SOLID - FIAT - 131 ABARTH 1980

SOLID - 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 rallying following the retirement of the 124 Abarth, the 131 Abarth was developed during 1975, debuting in a very experimental form under the name Abarth SE031 at the Giro d'Italia in November of that year. Homologated in Group 4, the car was based on a road-going 131 Abarth, which itself had very little of a production car. The debut in rallies took place in the 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 suspension and gearbox, the car became very competitive and able to compete with the Lancia Stratos and the Ford Escorts. The first world rally title came in 1977, 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, who subsequently moved on to the new Lancia 037, homologated in Group B. The 131 Abarth remains an icon of rallies, which was piloted 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.