Fiat 131 Abarth

About this model

By 1975, the Abarth 124 Rally was beginning to show its limitations. It was very much a sports car with limited suspension travel and was soon to see its trick 16-valve cylinder head outlawed. Abarth, whom Fiat had purchased as their racing arm in 1971, had the task of developing a suitable replacement.

Despite initially experimenting with the X1/9, the decisive base was the 131 Mirafiori saloon, from which a Group 4 rally machine would be built.

The transformation from street sedan to rally champion was dramatic. To reduce weight, the body was stripped down and rebuilt with lightweight materials, including fibreglass and aluminium. Wide fenders, an aggressive front spoiler, and air intakes gave the car a distinct, muscular stance.

At its heart was the final evolution of the 124’s engine, producing up to 230 horsepower through a five-speed ZF transmission. Replacing the solid rear axle in the standard Fiat 131, the Abarth featured independent rear suspension, drastically improving handling and stability on rough terrain.

The 131 Abarth made its press debut in January 1976, gaining homologation four months later. It quickly proved its worth on the rally stage, winning the World Rally Championship (WRC) Constructors' title in 1977. Fiat continued their domination, securing further WRC titles in 1978 and 1980, driven by legendary figures such as Markku Alén, Walter Röhrl, and Björn Waldegard.

To homologate the car for Group 4, 400 units had to be produced. A de-tuned (140 bhp) 131 Abarth was developed and sold for road use, all in a left-hand drive configuration with three colour options.

(Written in collaboration with @Eeveego)