1974 Fiat 130 Coupe

Description

Fiat in the 1960s and 1970s wasn't just about cheap runabouts for the masses, with a product range extending from the tiny 500 (and its successor, the 126) through to the rarified world of exotics like the Dino. In the early Seventies, the Torinese giant made the decision to enter the luxury GT market, already owned by the Germans thanks to the Mercedes-Benz SLC and BMW 3.0 Coupes, launching the 130 Coupe at the 1971 Turin Salon. Styled by Paolo Martini of Pininfarina, the 130 Coupe broke new ground with its perfect proportions, elegant detailing and simple, uncluttered appearance and even today is regarded as a styling masterpiece. Mechanically, the new Fiat was based on the saloon floorpan with an oversquare V6 featuring alloy heads, a single-overhead camshaft per bank and twin choke Webers, all good for 165 bhp at 5600 rpm. There was the choice of a Borg-Warner automatic box or a five-speed manual and a limited-slip diff was standard equipment, as was power-assist on the steering. Inside, the 130 Coupe had one of the most luxurious and inviting cabins available, with plenty of space, velour-covered seats (even the rear seats were contoured buckets), wood trim and full instrumentation. Lovely to look at, a pleasure to drive and incredibly affordable in comparison with its German rivals, the Fiat 130 Coupe has always been a sought after car, making it a good investment as well. Only 4,491 Examples were made from 1971 to 1977, and less than 520 Right Hand Drive Examples were imported to Australia.