From inception, Fiat was best known for making affordable cars. But throughout its history, the company has aspired to the luxury market: it introduced the 520 Superfiat in 1921 with a V12 engine – and sold only 30 copies; in the 1950s it designed the famous 2.0-liter Otto Vu, destined for a saloon that never materialized; and finally, in 1969, it launched the 130 saloon. Designed in-house, the saloon faced formidable competition from Peugeot, BMW, and Mercedes, while costing more than most. Slow sales prompted Fiat to approach Pininfarina about restyling the car as a coupe. Paolo Martin, age 28 at the time, sketched taut lines punctuated by a linear scallop that lengthened the body, transforming the 130 into a wholly different visual experience. The new model was launched in 1971, with an upgraded 3.2-liter V6. Fiat never marketed the 130 in the US, though a few have trickled onto our shores. Today’s example hasn’t quite made it over the border – it’s located in Montréal, Québec. It is advertised here on craigslist and the price is $25,000; Rocco B found the tip for us – keep them coming, Rocco!
This Lampredi-designed powerplant is a derivation of Fiat’s V6. Displacement is 3.2 liters, and output is about 160hp. The standard gearbox was a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic, but this lucky 130 has a five-speed ZF manual. The seller indicates that this 130 was previously in a collection – translated, this means it probably wasn’t driven much, a theory supported by the odometer reading of 16,000. The condition of the engine bay lends more credence to a low-mileage claim. The car rides on new tires, and it runs well.
This car’s blue-over-red-with-tan color scheme is classically Italian. Those seats are real leather, and there are four of ’em! The seller says leg room in the rear is more than adequate. Wood accents adorn the door caps, the instrument panel, and the console. In keeping with the luxury theme, this 130 has power steering, power disc brakes up front, and power windows. Everything works, according to the seller.
Outstanding cosmetics add to the attraction here. The seller notes a few tiny bubbles of rust by the windshield; I wish underside photos had been provided, but I’m sure the seller would make those available. Only 15,093 sedans were made, and when it comes to the coupe, production numbers fall to fewer than 4500. That means certain parts can be hard to find and expensive to procure. For instance, those long rectangular headlamps are unique to this car, and replacements will cost around $1500. Meanwhile, Fiat 130 coupe sales fluctuate around the mid-teens to well more than $20k, suggesting that this seller is right on the money.
Nice,clean lines.
Nice! Normally I wouldn’t look once at a Fiat, except the Dino Fiat I had the privilege to ride in one, was pretty cool, this, I would have to imagine, would have been the Italian gentleman’s hot rod for Fiat. It’s beautiful in every way. Ah, but this beauty wasn’t cheap, by any means. I read, this car cost upwards of $10grand new, which put it in some mighty pricey company, such as, a Porsche 911, a Jag V12, even a Pantera, the Fiat didn’t have a chance. Mostly because most Americans perception of Fiats were very similar to mine. We missed out on so many neat cars. My only ( minor) gripe about Italian cars, is the steering wheel rake, arms out driving gets tiring. What a fantastic car.
My first thought was how much the side glass reminds me of a 1978 Chevrolet Malibu coupe. I really like this Fiat design, and a great, informative write-up as always- thanks Michelle!
About 18 K in US dollars. What a slick looking car! I’ve never seen one before. Michelle. And Rocco.
My one and only import was a new Fiat 124 Sport Coupe and after 30 k miles i sold it abought a used 72′ Nova.
Bigred what year was your 124?
Rode in one of these, a 4 door I think in Italy in 1974. Was awesome on hilly twisty roads with 4 people in the car. This couple style actually reminds me of the 1970 124 couple I had back when.
Interference engine when you blow that timing belt?