Allegedly used to chauffeur ''L'Avvocato'' Gianni Agnelli
The Appeal
Launched in 1969 and later revised in 1971, Fiat’s 130 was a typically stylish attempt to steal sales in the Executive class. Offered as a four-door saloon (the Berlina), a suave coupé and a practical wagon, it was an elegant alternative to the traditional market leaders from Germany.
The 1971 revision – known as the Type B – introduced the larger, more powerful 3.2-litre V6 powertrain to the Berlina, adding a dose of extra power to the already characterful machine.
Of course, the vast majority have succumbed to the rigours of time and erosion, which is why we’re so delighted to be able to present this remarkable well preserved and highly original example. Very few of these cars survive in unrestored condition, so it’s truly heartening that this smartly specified example is so very original and unmodified.
It's possible that this particular 130 has a truly rarified heritage too. The vendor tells us that the first owner was Fiat of Rome themselves, and that it's believed to have been used by Gianni Agnelli's chauffeur to shuttle about the great man himself.
Whatever the case, with just 25,703Km on the clock, handsome blue paintwork, glimmering brightwork and a wonderfully plush interior – not to mention that sonorous V6 – this is everything we could ever want from a classic Italian saloon car. Make sure you don't let this one pass you by…014_DSC1967-HDR.jpg1.23 MB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in 1975 in Italy
We're told by the vendor that the car was initially registered to Fiat in Rome
Apparently, it was latterly registered to Agnelli's chauffeur and possibly used to transport Agnelli himself
For the last 10 years, the car has been in the hands of a private collector
We’re told that the car has always been garaged and never used in the rain
Italian registration papers
We’re informed that the car has a current Revisione
Just 25,703Km on the clock, on a five-figure odometer but believed to be entirely genuine
We love the gently corded fabric that adorns the seats in this car. It looks to be in a tremendously good state of preservation, with no serious wear and no tears we could see. There’s not even any sagging to the cushioning, as far as we can tell.
Light grey carpeting runs through the cabin, contrasted with black floor mats. It all looks to be in fine fettle, with no staining or damage we could identify. Similarly, the light grey headlining looks to be taut and secure, with no tears or stains on show.
The dash fascia is finished with a gloriously tactile wood veneer, as is the centre console and the upper door cards. It looks in excellent condition, with no warping, cracking or peeling in evidence. Meanwhile, the rest of the trim, switchgear and driving controls look to be neat and tidy, with some very gentle weathering from age, but no notable blemishes or scuffs. We’re particular fans of the bank of gauges that lay before the driver and remain eminently clear and legible.
At the rear, the boot space is large and practical, lined with black carpeting that shows well. Upon lifting the carpet, we see the boot floor itself is solid, straight and clean, with no signs of corrosion or damage repair we could discern. A full-size spare wheel in a vinyl cover is also present.
There can be few colours or shades that would suit the 130’s shape as well as this smart blue. It neatly highlights the sophisticated proportions and neat detailing of the styling. Overall, the condition of the paint is excellent for its age, with a few minor scuffs, chips and blemishes, but being generally smooth and clean with a fine gloss. Quite remarkable for near 50-year-old paint work.
Likewise, the bodywork is clean and straight, with crisp panel edges and swage lines, consistent shut lines and no significant corrosion or damage we could see. There are a few spots of surface corrosion on the front valance, but otherwise the metalwork’s condition belies its age.
All of the badging and brightwork appears to be present and correct, with the chrome wearing a deep lustrous shine. There’s some very minor patina here and there, as you’d expect, but it all remains very presentable indeed. Similarly, the glass elements and light lenses look clear and clean, with no hints of cracking or chipping.
Underneath, all looks to be original, straight and undamaged. There are speckles of surface corrosion to the exhaust system and some drivetrain components, but there’s nothing that would give us any cause for concern. Again, it’s all very well preserved and original.
We’re pleased to see the car running on its original, 14-inch Cromodora wheels too, complete with polished hubcaps. They present very well, with no stuffing or chipping to note, and are dressed in a matched set of tyres that look to have decent tread levels.
That hearty 3.2-litre V6 certainly lends the car an evocative soundtrack and character all of its own. It delivers plenty of power too – 165hp and 260Nm – so the car should have no problem keeping up with modern traffic.
The vendor tells us that the engine is in perfect working order and runs superbly with smooth performance from the transmission. Like much of the rest of the car, the engine bay is unmodified and presented in original condition. We think it would respond very well to detailing, and would soon look very smart indeed.
We’re told by the vendor that the car benefits from fresh oil, new oil filter and spark plugs. We note the car is still running its original electronic ignition system too.
It may be a cliche, but when it comes to style, no one does it quite like the Italians, and the 130 is a fine example of this natural ability to build exquisitely pretty machinery. Remaining in quite incredible original condition, with extremely low mileage and a superb powertrain, we think this is one of the nicest, genuinely usable classics from the period that we’ve seen…
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