Fiat 131 Abarth Mirafiori

1977

Specifications
4-cylinder, in-line, 1995ccm,
2 overhead camshafts, 230 bhp,
front engine and rear wheel drive,
5-speed gearbox,
weight: 1000 kg

Just after Fiat has taken over Lancia, the all-dominant Stratos did not seem to be the ultimate marketing tool to sell Fiats and thus was quickly replaced by the 131 Abarth. Based on a mass production car the 131 had a much harder life beating the opposition. Its main advantage was its all-independent and adjustable suspension. But thanks to an ultra-professional approach, which even sometimes included entering six works cars in the same rally, Fiat pushed competing to new limits and won World titles in 1977, 1978 and 1980. Alen also won the 1977 Portuguese Rally.