Italians are difficult … nicely, my love affair with their automobiles. I wouldn’t even name it a love affair, however my curiosity is commonly piqued in methods that’s matched by my aversion for others. I typically am fascinated with the Italian business’s penchant for creating utilitarian autos after which providing fascinating variations on the similar platform. One of these automobiles, a 1973 Fiat 130 Coupé presently on the market on ClassicCars.com by a Miami-based seller, is our Pick of the Day.
Truth be advised, the Fiat 130 was Fiat’s bigger sequence of automobiles, so it’s not a mannequin that pops up in Americans’ head after they assume of the model, particularly because it was by no means imported to the U.S. initially and weird contemplating it’s considerably correctly sized for American driving due to a 107.1-inch wheelbase. The sedan was produced from 1969-77 and powered by a V6 engine, if that’s any indication it’s not your bread-and-butter Fiat 128. Like many Italians from the interval, it featured fashionable {hardware} like four-wheel impartial suspension and DOHC V6 accessible in 2866cc or 3235cc sizes relying on the 12 months. An automated was customary however a five-speed handbook was non-compulsory, which considerably goes in opposition to typical knowledge for a sporty overseas automobile so perhaps Fiat had a particular luxurious purchaser in thoughts.
The Pininfarina-based Coupé was launched at the 1971 Geneva International Motor Show and was bought via 1977. The lithe design with the low beltline and ample greenhouse was an on the spot traditional although, once more, Americans didn’t get an opportunity to purchase one when new. Nonetheless, the American press proclaimed its reward of the design.
Production data present 4,491 have been constructed, with 1,344 for the 1973 mannequin 12 months like this blue and tan leather-based instance. Seller states “this instance remains to be very unique and makes for an ideal driver/cruiser,” with partial service data and Italian manuals included with the sale. With all the loopy asking costs you may even see whereas perusing ClassicCars.com, it nearly appears that the $24,900 price of entry for this five-speed Fiat is affordable contemplating it’s like Maserati-lite at a pauper’s worth.
To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
