For Sale: 1982 Fiat 131 in Aiken, South Carolina

This vehicle is located in one of our European showrooms and is eligible for importation to the United States. Please contact us for more information. Price includes delivery to our Aiken, SC facility and all applicable title fees, insurance, bonds, duties, import taxes, and transportation charges. Vehicle will be sold with clean and clear South Carolina title.The customer is always right... in racing too. And Fiat's official entrance to the world of rally racing proved exactly this.At the turn of the 1960s and 70s, numerous private customers were requesting Fiat to support them in competing in rallies with its 124 Sport Spider. In that period, rally competitions were the most popular form of motor racing. In 1971 Fiat took over Abarth and transformed it into the company's official racing department. This was to prepare the terrain for the launch of the Fiat Racing Team, which duly made its debut in the 1972 racing season with the 124 Abarth Rally Group 4. This car obtained excellent results and so convinced Fiat managers to increase their racing investments. In 1976 it was decided to replace the aging 124 line, and a special set up was prepared on the new Fiat 131 sedan: the idea being to take advantage of the image return generated by racing successes to increase the model's sales. And so a quiet three-volume family sedan was transformed into a phenomenal racing car.The design and construction of the bodywork was entrusted to the Bertone Style Centre. There, fiberglass and aluminium were used to create a lightweight car resembling the Fiat 131 Mirafiori in its two-door version. To decrease weight, the 131 Abarth Rally was fitted with resin bonnets and mudguards, and aluminium doors. Larger wheel arches and spoilers were then added, to provide the necessary downforce. Extra-large dynamic air intakes on the left side of the bonnet and on the sides facilitated the cooling of mechanical parts.Built between 1976 and 1978, 400 examples were assembled - the minimum number to comply with FIA regulations on Group 4 Racing - after which the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally Gr.4 model quickly imposed itself in competitions all over the world.Our 131 Rally is a great tribute to the original racing cars. With her correct body work and great running gear. We purchased her in Italy where she was given a full restoration. She is a genuine 2-door 131 with the correct 2.0L 4 cylinder engine, which is in great working condition. This wonderful engine is mated to a 5 speed Abarth gearbox, with shifts with great precision. Our 131 has been painted (no stickers) in the classic Alitalia racing livery. It really suits her... Also the cabin presents very well, with new racing buckets installed with easy to use harnesses. In the dashboard you will find genuine Abarth gauges which really complete the look.Driving this 131 is a wonderful experience. From the sound to the raw sensation of driving. You will feel like a true rally pilot while driving her. This is thanks to the mechanicals which have had an overhaul during the restoration.This you will not find again, or maybe you will but it will be rusted out. This iconic model is very rare, very fast and very cool.