1971 Fiat 125 Special (Racing Car)
Highlights
- Former Fiat Racing Team testbed for engine and chassis tweaks
- Competition history with Fiat and laterly privateers
- A letter from Alberto Tribolo, Senior Technical Manager for Fiat’s racing team in period, confirms this was indeed one of their “guinea pig” cars used from February - August 1970
- Race prepared and finished in ‘Corsaiola’ livery by the previous owner in order to participate in events
- FIA paperwork present
The Appeal
During the 1960s and ‘70s, car makers still sold family saloons off the back of competition success and the Fiat 125 professed to be “several strides ahead in bodywork and in performance”. Its eminently tunable 1608 cc Lampredi twin-cam ensured there was ample performance potential and consequently the 125 proved an able rally car.
This very cool 1971 example has racing credentials beyond its many stickers. It acted as a testbed for Fiat’s racing team, fine tuning their engine, suspension and brake setup. It also competed in several rallies during its tenure with the team and laterly remained a competition entrant with subsequent owners. Complete with FIA paperwork and a letter from one of Fiat’s then Senior Technical Managers confirming its authenticity, this 125 is a bonafide piece of racing history and is therefore worthy of your consideration.
The History and Paperwork
- Collection of period road registration paperwork
- Photographic record detailing some aspects of the car’s history
- FIA paperwork outlining the car’s specifications
- CSAI Passaporto Tecnico
- ACI certificate
- A letter from Alberto Tribolo, Senior Technical Manager for Fiat’s racing team in period, confirms this was indeed one of their “guinea pig” cars used from February - August 1970
- Participated in two rallies with Fiat in period - failing to finish the first, but reportedly completing the second with a good result
- Sold in August 1970 in “civilian” guise, although retaining the mechanical enhancements
- We understand that it was made ready to race once more during the 1990s where it competed in some events such as the Historic San Remo Rally
- Now finished in ‘Corsaiola’ livery after it was subjected to some cosmetic restoration during the 1990s
- The odometer indicates 24,625 kilometres although the vendor suggests 124,625 kilometres would be a more realistic figure
- We’re assured it has never been involved in any accidents and there reportedly aren’t any signs of bodywork repairs
The Interior
- Currently equipped with period bucket seats featuring harnesses - (original seats supplied also)
- Fitted with a roll cage
- Factory rear seat still in place and in great condition
- All the door cards are in fine order
- Well presented original dashboard with a few auxiliary switches
- Battery cut-off switch
- Drilled sports pedals
- Sports steering wheel
- All the carpeting is in good order, with minimal wear
- Presentable headlining
- No boot carpet / lining
- Full-size spare wheel
- First aid kit
This Fiat’s interior strikes a good balance between competition car and road car, with all its soft furnishings still in place, while also boasting all the necessary safety appointments. The vendor informs us that the original front seats (which match the rear bench) are supplied although period bucket seats have been fitted to offer more lateral support. A roll cage and harnesses are of course fitted for safety, as is a battery cut-off switch. All the switches and instruments reportedly function as they should and the vendor points out a map light for the navigator to use.
The Exterior
- Corsaiola livery
- Repainted during the 1990s to a fair standard
- Two sets of alloys (complete with tyres)
- Quad Carello spot lamps with covers
- All the trim and badging is in good order
- All presents well, topside and underneath
- No signs of damage of corrosion
It goes without saying that this Fiat looks the part. Its period appropriate livery is simply marvellous to behold and you can just imagine it sliding round a hairpin on the Monte Carlo or San Remo rally. The prominent Carello spot lamps give it a purposeful stance and we understand them to be in good working order. Besides those seen on the car, an additional set of wheels are supplied along with tyres already fitted. These look to be in excellent order, and those under the car look smart too.
The vendor is keen to point out that the paint finish is not fantastic, as befits a competition car. We notice some orange peel to the final coat, but it still holds a strong shine and the imperfections are not especially visible when you have that striking livery to distract you. The chrome all looks in good order, as do the badges and other trims. We’re assured the car has never been in any accidents and has therefore reportedly never required bodywork repair.
The Mechanics
- 1608 cc four-cylinder Lampredi twin-cam engine
- Twin carburettor setup
- Mechanically tweaked by Fiat in period
- Race prepared, but still driveable on normal roads
- The manual gearbox is said to be operating smoothly
- The chassis is apparently quite rigid
- Straight pipe rear exhaust section which the vendor comments sounds fantastic
In the same way this 125’s interior retains some creature comforts, the vendor reports that it is very usable under normal traffic conditions. While the engine has been tweaked in period and subsequently competition prepared, it lacks the overly aggressive camshafts of some racing cars and is reportedly quite driveable on a regular basis. It is said to run , change gear, accelerate and brake well with no apparent issues. The vendor comments that it sounds fantastic and handles beautifully.
Summary
It isn’t everyday you encounter the opportunity to acquire a car raced by Fiat in period, let alone one so important to developing their race program as this “guinea pig”. With great provenance supported by letters and FIA paperwork, we hope to see this Fiat on the rally stage once more.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.,
Vehicle specification
- Year 1971
- Make Fiat
- Model 125
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 24,625 Kilometres
- Engine size 1608
Listing Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Treviso
- Location International
- Country Italy
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