At the moment’s Good Value or No Cube 131 is a homage to Fiat’s series-dominating rally vehicles of the late Seventies. Let’s see if this uncommon alternative comes at a profitable worth.
The storied automotive identify Maserati has been sullied over time by the likes of the Chrysler TC and a few Cambiocorsa-equipped Quattroportes which are borderline un-drivable. Seemingly, probably the most unloved of the marque’s choices is the ’80s Biturbo. Nonetheless, that doesn’t appear wholly deserved based mostly on the extremely nice-looking 1989 Biturbo Spyder we thought of yesterday. As pretty because it appeared, although, too few of you would muster as a lot enthusiasm for the automobile’s $24,500 asking worth as the vendor. Finally, that went down in a large 86 p.c No Cube loss.
Seeing as we had a crimson Italian automobile with an fascinating again story simply yesterday, I believe we must always change the tempo immediately and have a look at… checks notes, a crimson Italian automobile with an fascinating again story. Dangit!
Initially, nonetheless, we have to stipulate that this 1976 Fiat 131 Mirafiori Abarth Rally is just not the actual deal. It’s, as a substitute, a reproduction homage to the 400 vehicles homologated to permit Fiat to go rally racing. Constructed by Fiat together with Bertone and Abarth, the road vehicles provided plastic fenders, boot lids, and bonnets and misplaced their bumpers. Abarth fitted the vehicles with a twin-cam engine that includes two twin-choke Weber side-draught carbs, and because the WRC rules stipulated that road and competitors vehicles had to make use of the identical transmission, all of them had non-synchro five-speeds. The Abarth Rally was probably the most profitable WRC contenders of the late Seventies, with the competitors vehicles incomes Fiat the Producers’ Championship in 1977, 1978, and 1980.
This homage automobile has all of the plastic goodies to make it look the half, however it’s largely customary 131 underneath all that, missing the actual deal’s larger brakes, up-rated suspension, and coming with a less-taxing to drive fully-synchromesh version of the Fiat five-speed.
It does have a better-performing engine underneath the hood. The unique 1.8-liter carbureted engine has been given the heave-ho, changed by a later fuel-injected 2.0. That, the vendor notes, means it gained’t go the California smog check’s visible inspection (California requires smog exams on all vehicles going again to 1976) and therefore can’t be registered within the Golden State regardless of it being proven sporting the State’s plates, albeit with outdated tags.
Different points embody some poor panel fitment, flaking of the flat black paint on the grille and window trim, and the data that it was once Seventies orange, as evidenced by the wheel arches underneath the hood. Additionally, the air consumption on the hood, which was initially positioned to feed the carbs, has no actual function on this automobile because the fuel-injected engine has its consumption on the other aspect. Nonetheless, it appears fairly candy.
Issues look significantly better within the cabin. The vinyl upholstery appears to be in surprisingly good situation, as does the sprint and candy Abarth-badged three-spoke steering wheel. The shifter is typical Fiat-long, and in contrast to the factory-homologated vehicles, this one has armrests and door pockets.
In keeping with the vendor, the automobile’s alloys are “Abarth model” however lack any type of heart cap badging. They do put on new Falken tires, although. The vendor claims the automobile “Begins, runs, and handles very nicely.” The quoted 4,582 odometer studying might be not 100% the entire story, however that’s all we get. Tantilizingly, there additionally appears to be a large assortment of additional components that include the automobile within the boot.
One other plus is that the 131’s clear title probably means it wasn’t constructed as a post-wreck Frankencar however as a unusual homage to the pre-Quattro period of rally racing. The asking worth for that have is $19,900.
In keeping with the vendor, actual Abarth Rally editions commerce within the six-figure vary. Additionally they notice that the value tag excludes tax and DMV charges even though the shortcoming to go a smog inspection means the title can’t be transferred in California, the place the automobile is presently positioned.
Nonetheless, we gained’t let slightly factor like authorities rules get in our means. What’s your tackle this odd Italian and that $19,900 asking worth? Does that appear like a good worth for an homage rally automobile? Or is that means an excessive amount of to pretend it till you may make it?
You determine!
San Francisco Bay Space, California, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.
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