Comprehensive service history with copious accompanying invoices
Near total respray in 2014
Upgraded Supersprint stainless steel exhaust system
MOT valid until November 2024
The Appeal
It's an all too familiar story. An amazing concept car tempts us all in, only to be a disappointment once the car reaches production. But that didn't happen with the Fiat Coupé - it still looks futuristic three decades on.
With Gandini-inspired exterior styling by Chris Bangle at Centro Stile Fiat and an interior penned by Pininfarina, the Coupé was an incredible piece of design - and it didn't disappoint dynamically either. In period and indeed today, enthusiasts particularly covet the five-cylinder 20-Valve Turbo and that's exactly what we have here.
This 1997 example has been in present ownership for 12 years and has been meticulously maintained throughout that time. Significant work includes a near-total respray and the installation of a Supersprint stainless steel exhaust system, and the vendr has kept a detailed record of every job which we have included below.
The car's fundamentals are sound, and we're informed that it has never let its owner down even when used as a daily driver for a time. Complete with a current MOT, this most desirable of Fiat Coupés awaits its next custodian...
History and Paperwork
Purchased March 2012 from Solo Italia, Eynsham, Oxon (Fiat/Lancia/Alfa specialist)
Only covered 6,000 miles since Jan 2019
Not sat idle for long periods; driven to work or on weekends at least once a fortnight
Owner has another project competing for time and attention
Needs a new owner to give it some TLC
Fundamentals are sound; never let the owner down in 12 years of ownership
93,333 miles currently indicated
MOT valid until November 2024
The vendor provides the following history of their ownership:
Oct 2014 - New Barn Cars - New alternator and battery (£480)
Jan 2015 - Prestbury Cars - New clutch slave cylinder (£200)
Feb 2015 - NJS - Full service & belt changes (£900) @ 74,642 miles
Jun 2015 - Prestbury Cars - Fix misfire - new coil pack (£235)
Jun 2015 - NJS - N/S/R swing arm replace bearing, N/S/F brake hose & pipe, replace O/S/R handbrake cable, strip rear brakes, new fuel cap (£875)
Oct 2015 - Prestbury Cars - Replace leaking rear gasket
Dec 2015 - DB auto repair - Insurance work after a low-speed rear bump; paid extra for an almost full respray
Mar 2016 - Cam tyres - 4 Uniroyal R/Sports (£340)
Jun 2016 - NJS - Supersprint centre & rear exhaust, front discs & pads, replace faulty recirc valve, repair front exhaust (£1,300)
Jun 2017 - NJS - Full service, including new ARB drop links and bump stops, replace N/S/F driveshaft seal (£850)
Aug 2018 - Motor Bodybuilders & Engineers Ltd - Front bumper and front arches/wings repaired and resprayed (£1,050)
Mar 2019 - NJS - Full service, including battery change, replace rear pads & discs, strip & clean front brakes, new thermostat (£1,190)
Mar 2020 - Prestbury Cars - Fix internal blower
Feb 2021 - NJS - Wiper arm replaced
Since 2021, the car has only driven 2,500 miles
Maintenance since 2021 has been only as required to get through MOTs
The Condition
Very presentable for its age
Highly original throughout
Practical as a daily driver; can fit 2 in the back and has a reasonably-sized boot
Arches were worked upon in 2018 (invoice available)
Small amount of rust creeping back on arches (as shown in the photographs)
Clamshell bonnets attract/trap water easily; a dip and respray would be advisable
Car had professional paintwork done in 2014 after a low-speed bump to the rear right corner
Near total respray in 2014; car still looks great
Seats are worn with age but in good condition overall
Driver's seat has a very small tear that would benefit from repair
Centre console is sticky/tacky as the top coating is degrading - a common issue that several specialists now have solutions for
We're informed that the speakers have some distortion/rattle at high volumes
Recent MOT (Nov'23) highlights minor corrosion issues, especially around suspension coils and under the body (advisories)
Some chips and a small amount of rust on the rear right wing
The Mechanics
2.0-litre turbocharged five-cylinder 20v engine
Five-speed manual gearbox
Limited-slip differential
Factory exhausts are known to corrode, so the vendor has upgraded to a Supersprint centre and rear in stainless steel (2016 at 80,000 miles)
Supersprint exhaust sounds fantastic, suiting the car's famous five-cylinder "warble"
We're informed that the engine runs well, always starts first time and sounds great
The vendor comments that the Fiat has plenty of power and the wide torque band makes it a fairly relaxed drive when desired
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to 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 bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
