Description
Registered new in the UK in Aug 1998 this is the Limited Edition version of the distinctive Fiat Coupe designed by Chris Bsngle. As such it has push button start and a 6 spd manual box which allows for relaxed high speed cruising. It is LE number 133. With remarkably spacious rear seats and a decent boot, this really is a grand tourer.
Initially the car was on Fiat Uk's test fleet with reg number S922KAN.
I am the 4th owner of the car and bought it in Oct 2015 with 96, 000 miles. Although sound, it was in need of TLC so I had a lot of work done to it including:
- New cam belt
- New rear coolant hose
- New turbo
- Reconditioned steering rack
- New shock absorbers and springs
- refurbished interior including bespoke floor mats
- complete respray
- New brake discs and pipes.
The car has never been chipped or used for track days and is in largely original spec, including the face off stereo ( which I never use ). Cosmetically, clear LED rear lights have been fitted and it has been badged Abarth. I still have the original LE wheel centres and these will be included in the sale ( see photo).
The handbooks and tools are present and it comes with an original Fiat indoor car cover. It has a special reg number ( S27GTB ) that I plan to retain.
The red master key and the alloy daily key are present.
I have used the car regularly, averaging just under 3, 000 miles a year. I have taken it off the road in the winter, storing it in the garage. Current mileage is just over 116, 000. The car is currently SORN but will be back on the road in March, weather permitting at which point it will be checked over to be ready to enjoy some Spring drives.
Bodily the car is sound. It has some chips on the bonnet and front bumper and a small bubble in the paint on the leading edge of the offside rear wheel arch. The underside and spare wheel well are solid. It could easily be a show car with some work but I like to enjoy driving it without worrying I will scratch it.
That said, the alloy wheels and brake calipers were refurbished in Nov 2022.
It's a lovely car to drive with a stirring engine note and remarkable performance ( indeed when it was in production, the Coupe Turbo was the fastest front wheel drive car in the world). It has its faults - the air con is iffy, the headlights are feeble and it does have a few squeaks. But she has never let me down and driving her always puts a smile on my face. Luckily I have another one so will continue to enjoy life with a Coupe for the foreseeable future!The car has been maintained very well and that is a thick file of paperwork to evidence this. Most of the work has been done by specialists including PowerItalia, Auto Alfa, Midlands Car Servicing and FCSS. The last service was done in Oct 2022 when it also passed its MoT with no advisories. In November, the alloy wheels and brake calipers were refurbished. It has been garage stored since December to keep it out of the winter weather, kept on trickle charge and started regularly. It will be back on the road in March, weather permitting.
