Highlights

Rare surviving Ritmo II with economical "Energy Saving" engine
Clean and usable in metallic blue with original fabric interior
Only 74,000 km on the clock
Remained in the same family for many years
Interesting and unusual potential everyday car

The Appeal

The Ritmo was the car Fiat designed to take on, belatedly, VW's Golf. With clean styling inspired by the Golf on the proven Fiat 128 architecture, an interior designed by celebrated Italian designer Mario Bellini, and, most famously, built by robots, these were seriously competent cars and hugely popular in their day.

Today, they are extremely rare, and their reputation for corrosion doesn't help. This late-series restyled Ritmo II has escaped that fate and presents well for a car celebrating its 40th birthday this year. We're told it remained in the same family for many years and the seller bought it from his father-in-law. The mileage is just 74,000 km, which the exterior and interior suggest could be correct, although this hasn't been verified. It's the economical ES model with "Energy Saving", fitted with an early factory "stop-start" system, so it would work well as a cheap everyday car. The seller says the engine was replaced 4,000 km ago and it runs and drives well.

The car will need to pass a new MOT before taking to the road. Once done, you've got an extremely rare 1980s hatchback to use and enjoy.

The seller says:

"The car runs well and it's a pleasure to drive. I bought it from my father-in-law. It's a car that evokes 1980s nostalgia with its vintage look and the smell inside. It's a car that lets you enjoy relaxed driving. But be warned: it's a dynamic car. It was already equipped with the start-stop system you find on more modern cars."

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Key Information

Mileage: 73,983 km shown
Country of registration: France
MOT: no current certificate available
Technical specifications: 1,186 cc "ES" engine, 5-speed manual gearbox
Papers: standard French registration document; maintenance history described as average

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The Detail

The engine was replaced at 70,000 km and is said to be the same 1,186 cc "ES" block
Light metallic blue paint in good condition for age with some marks visible in photos
The seller recommends paint touch-ups and a good polish would improve appearance
Fitted with a spoiler above the rear window
Corrosion to note on the sills including at the base of the C-pillar as shown
Standard car with steel wheels and original Fiat plastic hub caps
Two spare steel wheels included
Roof rack supplied with the car as shown
Original grey fabric interior with seat cover on the rear seat
Interior in good overall condition for the car's age as shown in photos
The seller notes a small hole present on the driver's seat
Headlining slightly worn on the front passenger side we're told
Features a period radio-cassette
Door panels, carpets and dashboard in good condition for age and mileage

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BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also accept the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.

✓ We require non-refundable fees to be paid if you are the successful winner of the auction or your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as seen", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are provided for guidance only and it is customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or bid price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want the transaction to run smoothly, just as you do, and that's why cars and motorcycles registered in the UK and sold on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to verify they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not subject to a financial charge, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as a result of a total loss claim at the time the listing is placed on Car & Classic and we provide write-off category markers (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. The presence or absence of a marker does not, however, guarantee the vehicle's status and it is always useful to carry out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third-party transport company that can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com.