1977 Fiat 131 Abarth Rally Group 4
Chassis No. 131AR2036018
Unveiled at the 1976 Geneva Salon, the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally was a collaboration between Fiat, Bertone, and Abarth. Bertone took two-door Mirafiori bodyshells, added plastic body panels, and modified the structure for independent rear suspension before assembly was completed at Fiat's Rivalta plant. Four hundred homologation units were built, each featuring a DOHC inline-four engine with twin Weber carburetors, a synchromesh-free transmission, and rear disc brakes.
The 131 Abarth boldly succeeded the 124 Spider Abarth as Fiat's definitive factory rally weapon, commanding the role once epitomized by the legendary Lancia Stratos. It seized the WRC Constructors' Title in 1977, 1978, and 1980, while propelling Walter Röhrl to one of his two WRC Drivers' titles.
This example was originally owned new by Vincenzo Di Francesco, a noted racing driver from Pescara and proprietor of the local Fiat dealership, who prepared the car to full Group 4 specification using the official factory-supplied kit. One of just 400 homologation examples produced, it is among approximately 75 cars believed to have competed in major championship events of the period, and is further recorded in the official register of Italian motorsport. Campaigned extensively, it enjoyed a long and successful competition career, particularly in Italian hill climbs between 1979 and 1983, where it consistently achieved class-leading results in Group 4 up to 2000 cc. This includes numerous first-place finishes at events such as Rieti-Termillo, Sarnano-Sassotetto, and the Coppa Selva di Fasano. It remained an active competitor into the mid-1980s, later returning for historic appearances through the late 1990s and 2000s.
Retaining its highly developed Group 4 configuration, this early-series example benefits from maximum period preparation with carburetors, along with other developments. The mechanics have since been comprehensively overhauled including a complete engine rebuild a noted Abarth specialist. Inside, the largely original interior presents well with its original dashboard, period-correct OMP sports seats, and a three-spoke Abarth steering wheel trimmed in black leather. Additional details include the period correct combination of Cromodora alloy wheels at the front and Gotti units at the rear. Accompanying documentation is extensive, including a large file of race entries, results, and period articles. Remaining in single ownership until 2006 and carefully preserved thereafter, this 131 Abarth stands as a rare, fully documented example of a factory-supported Group 4 competition car.
PREVIEW DETAILS:
This lot will be available for viewing in person at Museo Alfa Romeo from Thursday, 14th May 2026 to Monday, 18th May 2026.
SALE LOCATION:
Italy
BUYER'S PREMIUM:
10% + VAT on the Hammer Price
TITLE/REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS:
Italian Libretto
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
N/A
POST-AUCTION REMOVAL AND STORAGE:
Following the auction, this lot will be removed from site and transferred to a nearby third-party storage facility pending receipt of payment. The removal fee of €450 + VAT will be charged to the buyer. Storage charges of €50 + VAT per lot per day will also be charged from Thursday, 21st May 2026.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
Chassis No. 131AR2036018
Unveiled at the 1976 Geneva Salon, the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally was a collaboration between Fiat, Bertone, and Abarth. Bertone took two-door Mirafiori bodyshells, added plastic body panels, and modified the structure for independent rear suspension before assembly was completed at Fiat's Rivalta plant. Four hundred homologation units were built, each featuring a DOHC inline-four engine with twin Weber carburetors, a synchromesh-free transmission, and rear disc brakes.
The 131 Abarth boldly succeeded the 124 Spider Abarth as Fiat's definitive factory rally weapon, commanding the role once epitomized by the legendary Lancia Stratos. It seized the WRC Constructors' Title in 1977, 1978, and 1980, while propelling Walter Röhrl to one of his two WRC Drivers' titles.
This example was originally owned new by Vincenzo Di Francesco, a noted racing driver from Pescara and proprietor of the local Fiat dealership, who prepared the car to full Group 4 specification using the official factory-supplied kit. One of just 400 homologation examples produced, it is among approximately 75 cars believed to have competed in major championship events of the period, and is further recorded in the official register of Italian motorsport. Campaigned extensively, it enjoyed a long and successful competition career, particularly in Italian hill climbs between 1979 and 1983, where it consistently achieved class-leading results in Group 4 up to 2000 cc. This includes numerous first-place finishes at events such as Rieti-Termillo, Sarnano-Sassotetto, and the Coppa Selva di Fasano. It remained an active competitor into the mid-1980s, later returning for historic appearances through the late 1990s and 2000s.
Retaining its highly developed Group 4 configuration, this early-series example benefits from maximum period preparation with carburetors, along with other developments. The mechanics have since been comprehensively overhauled including a complete engine rebuild a noted Abarth specialist. Inside, the largely original interior presents well with its original dashboard, period-correct OMP sports seats, and a three-spoke Abarth steering wheel trimmed in black leather. Additional details include the period correct combination of Cromodora alloy wheels at the front and Gotti units at the rear. Accompanying documentation is extensive, including a large file of race entries, results, and period articles. Remaining in single ownership until 2006 and carefully preserved thereafter, this 131 Abarth stands as a rare, fully documented example of a factory-supported Group 4 competition car.
PREVIEW DETAILS:
This lot will be available for viewing in person at Museo Alfa Romeo from Thursday, 14th May 2026 to Monday, 18th May 2026.
SALE LOCATION:
Italy
BUYER'S PREMIUM:
10% + VAT on the Hammer Price
TITLE/REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS:
Italian Libretto
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
N/A
POST-AUCTION REMOVAL AND STORAGE:
Following the auction, this lot will be removed from site and transferred to a nearby third-party storage facility pending receipt of payment. The removal fee of €450 + VAT will be charged to the buyer. Storage charges of €50 + VAT per lot per day will also be charged from Thursday, 21st May 2026.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
