This is a very interesting and rare car on these shores. The Fiat 131 was never offered in Australia in 2 door coupe form, never mind the top of the range 2.0 T/C Racing! Bought new in the UK in 1979, this car was shipped to New Zealand by its first owner and registered there on 21 August 1980. It then changed hands 3 times between 1982 and 1985 and it remained with the 4th owner until 1993. Owner #5 kept the car car for a further 10 years and sold it to Owner #6 in 2003. The car went into storage for many years before undergoing a bare metal repaint approximately 4 years ago. It was seldom used after that and spent a lot of its time back in storage. We bought the car a few months ago and landed the car here about 6 weeks ago. Based on its history, we believe that the mileage of 82,300 Miles showing to be accurate. The body is very straight and the paint still very good. There are a few very small chips and minor scratches but I'm being pretty picky now. The floors and sills are rock solid and treated to a good stone guard / rust inhibitor. All the correct trim is in place and in good shape. The "Racing" was distinguished from its lesser brethren by the addition of the quad headlights in the honeycomb grille, integrated spoiler and wheel arches, and the tell tale Racing logo on the left taillight. They were also one of the only Fiats during this time to come out with 14" wheels. Originally they were pressed steel as can be seen by the photo of the spare wheel. The previous owner removed them and fitted the current 14x6J Cheviot wheels with near new Firestone tyres. . The wheels suit the car, but should probably end up being replaced with Cromdora or Campagnolo wheels by the next owner. Mechanically, the car is in great shape. We have had the carburettor serviced and the car Dyno tuned to ensure she is running sweetly. The cam belt on the Fiat 2L Twitcam motor was replaced in 2016 and has run very little mileage since. The car runs its standard 5 speed gearbox and interestingly an original Power assisted steering rack and pinion. We have ordered a new water pump and front shocks which will be fitted prior to sale. We have replaced the front brake flexi hoses as they were deemed too short by the ACT Inspection station. The car starts, runs and drives like an 80's Fiat should. The interior is in really good shape. The orange velour seats and door card inserts are typical of the era and have stood up really well. The rear seats on the Racing were the only ones to feature built in headrests. The carpet is original and in very good shape with no holes or tears anywhere to be seen. The dashboard has no cracks, and the novel sliding lids for the dual glovebox are quite a novelty. All the electrics, controls and switchgear work and are in good shape. An aftermarket Pioneer radio has been fitted with two small discreet door speakers fitted. The original airhorns are still fitted and working. We have put the vehicle over the Government Pits for Roadworthy and put 3 months full ACT Rego on the car. She is ready to be driven to her new owner wherever in Australia that may be. There will be no issues registering this car anywhere in future. There can only be a handful of these in Australia (25, I believe) and they are scarce in Europe and the UK too. They don't come up often and certainly not in this good, original condition.
