SOLIDO - FIAT - 131 ABARTH 1980

SOLIDO - FIAT - 131 ABARTH N 5 WINNER RALLY TOUR DE CORSE 1977 B.DARNICHE - A.MAH

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Designed to relaunch the Fiat brand in rallies after the retirement of the 124 Abarth, the 131 Abarth was developed during 1975, debuting in a very experimental form under the name of Abarth SE031 at the Giro d'Italia in November of that year. Homologated in Group 4, the vehicle was based on a road-going 131 Abarth, which in turn had very little in common with the production car. The rally debut took place in prototype version and from 1976 Fiat's commitment became continuous; the first victory was achieved in April 1976 at the Elba Rally. After overcoming some problems related to suspensions and gearbox, the vehicle became very competitive and able to compete with the Lancia Stratos and Ford Escort. In 1977 the first title in the world rally championship was achieved, followed by two more. The Fiat 131 Abarth Group 4 continued to race until 1982, first with the official team, then also with private teams, which subsequently switched to the new Lancia 037, homologated in Group B. The 131 Abarth remains an icon of rallying, driven by many champions, such as Alen, Roehrl, Andruet, Verini, Bacchelli and so on.

Designed to relaunch the Fiat brand in rallies after the 124 Abarth, the 131 Abarth was developed during 1975; an experimental exemplar was entered in the 1975 Giro d'Italia. Homologated in Group 4, the car was based on the road going 131 Abarth, which had very little in the production car. The rally debut took place in a prototype version and from 1976 Fiat's commitment continued, the first win being clinched at the 1976 Elba Rally. After overcoming some problems related to suspension and gearbox, the car became very competitive and capable of playing with the Lancia Stratos and Ford Escorts. In 1977 Fiat clinched the first world rally title, which was followed by two more. The Fiat 131 Abarth Group 4 continued to run until 1982, with the works team and then with privateers, which subsequently switched to the new Lancia 037, homologated in Group B. The 131 Abarth remains an icon of the rally world; it was driven by many champions, such as Alen, Roehrl, Andruet, Verini, Bacchelli and so on.