Fiat : Other 131S

I bought this wagon as part of a package deal here locally last year. and I have (sadly) decided to focus exclusively on the other vehicle I picked up and pass this unique wagon to its next steward.   I currently use the 131 to make short errand runs around town. and it is registered. insured. and titled in my name.   I believe the miles are original. and it sure has its share character flaws which I will detail in the descriptions below.

Mechanical

I do not know whether the 1. 8l powerplant has ever been rebuilt. but it runs well and does its best to hustle 2500 pounds (curb weight) down the road using all of its 86 horsepower.   It certainly leaks some oil and transmission fluid.   The previous owner told me the transmission (GM three-speed) had been pulled and resealed at some point. but I do not think the car has been driven very much over the last few years and I am certain some of the seals have hardened.   Having said that. it shifts through all gears  just fine. and the engine runs well.   I literally have not touched the mechanicals since I bought it.   I am sure it would benefit from a basic tune. though it passed California smog last year when I bought it.   All smog equipment is still in place.

Appearance

Overall. the car needs some fettling.   The windshield is cracked. but does not obstruct the driver's vision.   The body is straight. but has a few scratches and minor dings consistent with its age.   The largest depression is on the driver's side front fender. but it is shallow and hard to capture in photos because of its depth and the brown trim color – but it is there.   The dash has several cracks. and the headliner is drooping but is completely intact and I would think could be removed and re-glued.   The vinyl seat upholstery is in great shape.   Many years ago the driver's seat was redone. and the color shade is somewhat darker than the other seats.   I have sheepskins on the front seats. but the minor color differential never really bothered me.   The carpets are original but in solid condition.   At some point the car was repainted in its original “Disco 70s” color scheme. but it was done well and looks really good for its age.  

Rust

To the best of my knowledge. this 131 has spent its entire life in Southern California.   Consequently. rust is very minimal and located along the bottom edge of the left rear window.   There may be a few other minor spots but nothing I would consider major.   The undercarriage is clean (oily and dirty in a good sort of way). as is the rest of the body.

Operational

The following description is a list of known deficiencies. but there may other problems I have not encountered or are even aware of.   The center rear motor mount seems soft and should be replaced.   The high beams do not work.   The main light switch is “wonky. ” Sometimes it has to be jiggled to get the dash and rear outside lights to work.   The plastic hood release handle disintegrated last week. but you can still open the hood with the remnant left behind.   The tires are old – really old – and should be replaced.   Accordingly. even though I have driven this wagon at highway speeds (55mph-60mph). I was an idiot for doing so because the tires are flat-spotted. cause vibrations. and could explosively deconstruct from the stress.   The HVAC controls are inoperative.   They move back and forth. but they are no longer attached to anything meaningful behind the dash.    The front brakes work fine; they just pull to the left somewhat. upon application.   The backup light does not work. nor does the parking brake light illuminate on the dash display.   These two issues may or may not be related.   All instruments are in working order except for the clock.  

Other

All the windows operate properly. as do all the doors. including the rear hatch. which has two newer support struts.   This wagon does not have power assisted steering.   As my Mom would say. you have to be “spry” to wheel it around.   It does have a really crappy period radio that kind of works. but the interior has not been butchered with a bunch of audio-related add-ons.   If the car sits for a few days. you have to crank it a bit more than normal to get it to start.   I am not sure if one of the fuel line check valves is defective or there's something going on with the (original) Weber. but it is not an issue when driven every day.   When driven regularly. she starts right up.  

Disclaimer 

This Fiat 131S Mirafiori Wagon is 36 years old.   It is not a new car. and has various areas (outlined above) that either need attention or are simply inoperative.   Would I hop in this wagon and drive cross-country?  Maybe if I was still seventeen and had only enough money for gas and minimal fast food purchases.   Today?  Nope.   I am comfortable driving it within a ten-mile radius of my house. and it does fine at moderate speeds in that environment.   I just would not plan on flying in and driving her home.   I highly recommend a pre-purchase inspection. and I will facilitate as I am able.   This car is parked at my house in north San Diego County. unless I am making a Target or Home Depot run in it.   I think that overall this wagon is a very solid period piece which provides a great foundation for many potential ways forward. depending on the buyer's ideas.   I will miss her. but my wife will not – just not her cup of tea.   This auction is No Reserve.   If you have five or fewer feedback ratings (or zero/negative feedback). I reserve the right to cancel your bid.   At the conclusion of the auction. a deposit of $500 via PayPal is due within 24 hours.   For the balance of the sales price I require either cash. certified cashier's check. or bank wire transfer.   I will not release the car until all funds are in hand and verified legitimate.   I will help with shipping in terms of meeting/loading the car on a transporter.   Other options will the responsibility of the buyer. but I will assist. where possible.   This car is sold as is. where is. and I have disclosed all issues to the best of my knowledge.  

Extras

Included in the sale are a factory shop manual. owner's manual. and two new rear shocks (Fiat OEM).

Questions

The car is available for personal/professional inspection (at the buyer's expense) during the auction.   I will also do my best to answer and post questions during the auction.   Please do not hesitate to contact me via ebay. Thanks very much and good luck! 

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