It may not be as legendary as the Golf, but if you ask most enthusiasts, they'll tell you the Fiat Strada Abarth was quicker and more characterful. Powered by a 2.0-liter Lampredi twin-cam engine producing around 130 bhp, and a top speed of 122 mph, this really is no slouch and sits as a fiercely underappreciated, eminently drivable classic.

This 1985 example comes to us as a handsome, very original survivor. It was rescued from a period of being laid up for over a decade and has since benefited from considerable mechanical investment across two enthusiast owners. The bodywork is described by the vendor as very straight, though the roof and rear trunk area could benefit from cosmetic attention. A full respray has been deliberately avoided to preserve the car's honest character.

Notably, the car first entered the world as a long-term press car with Autocar magazine, the articles and photos of which are all in the paperwork file. As a result, for thousands of British motorists, it was their first ever glimpse at the model - and for many, where a whole new love affair began. It's still wearing the registration it carried there.
 

 

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.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle's status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ 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..