials for WRC and a few iconic nameplates will emerge: various Quattros, Deltas, Evolutions and the like pushing the buttons and flicking the bobble of rally fans the world over. It would probably be a little while, however, until the Abarth 131 came up in discussion. Which seems a bit of a shame.
Here is a car that won three Manufacturers' Championships (1977, 1978 and 1980) as well as two Drivers' Championships in '78 and '80 (with Markku Alen and Walter Rohrl on driving duty). It has ample pedigree, put simply, and deserves to be recognised with the rear-wheel drive rally greats.
PHer 'Lagerlout' is one of those people who is well aware of the 131's significance, so much so that he's actually bought one. The thread about his newest acquisition was only started on Wednesday night, but it will come as no surprise to find it's been inundated with positive messages already. Lagerlout's car red 131 isn't quite standard, but there's nothing about the upgrades that wouldn't appeal: more power, a limited-slip diff, suspension changes and so on.
With the thread so young there aren't a great many more details yet, but the car is so interesting that it was worth bringing to a wider PHer audience. Lagerlout, we can't wait to hear more about your car, and congratulations on a very cool purchase - enjoy!
Read the full thread here.
