Abarth 131 Rally

Italy

The Abarth 131 Rally is a legendary rally car developed by Abarth in collaboration with Fiat, based on the Fiat 131 sedan. It became one of the most successful rally cars of the late 1970s and early 1980s, dominating the World Rally Championship (WRC) during its era. Below are the detailed characteristics of the Abarth 131 Rally:

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Detailed Characteristics

History

• Development: The Abarth 131 Rally was developed in the mid-1970s as a homologation special for Group 4 rallying. It was based on the Fiat 131 Mirafiori, a popular family sedan.

• Success: The car achieved significant success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), winning the manufacturers’ title for Fiat in 1977, 1978, and 1980. Legendary drivers like Markku Alén and Walter Röhrl piloted the car to numerous victories.

• Legacy: The Abarth 131 Rally is remembered for its durability, performance, and distinctive design, making it an icon of rally history.

Country of Origin

• Italy: The car was developed and manufactured in Italy by Abarth, the performance division of Fiat.

Engine

• Type: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft).

• Displacement: 1995 cc (2.0 liters).

• Aspiration: Naturally aspirated (no turbocharger or supercharger).

• Fuel System: Mechanical fuel injection.

Power

• Horsepower: Approximately 215-230 HP (depending on the rally specification and tune).

• HP/Liter: Around 107.5-115 HP per liter, which was impressive for its time.

Performance

• Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in approximately 6-7 seconds (rally-tuned versions).

• Top Speed: Around 200 km/h (124 mph), depending on gearing and setup.

Weight

• Curb Weight: Approximately 980 kg (2160 lbs) in rally trim, thanks to extensive use of lightweight materials.

Transmission

• Type: 5-speed manual gearbox.

• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD), with a limited-slip differential for improved traction on loose surfaces.

Power-to-Weight Ratio

• HP/Weight: Approximately 0.22-0.23 HP/kg, which contributed to its excellent performance in rally stages.

Dimensions

• Length: Approximately 4,270 mm (168.1 inches).

• Width: Approximately 1,710 mm (67.3 inches).

• Height: Approximately 1,370 mm (53.9 inches).

• Wheelbase: 2,490 mm (98 inches).

Brakes

• Front: Ventilated disc brakes.

• Rear: Disc brakes.

• System: Hydraulic braking system with rally-specific tuning for improved stopping power.

Steering

• Type: Rack-and-pinion steering.

• Assistance: Unassisted (manual steering), typical for rally cars of the era.

Wheels and Tires

• Wheels: Lightweight alloy wheels, often with reinforced designs for rally use.

• Tires: Rally-specific tires, depending on the surface (gravel, tarmac, or snow).

Electrical System

• Battery: 12-volt electrical system.

• Ignition: Electronic ignition system for improved reliability and performance.

Suspension

• Front: Independent MacPherson strut suspension with reinforced components.

• Rear: Solid rear axle with coil springs and rally-tuned dampers.

• Tuning: The suspension was specifically tuned for rallying, with adjustable settings for different terrains.

Price

• Original Price: The Abarth 131 Rally was not sold to the public as a production car but was built as a homologation special. The road-going version, the Fiat 131 Abarth, was sold in limited numbers, with prices varying depending on the market.

• Current Value: Today, the Abarth 131 Rally is a highly sought-after collector’s item, with prices ranging from €150,000 to €300,000 or more, depending on condition and history.

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Summary

The Abarth 131 Rally is a masterpiece of rally engineering, combining a lightweight chassis, a powerful 2.0-liter engine, and exceptional handling. Its success in the World Rally Championship cemented its place in motorsport history, and it remains a symbol of Italian automotive excellence.