Description
1975 - Fiat 124 Abarth 16 Soupapes Gr. 4 Belgian registration number Chassis n° 124CSA0092699 Period registration TO M46466 Genuine 1975 specification factory car still in the hands of its first driver and owner!
Fiat became fully involved in competition in the early 1970s with the 124 Abarth Rally, a muscular version of the standard Spider. Produced in 1, 000 examples for its Group 4 homologation, the 124 Rally shone on the roads of the World Championship, winning the European rally title in 1975 thanks to Maurizio Verini. The example on offer here is one of nine cars painted in the colours of the Olio FIAT team by the racing department and specially fitted by Pininfarina to reduce weight and accommodate the large gearbox of the 131 Gr. 4 which was to succeed it a little later. According to Abarth, the first five cars were entered by the factory in the World Championship, while the other 4 were reserved for possible replacement or other uses. Initially registered in Turin under the numbers TO M46458 to TO M46467, they benefited from the best developments with a 16-valve 'testa stretta' (narrow cylinder head) engine fitted with Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, producing 200 bhp compared with 170 bhp for the 8-valve versions.
This exceptional car was built in 1975 and registered for the first time on 22 May 1975 in the name of FIAT SPA Gruppo Automobili serv Ass Rallies Torino Cso Marche n°72 with the plate number "M46466 TO". A reserve car, it was sold in 1977 by Renzo Avidano, director of Abarth's racing department, to its current owner, the son of the founder of one of Belgium's most renowned Fiat dealerships, who was also the brand's importer for the Benelux countries. At the wheel of the car, he took part in three events in the Belgian championship, which was then part of the European championship, and even finished first in the 6 Hours of Visé in 1976 and third in the same event in 1977, before moving on to the 131 Abarth Gr. 4. Stored for several decades, it underwent a thorough and meticulous restoration in 2012. Completely stripped bare, the body was restored according to the rules of the art. All the components - running gear, brakes, wiring harnesses, accessories - have been rebuilt or replaced identically. The engine has been reassembled and still carries an original Abarth 16-valve cylinder head, with its specific camshafts, carefully run in on the test bench. The original Colotti gearbox has also been overhauled. The interior, hard top, fender flares and additional headlamps complete the package.
Equipped and restored to 1975 factory specifications, this 124 Abarth Rally Gr. 4 represents the ultimate 'factory' evolution of the model here in remarkable condition. Duly registered in Belgium thanks to its Fiat Auto Belgio certificate of conformity, this car benefits from a fully documented history. This car offers first-rate performance and is of particular interest thanks to its period history. Eligible for the biggest events on the historic calendar, such as the Tour Auto, the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique and the Modena Cento Ore, it is a must-have for any discerning collector and rally enthusiast.
Est. 160, 000 - €220, 000 This vehicle will be auctioned at the sale of classic cars organised by the AGUTTES firm on Monday 7 April 2025 in Paris at the start of the Tour Auto. The digital catalogue is available on our website. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information.
