Fiat 131 and 131 Abarth (1974-1985): Books - History

Fiat 131 Abarth

When Fiat entered rallying in 1970, its ultimate aim was to become World Rally Champion - and the 131 Abarth of 1976-1980 provided the machinery to make that possible. Within the Fiat-Lancia empire, the 131 Abarth not only replaced the 124 Abarth Spider sports car, but was also favoured ahead of the charismatic Lancia Stratos.

By 1970s standards, the 131 Abarth was the most extreme, and effective, of all homologation specials. Compared with the 131 family car on which it was originally based, it had different engine, transmission and suspension layouts, was backed by big budgets and by a team of superstar drivers, and was meant to win all round the world.

Not only did it start winning World rallies within months of being launched, but in 1977, 1978 and 1980 the 'works' team also won the World Championship for Makes, and set every standard by which Rally Giants were to be judged.
The 131 Abarth was backed by a peerless team of engineers, so was there ever any doubt that successors like the Lancia Rally 037 and the Delta Integrale would eventually come from the same stable?

Fiat 131 Abarth

The Fiat 131, born as a tranquil family car, proved capable of transforming into a formidable rally competitor. This monograph draws on the testimony of the engineers who contributed to its creation and the numerous drivers and navigators who rallied it.

Engineer Sergio Limone was part of the team of engineers asked to define the 131 Abarth Rally project while the likes of Maurizio Verini, Michèle Mouton, Gigi Pirollo, Fabrizio Tognana, Dario Cerrato and Lucky Battistolli all, in various ways, contributed to making the Fiat 131 Abarth one of the most successful rally cars of all time with three World Championship titles to its name won in 1977, 1978 and 1980.
The entire technical evolution and the competition history of a rally car as glorious as it was "unexpected" is here enclosed in a single volume.

Fiat 131 (1974-1985)

The Fiat 131, renowned for its victorious Abarth variant, was part of a diverse family of models. The 131 Mirafiori served as a mid-sized sedan during the challenging 1970s, appealing to both sport enthusiasts and practical users with its versatile range of versions, including sporty variants and robust station wagons for professional or leisure purposes. It played a key role in popularizing Diesel engines in Italy and was also exported and produced under license worldwide.

This book comprehensively chronicles its history, from its inception to subsequent evolutions, featuring numerous illustrations and detailed technical specifications for each variant.

Text in Italian.