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Rare Restored Italian: 1973 Fiat 130 Coupe

The design for the Fiat 130 Coupe emerged from the design studios of Pininfarina, and the fruits of their labor is a car that, while some people might not find it to be the most gorgeous car ever built, still possesses elegance and style. Barn Finder Roger referred this sympathetically restored example to us, so thank you so much for that Roger. The Fiat is located in San Francisco, California, and is listed for sale here on Craigslist. The asking price for this rare Italian thoroughbred has been set at $33,975.

The 130 Coupe was introduced in 1971 and remained in production until 1977. It was not a high-volume seller, and throughout its production run, only 4,491 cars were produced. In 1973, Fiat produced 1,344 examples, which is when this car was built. It has spent the vast majority of its life in Italy but was imported into the USA in December of 2017. Prior to leaving Italy, the 130 was treated to some restoration work. The car was stripped and repainted in its original and quite beautiful Mediterranean Blue Metallic, which was then sealed with several coats of clear. All of the external chrome and trim has either been extensively polished, or it has also undergone restoration. The result of all of this effort is a car that is as straight as an arrow and is rust-free. One thing that is a bit disconcerting is the alignment of the headlights. From some angles, they appear to be crooked, while from others they look perfect. I’d actually love to get a look at the car in person, but I think that it is all probably okay.

Opening the hood reveals a beautiful Fiat 3,235cc V6 engine, which sends its official 162hp to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. This in itself raises a bit of a mystery, because the owner states that during the entire life-cycle of the 130 Coupe, only about 500 cars were fitted with the manual transmission, while the remainder all featured a 3-speed automatic. I haven’t been able to confirm those figures, but given the fact that the car was designed and built to be used as a luxurious 4-seat Grand Tourer, these figures are certainly conceivable. Hauling things to a stop on the Fiat is the task assigned to 4-wheel power disc brakes. As part of the previously mentioned restoration process, every mechanical aspect of the car has been inspected and checked, and any component, gasket, or seal that was questionable has been replaced. The owner says that the car runs and drives extremely well, with everything working exactly as it should.

The interior of the Fiat provides a sense of occasion for any journey. The car had led a fairly pampered life prior to its restoration, and as a result, the original Pumpkin colored carpet only required a professional clean. The dash has been restored, while the seats wear new covers that have been made and stitched from identical leather to that which Fiat used originally. The car has been fitted with an aftermarket stereo, and I don’t think that the installation of this matches the finish of the rest of the interior. While it might be possible for the 130 to be a 5-seater, the design of the rear seat really means that practically this is a 4-seater. If an additional person were to sit in the rear of the car, that center position does look like it would be pretty uncomfortable. While the Fiat isn’t fitted with air conditioning, the driver’s seat is adjustable for both reach and height, while the car also features real timber trim and power windows. One really interesting little design feature of the 130 Coupe is the interior lighting, which is all accomplished using fiber-optics, which was a state-of-the-art technique when the car was new.

The Fiat 130 Coupe is not only a relatively rare car on the world stage, but it was never imported into the USA. That means that finding one on the market today is a bit like spotting an automotive unicorn. The few that have come onto the market in the past 5-years or so have generally sold for figures of around the $25,000 mark, although the 5-speed manual examples do tend to sell for higher prices. I actually found another example on the market at the moment, and it also features a manual transmission. The asking price for that is similar to this car, which suggests that this car is priced about right. How about it? Do you feel like becoming the owner of a beautiful and relatively rare Fiat 130 Coupe?

Comments

  1. Avatar Don H

    For that much cash could have fixed the bent front bumper 🔧🔨

    Like 6
  2. Avatar Fred M

    Rare car indeed. You can tell this car was designed by the same team that did the Rolls-Royce Camargue, only the 130 is better proportioned, IMO.

    I Love the tall greenhouse and low beltline, it makes for a simple and very elegant design that looks light and lithe for a relatively large coupe. If I had the cash and space I’d be all over this one.

    Like 6
    • Avatar Jay

      I bought this car 3 months ago and it’s a dream. Engine is like brand new.

      Like 1
  3. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    Mirror missing from driver’s door.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Jay

      Both mirrors were removed a long time ago, before painting. I own this car now and it looks excellent without the mirrors. Car has virtually no Blindspot’s so I don’t miss them. I just turned my head lol. Very clean without them.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Doyler

    In 2002 I lived in the UK and saw a pristine red one for $4000

    Oh well.

    Like 3
  5. Avatar RRBNUT

    these are awesome cars; I just bought the 4 door version Fiat 130B in Germany to drive there; in way better shape than this example for less than $15K; phantastic car, engine and becoming very rare;the coupe of course is the slicker version however there are more around than the 4 door. This car was sold on BAT for $19 some time ago and I have to agree that a so called restoration should have fixed all identified items by others. Seems seller also reduced the price, I believe it was $37K before.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar ICEMAN from Winnipeg

    Similar in appearance to a Rolls Royce Camargue.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar Todd Fitch Staff

    Thanks, Adam! It’s like Fiat’s version of the Ferrari 400i. Bellissimo!

    Like 2
  8. Avatar Andrew Franks

    I,too, love the tall greenhouse. I tried to buy this car the last time it was for sale but there is no one here who can repair it.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar rrbnut

    Yes Todd, I actually had a Ferrari 400i but could not get it registered in CA;sold it to Belgium and therefore started to look at the 130. Its V6 Lampredi engine was also used in the Dino!

    Like 2
    • Avatar SubGothius

      The Lampredi V6 in the 130 is completely different and unrelated to the Dino V6 designed by Vittorio Jano; the only thing they have in common is the overall configuration of being DOHC V6s.

      Like 2
  10. Avatar RRBNUT

    Andrew, most Alfa guys can also repair Fiats. Parts for these are pretty well available in Europe and many parts dealers there;unless you have body and glass damage.

    Like 2
  11. Avatar Derek

    A pal of mine had one about 20 years ago which rotted away eventually. It was a lovely thing; sounded great.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar 4speedoverdrive

    I’ve always loved the Fiat 124 Sport Coupe and while looking at adds for the 124 Coupe I have seen this 130 for sale some time ago (9 months maybe?). So it is being relisted or flipped. Nice car though.

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Distracted

    This car has been advertised for well over a year with the same write up and photos. Makes me wonder if it’s for real.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jay

      It’s real, I bought it lol. It’s a gem.

      Like 0
  14. Avatar JRH

    No air conditioning.

    Like 0
  15. Avatar SebastianX1/9

    If you find a Maserati Kyalami, you get a much more powerful V8, similar but even hotter styling, and it costs practically the same today. Truth is BMWs of this era drive better and are every bit as pretty. I like this car but I’ve always thought it over-priced.

    https://www.classicdriver.com/en/car/maserati/kyalami/1982/526784

    Like 0
  16. Avatar george Member

    My first car was a Fiat 124 Coupé and this 130 Coupé has always been a favorite.

    I’ve only seen one, while I lived in Paris, and it was stunning.

    The lack of A/C is a real issue in Florida for enjoying a car, so I’ll stick with my Lancia Beta.

    See a trend?

    Like 0
  17. Avatar t-bone Bob

    There is one at BaT that sold for $22,000.

    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1975-fiat-130/

    Like 0

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