The story of Bertone: the most controversial coachbuilder ever
The beginning of Bertone Bertone was founded in November 1912, when Giovanni Bertone, then aged 28, opened a workshop specialising in the construction and…
Fiat 131 Abarth
Fiat 131 Abarth: A Iconic Rally Car That Defined a Motorsport Era.
Vehicle Overview
The Fiat 131 Abarth stands as a legendary figure in the history of rally racing, epitomizing the golden era of motorsport in the late 1970s. Developed through a collaboration between Fiat and Abarth, this high-performance rally car replaced the aging Fiat 124 Abarth Rally and quickly became a dominant force on the rally stage. Produced in a limited run of just 400 units between 1976 and 1978, the Fiat 131 Abarth not only secured its place in motorsport history but also cemented Abarth’s reputation for producing some of the most formidable rally cars of its time. The creation of the Fiat 131 Abarth was driven by the need for a successor to the outdated Fiat 124 Abarth Rally. Initially, Abarth considered using the Fiat X1/9 as the base for their new rally car. However, Fiat decided to evolve the existing Fiat 131 platform instead, a decision that led to the development of the Fiat 131 Abarth. Bertone, the design firm already working on 500 units for homologation in Group 4, adapted its plans to meet Fiat’s revised requirements. This collaboration resulted in the birth of a true rally legend. In 1975, the first version of the Fiat 131 Abarth was introduced, based on the two-door Fiat 131. However, it was the 131 Abarth Bertone prototype that truly set the stage for the rally car’s success. Designed by Bertone’s Style Center, the prototype featured bold new body lines that distinguished it from the standard Fiat 131. Under the hood, the prototype housed a 3.2 V6 engine derived from the Fiat 130, with its cubic capacity increased to 3,481 cm³. This powerful engine, paired with three Weber carburetors, produced an impressive 270 horsepower at 6,800 rpm. With a top speed of 260 km/h, the prototype demonstrated exceptional performance, particularly when driven by Giorgio Pianta, who led it to victory in the 1975 Giro d’Italia. The success of the Fiat 131 Abarth Bertone prototype laid the foundation for the production version of the rally car. Officially launched in 1976, the 131 Abarth quickly made its mark in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Between 1976 and 1982, it achieved remarkable success, securing three Constructors’ World Championships, an FIA Drivers’ Cup, and a Drivers’ World Championship. The Fiat 131 Abarth’s remarkable performance on the rally stage earned it a lasting legacy as one of the most successful and iconic rally cars of its era. Today, the Fiat 131 Abarth remains a symbol of automotive engineering excellence and rallying prowess. Its combination of innovative design, powerful performance, and racing success made it a favorite among motorsport enthusiasts and collectors alike. As a reminder of an era when rally racing captivated the world’s attention, the Fiat 131 Abarth continues to be celebrated as a key player in the history of motorsport.
Technical Specifications
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Year1975
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MakeFiat
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Model131
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CoachbuilderBertone
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Units built400
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Engine TypeV6
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