Description
This 1973 Fiat 128 Rally is a truly unique car, not least because of its origins and its history. Back around 1985, it was modified in their spare time by mechanics from Abarth Competition’s department, based at Corso Marche in Turin. Starting with a standard 128 Rally (chassis 128 AR * 0943312), unregistered and destined for scrap (the car indicated by the arrows in both photos alongside the Lancia S4 prototype), this small team of technicians decided to build a rallycross machine. After a series of sophisticated changes, they fitted the engine and gearbox from the Ritmo 130 TC Abarth—then used by numerous private rally drivers in Group N and Group A.
The bodywork was stripped of trim and accessories, then lightened and strengthened; among other things, they installed a safety roll cage and modified the structure to accommodate the new mechanical components. This part of the work was carried out by a qualified bodyshop specialist from Mirafiori’s Experimental Construction department (prototype building). The 2-litre twin-cam (DOHC) engine was given a modest optimisation via cylinder-head work and the use of sportier camshafts (power output of around 145 bhp).
The transmission remains the standard Abarth-ZF gearbox, with uprated half-shafts, specific springs and dampers, front self-ventilating disc brakes, and calipers from the Fiat Uno Turbo. Rear suspension uses Fiat Regata leaf-spring units. There is a bespoke exhaust system, aluminium spacers on the wheel hubs, and the battery has been relocated into the cabin (behind the front seats) to improve weight distribution. Finally, the side windows and rear screen are made from plexiglass.
The car was then campaigned for a few years by two amateur drivers in rallycross events and gymkhana rounds. I bought it in 2008 and entered it sporadically in competition up to 2010 on ice circuits in Piedmont and northern Italy. After years of occasional use in competition (as shown by the many dents), the car now needs restoring. Its structure, however, has never suffered any major impacts, and the rust is mainly superficial (with the exception of a few small areas of the floorpan where corrosion has punched through). When parked, the engine turns freely (checked a few days ago) and can be started again easily.
The 128 is complete with all its parts (some components, visible in the photos, were removed a few years ago to begin the restoration, but lack of time and space to store it unfortunately means I have to part with this unique and exciting car to drive).
This special 128 Rally Abarth is located in Giaveno (30 km from Turin, postcode 10094), where it can be viewed by appointment. The sales and export documents are available (bill of sale, technical data sheet, etc.), but the vehicle is not registered.
