The Abarth 131 Rally, also known as the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally, is a legendary rally car developed by Fiat in collaboration with its racing division, Abarth, in the 1970s. It was built specifically for the World Rally Championship (WRC), where it achieved significant success and cemented its place in rally history. Known for its boxy design and powerful performance, the 131 Abarth became a rally icon and is still celebrated by car enthusiasts today.
Key Highlights of the Abarth 131 Rally
1. Development and Purpose
The Abarth 131 Rally was based on the Fiat 131 Mirafiori, a family sedan. Fiat transformed this humble model into a high-performance rally car with the help of Abarth, creating a purpose-built rally machine.
The car was homologated in 1976 to compete in Group 4 rally racing, as per WRC regulations at the time. Only around 400 units of the 131 Abarth were built to meet these homologation requirements.
2. Engine and Performance
Engine: The Abarth 131 Rally was equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, heavily modified from the original Fiat 131’s engine.
Power Output: This engine produced around 215 horsepower in rally trim, which was impressive for the era, especially for a car based on a family sedan.
Transmission: It came with a 5-speed manual transmission, developed for high-speed performance and control over various rally surfaces.
Performance: Despite its modest size, the 131 Abarth Rally could accelerate rapidly and was incredibly agile, which was a huge advantage on challenging rally stages.
3. Chassis and Handling
The car featured a lightweight body with extensive use of fiberglass and aluminum to reduce weight, bringing it down to around 930 kg (2,050 lbs).
It was designed with independent rear suspension, a significant upgrade from the live axle of the standard 131. This helped improve stability and handling over rough terrain.
Abarth-Tuned Suspension: Abarth engineers gave it rally-specific suspension tuning, enhancing its ability to handle the diverse and rugged conditions of WRC events.
4. Design and Aerodynamics
The Abarth 131 Rally had a distinct boxy, muscular appearance that set it apart from other rally cars of the time.
The car was equipped with wide fender flares, air intakes, a rear spoiler, and a front splitter, which were functional additions for cooling and aerodynamics.
Its bright and colorful liveries, especially in Fiat’s blue and yellow or Alitalia green, white, and red, became iconic in rallying.
5. Success in World Rally Championship (WRC)
The 131 Abarth Rally enjoyed a highly successful career in the WRC, with numerous wins across various rally stages.
It won three WRC Manufacturers' Championships in 1977, 1978, and 1980, going up against other rally legends like the Ford Escort RS and Lancia Stratos.
Fiat used legendary drivers, including Markku Alén and Walter Röhrl, who piloted the 131 Abarth to victory in multiple rallies and helped secure its place in WRC history.
6. Legacy and Influence
The Abarth 131 Rally is considered one of the most successful rally cars of its era, with a well-deserved place in the annals of rally history.
Today, it is a sought-after collector’s item, and its distinctive look and sound make it a fan favorite at vintage and classic rally events.
The 131 Abarth Rally also solidified Fiat's reputation in motorsports and influenced the design of later Abarth-tuned models.
