{"id":20211,"date":"2022-11-24T07:42:47","date_gmt":"2022-11-24T07:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/?p=20211"},"modified":"2022-11-24T07:42:47","modified_gmt":"2022-11-24T07:42:47","slug":"1973-fiat-130-coupe-project-profile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/1973-fiat-130-coupe-project-profile\/","title":{"rendered":"1973 Fiat 130 Coup\u00e9 \u2013 Project Profile"},"content":{"rendered":"

The ’70s Italian executive coup\u00e9 market is a pretty tight-knit group, habitually the realm of the usual big-hitters such as Maserati, Ferrari and Lancia for instance. But that’s not to say there wasn’t still room for another, arguably less exotic contender to throw its hat into the ring with a car that had all of the necessary ingredients to sit proudly amongst its rivals, but one that is perhaps not as fondly or reverently remembered. We’re talking about the Fiat 130 Coup\u00e9. A car that was praised upon its release for being innovative (it was far more advanced than its German competitors at the time), pretty and well-balanced and one that remains a bit of a bargain, especially compared to any equivalent prancing horses or charging bulls and especially when in project form like the car we have available<\/a> via our new \u201cMake an Offer\u201d platform here at Car & Classic.<\/p>\n

\"Fiat,<\/a><\/p>\n

What is it?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Making its debut in 1971 at the Geneva Motor Show the Fiat 130 Coup\u00e9 was ostensibly a two-door version of the 130 saloon which had been released two years earlier. Based upon the same platform as the four-door but designed by Paolo Martin of Pininfarina (who had a hand in the Triumph Spitfire and Lancia Beta Montecarlo, to name two), the two-door coup\u00e9 conformed to the more angular aesthetic as was de rigueur at the time, with the likes of Marcello Gandini and Giorgetto Giugiaro following a similar design direction.<\/p>\n

\"Fiat,<\/a><\/p>\n

Mechanically the 130 Coup\u00e9 utilised the same independent front and rear suspension as the saloon and four wheel disc brakes but featured a larger, 3.2-litre V6. Initially designed by Ferrari’s Aurelio Lampredi the dual overhead cam engine had a peak power output of 165bhp which was enough to propel the 130 Coup\u00e9 to 60 in around 8.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 120mph. Pretty good numbers. Power was delivered to the rear wheels via either a five-speed ZF manual gearbox or Borg-Warner three-speed automatic, like the rather rare 1973 right-hand drive model we have here<\/a>, complete with its correct V5C documentation.<\/p>\n

Why is it a project?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

As previously mentioned this<\/a> particular Fiat 130 Coup\u00e9 is for sale via our \u201cmake an offer\u201d platform which means that we’ve been to see the car in the flesh and taken over 100 photos, from which it is clear too see that this particular example is in need of some work. The Fiat has begun it’s restorative journey and has been partially stripped back in lieu of a full restoration. This means both front and rear screens, as well as some of the exterior trim and the fuel tank have been removed in order for the bodywork to be fixed and repainted and while the car does require a full respray it appears to be structurally sound. The original 3.2-litre V6 and three-speed Borg-Warner Automatic gearbox are present but will require some recommissioning before the car can be put back on the road.<\/p>\n

Five things to look for:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

1) Rust and Repairs<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Many a 130 Coup\u00e9 has dissolved into tiny flakes of brown and orange which has only added to the exclusivity of these cars. This particular example does appear solid but check everywhere for corrosion, and we mean everywhere. The front wheel arches have had some repairs in the past which is not surprising as these are particularly troublesome areas but check the quality of the work nonetheless.<\/p>\n

2) Engine<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The 3.2 V6 was derided for its lack of fuel injection and a propensity for being difficult to start but it’s a lovely torquey engine that is perfectly suited to the 130. It’s a robust unit too, if properly maintained, so see if there is any history as to the car’s previous service and maintenance schedule. Regular cambelt changes are imperative too. Oil leaks, rattles and smoke will all be indicative of a worn engine so be vigilant.<\/p>\n

\"Fiat,<\/a><\/p>\n

3) Interior<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Not only did Paolo Martin pen the body but he also designed the bespoke interior of the 130 Coup\u00e9. Besides needing a deep clean we already know that the carpets and door cards are not fitted and much of the switchgear was unique to the model so finding replacements can be difficult. With this in mind be sure to inventory what is present, correct and functioning and what will need to be sourced.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

4) Steering and Suspension<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The comfort and quality of ride that the 130 Coupe’s provided was a big selling point back in the ’70s and that’s something that you want to retain today so check all of the suspension bushes for age-related wear and make sure the dampers are doing their job correctly and still feel fresh. The ZF steering boxes that the 130 came equipped with are notoriously expensive to rebuild and repair so check for leaks and that the car steers properly with no slop or notchiness.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

5) Parts<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The car does come with a whole host of parts but like the interior it’s imperative that you check what is missing or damaged as some trim, such as the lights for instance, are particular to the car and can be difficult to source. Less than four and a half thousand 130 Coupe’s were made after all. The original Cromadora wheels are included though, which is a boon.<\/p>\n

What should you do with it?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Fiat 130 Coup\u00e9 is rather underappreciated in the classic world but we think this one<\/a> deserves a second chance. Not only is it a particularly stylish slice of ’70s Italian flare with a beautiful V6 engine but it’s also incredibly rare, especially as a right hooker. Continue the strip down, fix up the bodywork and treat it a deep new paint job. Get the engine on song, along with the rest of the mechanicals and enjoy standing out from the crowd, all the while enjoying the muscular beauty of a Pininfarina-designed GT car that will drive as good as it looks. It’s a lot of work but we guarantee it will be worth it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The ’70s Italian executive coup\u00e9 market is a pretty tight-knit group, habitually the realm of the usual big-hitters such as Maserati, Ferrari and Lancia for instance. 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