Description
1973 Fiat 124 Sport Coupé CC — Guy Croft Stage III — Recorded 205 bhpExceptionally developed, UK-registered RHD Fiat 124 Sport Coupé, offered privately by its owner and registered keeper since 2019. The subject of a major previous-owner restoration and competition-focused build, principally constructed and developed by racer and engineer Ian Nixon. Fully stripped and rebuilt shell with extensive replacement panels, full weld-in cage and heavily modified front subframe. Documented Guy Croft Racing Engines Stage III 2. 0-litre twin-cam, engine number 13. 292, incorporating a gas-flowed 130TC head, 45/ 40 mm race valves, Guy Croft 3A camshafts, race rods, A&M forged pistons, steel flywheel, big-wing sump and twin Weber 45 DCOEs. Surviving test sheet records 205 bhp at 7, 000 rpm. Five-speed straight-cut Bacci gearbox, Helix competition clutch, LSD, AVO coil-overs, custom double front anti-roll bars, poly-bushed suspension, Wilwood brakes, Tilton brake bias, Accusump, alloy radiator and custom exhaust. Never raced or used on track. Occasionally road driven, with all normal road equipment functioning. Historic competition seats and harnesses require updating before regulated competition use. Substantial documented history file. Independent inspection welcomed. Worldwide enquiries considered. Private sale. Kent, UK. Mileage not warranted. £39, 995. Restoration and build historyThe principal restoration and development programme was commissioned by the car’s previous owner. The surviving records contain a detailed account of the components, specialist work and considerable expenditure involved in the project. Ian Nixon was one of the key people responsible for constructing and developing the car. Drawing on his extensive racing experience, Ian carried out significant fabrication and chassis work, including the heavily modified front subframe and much of the specialist competition preparation. The bodyshell was fully stripped and rebuilt using replacement panels where required, including the front wings, front valance and slam panel, both sills, rear-arch repair sections, rear quarters, rear valance, both doors, boot lid and front spoiler. A full weld-in roll cage was incorporated into the rebuilt shell. The finished car retains its handsome period character, including the chrome bumpers and original dashboard, while its lowered stance, widened arches and staggered competition wheels give a clear indication of what lies underneath. Guy Croft Stage III engineAt the heart of the car is a fully documented Guy Croft Racing Engines Stage III 2. 0-litre Fiat twin-cam, engine number 13. 292. The Guy Croft paperwork describes the application as a rear-wheel-drive Fiat 124 CC Coupé in “Ultimate Road” specification. The engine was constructed during 2013–14 and includes:Fully gas-flowed Fiat 130TC cylinder head36/ 35 mm ports45 mm inlet and 40 mm exhaust race valvesGuy Croft race valve guides, seats and springsModified cylinder-head coolant galleriesGuy Croft 3A camshafts timed at 106/ 108 degreesGuy Croft race connecting rodsA&M 85 mm forged pistons and race ringsRecorded compression ratio of 10. 2:1Race-prepared standard crankshaftBalanced steel competition flywheelOne-inch toothed cambelt conversionGuy Croft big-wing sumpOverhauled oil pumpTwin Weber 45 DCOE carburettors with 38 mm chokesGuy Croft M131 inlet manifoldHigh-torque starterHelix uprated competition clutchBlock-mounted electronic distributor and Magnecor leadsThe engine was rigged and tested by Guy Croft Racing Engines. A surviving performance-test sheet records an output of 205 bhp at 7, 000 rpm. The installation is supported by a Canton Accusump oil system, external oil cooler, remote filtration, custom aluminium radiator with electric fan, braided lines, twin Facet fuel pumps and a complete custom exhaust and manifold constructed to Guy Croft specification. The engine was run in in accordance with Guy Croft’s guidance, using the prescribed running-in oil and appropriate lubricant thereafter. Transmission and chassisPower is delivered through a five-speed straight-cut Bacci competition gearbox, combined with the Helix clutch and a limited-slip differential. The full internal gearbox ratios and differential specification are presently being researched from the surviving build records, but the installed transmission is an exceptionally purposeful unit and forms an important part of the car’s character. The chassis specification includes:Heavily modified front subframeAVO coil-over suspensionCustom double front anti-roll-bar arrangementFully poly-bushed suspensionUpgraded Wilwood braking systemTilton adjustable brake-bias valveStaggered lightweight wheels measuring 7 x 13 inches at the front and 8 x 13 inches at the rearA final professional suspension geometry setup is currently being arranged to complete the car’s present development.
