Highlights
- Underwent a full restoration around 14 years ago
- Uncommon 2-litre, four-door model
- Contact information of the restorer available, potentially with photos of the restoration process
- Cam belt replaced in July 2022
- Successfully driven 250 miles home after purchase
The Appeal
The Fiat 131 was a distinctive, almost quintessentially retro car, with performance that outweighed its contemporaries and a relatively low-waist profile that offered better driving than the Cortina and a distinct touch of Italian comfort compared to the relatively austere British offering in the era.
This specific car boasts the lesser spotted four-door two-litre guise and comes to us with an advisory-free MOT and sound mechanics. These cars were immensely successful in their time, but are a scarce sight in the UK nowadays - and are proving to be hot collectables for any enthusiast.
History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1984
- The DVLA records 13 previous keepers
- Full restoration carried out around 14 years ago
- Contact information of the restorer from 2010 available
- Owned and operated for several months without any noticeable problems
- Sought after for ten years before being found within the owner's budget
- Purchased in January 2023 and collected in September 2023
- 2 former registered keepers and the restorer from 14 years ago have been identified through Facebook contacts
- MOT valid until July 2024
- Does not come with any service history
The Condition
- The underside of the car has not been personally inspected
- However the previous keeper mentioned that the MOT inspector called it "A miracle!"
- Bodywork is in generally sound order
- Some chips, marks and scuffs commensurate with age
- Minor surface corrosion, some of which has been stabilised with red oxide paint
- As a result the car could use a repaint
- Internally, the car is in generally fair order
- Rear seats need re-upholstering
- Front seats are aftermarket
- Original front seats are included but also require re-upholstering
- All instruments on the dash are clear and legible
- Modern Sony music unit has been fitted
- Door cards appear to require replacement
- Headlining looking a little tired
The Mechanics
- 2.0L Fiat Twin Cam I4 powerplant
- Manual transmission with 5 gears
- Cambelt replaced in July 2022 by the previous keeper
- Front left brake may need attention due to suspected air in the braking system
- Minor mechanical work on the brakes, some bodywork, interior adjustments, and possibly a carburettor tune-up required
- We're informed that there is no smoke on start up, the car drives smoothly, starts promptly, and responds well
- The vendor notes that the car offers a very good fuel economy
- We're informed that the brakes could do with bleeding and the vendor believes one or more of the pads is/are now quite worn - however, we're informed that the car brakes well regardless
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.