1984 Fiat 131 Racing Volumetrico

1 of 25 made. genuine Abarth. low ownership and mileage. cherished outstanding original condition.

Left hand drive and sold with an age related registration.

History of this car

This Fiat is a special order. blown version of the 131 Racing with a 2 litre 142hp output motor. developed by Abarth Corse. Different compression. large Abarth designed supercharger (the same as used in the 037 Stradale. indeed both models were built at the same address); this blower is around one third larger than that used in the later Volumex Lancia cars. As part of the Abarth specification. our 131 also runs a special big Weber carburettor. oil cooler. electric fuel pump. sports exhaust and upgraded suspension and brakes. special Pirelli wheels and additional instrumentation.

This was officially a home market only car and whilst record keeping was perhaps not the best at that time. it is generally believed that only 25 of this model were built by Abarth. many of which were sold to staff at a discount from the very high list price. The car was only available in silver or gunmetal metallic. such as our example.

Our car has always lived in Italy until very recently. According to our research. this most rare Fiat was originally delivered new in Turin to a Antonio Caiafa on 10/02/1984. making it amongst the last registered. Sig Caiafa kept the 131 until 1989 before selling to long term owner Claudio Vair in 1989. Lady owner Maria Barale took possession in 2010. selling the car in 2014 to an 86 year old lady. Clara Comba. who then went on to trade the Fiat with a motorsports business from whom we purchased the Fiat last year. What she traded the Fiat for is not recorded!

Only 4500 klms are registered on the odometer of this exceptional car. We initially assumed this was second time round. so 104. 00 klms. until we replaced the perished tyres. which had plenty of tread but were 1984 date stamped. So. we don't know if this is the actual mileage recorded from new or not. and coming from Italy there is no service record paperwork trail - all we can say is the car is very low mileage judging by the superb unrestored condition.

Body

The paint on this Fiat is outstandingly good. The gunmetal metallic paint is thin with an even shine and good lustre. It appears to be factory original. it's that impressive; if it has been repainted. it's a very high quality job without imperfection. Absolutely no rust on the body or other marks of any note.

The strong impression this Fiat makes is bolstered by the like new way the opening panels operate and all closing rubbers are in mint condition.

There's a lot of plastic on the outside of these cars. all of which is undamaged on this example. no cracks or UV degradation. ditto the lights and lenses. glass and all badging look factory fresh. A pair of Vitaloni California mirrors fitted. again like new.

Chassis wise exceptionally straight and rust/accident free.

All 4 Pirelli road wheels present like new. without a single mark.

Mechanics

After a period of inactivity. we've given the Fiat a good service. attending to:

Weber carburettor ultrasonically cleaned and complete rebuild
New timing belt and tensioner
New supercharger belt
New alternator belt
New spark plugs
Fresh oils and filters
New thermostat unit and hoses
Radiator flush and refill
Engine tune
4 x new Michelins

The battery. brakes and exhaust are recent.

This car is smooth and fast – we reckon about 6-7 seconds 0-60 and Abarth quoted a 190kph top end. Roadholding is excellent. gearbox perfect. the brakes powerful and this car is a lot of fun. The rorty. rev happy and super torquey engine runs factory oil pressure readings and doesn't smoke or leak oil.

Underbonnet presentation is factory correct with the exception of a battery isolator.

New MOT with no advisories.

Interior

Another feature of this car is the time warp original interior. The seats. in orange crushed velour. have virtually no wear. ditto the charcoal carpets. The dash board. steering wheel and instrumentation are all like new. with some sagging to the headlining being the sole detraction.

Boot

In fresh unmarked condition again. original jack. toolkit and spare in place.

Summary

Rarer than the 131 Rally homologation cars (and certainly less money) this is perhaps a once in a lifetime chance to buy an original 131 Racing Volumetrico. a proper car built at the Abarth works in A1 original condition. surely real value at the price suggested.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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