At this time’s Good Value or No Cube 131 is a homage to Fiat’s series-dominating rally automobiles of the late Seventies. Let’s see if this uncommon alternative comes at a successful 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 might be borderline un-drivable. Seemingly, probably the most unloved of the marque’s choices is the ’80s Biturbo. Nevertheless, that doesn’t appear wholly deserved primarily based on the extremely nice-looking 1989 Biturbo Spyder we thought of yesterday. As pretty because it appeared, although, too few of you might muster as a lot enthusiasm for the automotive’s $24,500 asking worth as the vendor. In the end, that went down in a large 86 % No Cube loss.
Seeing as we had a purple Italian automotive with an fascinating again story simply yesterday, I believe we should always change the tempo right this moment and take a look at… checks notes, a purple Italian automotive with an fascinating again story. Dangit!
In the beginning, nonetheless, we have to stipulate that this 1976 Fiat 131 Mirafiori Abarth Rally isn’t the actual deal. It’s, as a substitute, a duplicate homage to the 400 automobiles homologated to permit Fiat to go rally racing. Constructed by Fiat along with Bertone and Abarth, the road automobiles supplied plastic fenders, boot lids, and bonnets and misplaced their bumpers. Abarth fitted the automobiles with a twin-cam engine that includes two twin-choke Weber side-draught carbs, and because the WRC laws stipulated that road and competitors automobiles 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 automobiles incomes Fiat the Producers’ Championship in 1977, 1978, and 1980.
This homage automotive has all of the plastic goodies to make it look the half, however it’s principally commonplace 131 beneath 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 beneath 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 checks on all automobiles going again to 1976) and therefore can’t be registered within the Golden State regardless of it being proven carrying the State’s plates, albeit with old-fashioned tags.
Different points embody some poor panel fitment, flaking of the flat black paint on the grille and window trim, and the information that it was Seventies orange, as evidenced by the wheel arches beneath the hood. Additionally, the air consumption on the hood, which was initially positioned to feed the carbs, has no actual function on this automotive because the fuel-injected engine has its consumption on the alternative facet. Nonetheless, it appears to be like fairly candy.
Issues look significantly better within the cabin. The vinyl upholstery appears to be like 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 automobiles, this one has armrests and door pockets.
In response to the vendor, the automotive’s alloys are “Abarth fashion” however lack any form of middle cap badging. They do put on new Falken tires, although. The vendor claims the automotive “Begins, runs, and handles very properly.” 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 elements that include the automotive within the boot.
One other plus is that the 131’s clear title doubtless 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 response to the vendor, actual Abarth Rally editions commerce within the six-figure vary. Additionally they word that the worth tag excludes tax and DMV charges although the shortcoming to go a smog inspection means the title can’t be transferred in California, the place the automotive is presently situated.
Nevertheless, we gained’t let a little bit factor like authorities laws get in our approach. What’s your tackle this odd Italian and that $19,900 asking worth? Does that appear like a good worth for an homage rally automotive? Or is that approach an excessive amount of to faux it till you can also make it?
You determine!
San Francisco Bay Space, California, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.
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