Highlights

Rare Ritmo 130 TC Abarth
Left-hand drive import
Excellent condition
Will be sold with fresh MOT
Seats and carpets refurbished

The Appeal

To those of us who grew up being driven around in the back seat of a Fiat Strada, this family hatchback will always retain a unique place in motoring folklore. Yet overseas, the Strada name wasn’t used – across Europe, Fiat’s Golf-rivalling 1980s hatchback was known as the Ritmo. Regardless of its nomenclature, it was one of the best family hatchbacks of its time, reaching its apotheosis in the high-performance 130 TC Abarth.

The word Abarth has only ever been applied to Fiat’s spiciest creations, and the 130 TC shown in these photographs certainly deserves to wear those iconic scorpion badges. Its superb outward presentation is thanks to fully reviewed paintwork and a lovingly preserved body which shows no obvious marks or dents. The reflective Ritmo badge between the rear light clusters is quite overt, but otherwise, this car looks restrained with its smart four-spoke alloys in great condition and quad headlamps capping rectangular fog lamps.

The Italian-flag pinstripes are a further nod to the 130 TC’s hot-hatch status, while the cabin benefits from a chunky three-spoke Abarth steering wheel and a rev counter going up to 8,000 rpm. The figure-hugging Recaro seats have been lovingly reupholstered, but the Fiat-branded door cards look suitably period and there’s a Sony cassette player at the base of the dashboard. Meanwhile, discreet scorpion badges recur everywhere from the front wings to the tyre dust caps. Make no mistake, this is a true Abarth.

The History and Paperwork

Historic paperwork including owner’s manual
Rare example of imported Ritmo (Strada)
Original concessionaire sticker in window
Paint and seats refurbished
Will be sold with a fresh MOT

The Condition

Replacement black leather seats
Bodywork blended and repaired
Abarth tyre dust caps and seatbelts
All seats recovered with leather
Superior cloth carpets fitted

When the front and rear seats were replaced earlier this year, they weren’t just fitted back in. The metalwork around the seat was painted and rebuilt, before being retrimmed in the original dark grey carpeting. The door cards are in particularly good order, while the seven-dial flat-faced instrumentation panel looks as good as it ever did with a scattering of chunky square switches beneath it. As the current owner points out, this is “a chance to own the best 80s sports hatchback in fabulous condition.”

The Mechanics

Abarth-developed twin-cam 2.0-litre engine
Five-speed manual transmission
Immaculate engine bay with original stickers
Red front brake calipers behind four-spoke alloys
The current owner reports that the “twin cam engine runs beautifully”, with the “mechanics in excellent order”. The engine bay is certainly in extremely good condition, with no obvious signs of wear or any indication that components might require replacement.

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:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.