There were many Polski Fiats, the 126 and the 125 and the Polonez and even some licence built 132 2000 and 130 3200, I would not drive an engine without air filters on dusty roads out of Motorsport. Please test a 16V Dolly Sprint! :)
In 1974 I was an apprentice Fiat mechanic and we called the supermirafiori the flying carrot as they were only available in orange initially. You are right, they were great fun to drive. Your video brought back many happy memories.
I owned a 128 in orange, 1300cc. I loved the steering and free-revving OHC engine. The rust got to it in the end, but I got about five years solid use from it. I rather foolishly, due to budget constraints, shod it with a a full set of Polish Stomil tyres on special offer from the newly established "Kwik Fit". I can recall adjusting the bucket tappets, which was quite a long-winded affair involving bus trips to the main dealer for the little disc shims. I lusted after a Mirafiori after being overtaken by one in a coach in Yugoslavia. I thought the Tipo was a promising car for Fiat - it seemed quite a capable contender to the golf.
Moment: in a moment of total insanity my dad bought a Opel Rekord 2.1 diesel, with the hump on the bonnet. 4 gears + overdrive. And… just 2 doors! At a BMW dealer who wanted this monstrosity off his parking lot straight away. It was a great car in fact. So yes, large 2 door saloons with normal space at the back, strange combo.
As a young man at the time I so wanted a Mirafiori over a XR3 or GTI but could afford to buy or insure neither. Thank you so much for reminding me how much I lusted after a Mirafiori.
I served my apprenticeship as a FIAT mechanic from ‘78-82 before being promoted to receptionist so know my FIATS well. I used to get to “borrow” these 2 litre Mirafiori Sports/racing from either some of the sales guys or the parts manager and used to drive them at insane speeds around Glasgow’s (much quieter then) West end thinking I was the next Walter Rohl. XXXmph + regularly and SO easy to flick sideways around every corner! Absolutely nothing to be proud of but such a total blast to drive in its heyday. Like all FIATS build quality was shocking as was the corrosion but fantastic enthusiastic drivers cars that made every journey special. Great times fondly remembered forever when the world was a much happier place.
I know this sound so well. I implanted all of the same mechanicals into my 1973 Simca 1501 Special, in 1989. I have the twin Dellortos and the rear end is from an '81 Argenta which I adapted to fit the Simca. It's a half inch wider track and uses the same brake backplate and shoes as per Simca excepting the cylinder diameters are slightly smaller. Wheels are Chromodora from an '80's Lancia Beta. I have the later, stronger 5 speed box from the Argenta and use mostly Fiat controls, accelerator, handbrake etc. I never met the late (and Great) Guy Croft but spent time chatting on the phone and have both his twin cam tuning manuals - THE bible for anyone serious about preparing one of these super engines. Guy said these Fiats were everyday cars fitted with racing engines. Wonderful! Fiat owners and enthusiasts will be delighted to view your video and yes, they are great cars! Electric cars? Bah, Humbug! Thanks very much.
I had a 124 saloon, followed by a 125 Special.....I dont think people realise how advanced these cars were, ....twin overhead cam engine (125), intermittent wipe, 5 speed box, radial tyres, disc brakes, reclining seats, tacho,handbrake warning light,side indicator lights.....and many more features that slowly became standard on other European cars.....but later. My experience with 131 was a pushrod 1600, I'd traded an Alfa Sud Ti, as I needed a four door as a family wagon.
20+ years ago I had a Guy Croft engine in a Lancia Montecarlo. Using standard cams it put out approx 155 BHP measured on a rolling road as part of a writeup on the car in Car and Car Conversions Magazine. It was a lovely engine and had power from idle to 7000 rpm. Just done a rego check and pleased to see it's still out there too.
My first car in 1988 when I passed my test was a 1979 Fiat 131 Super Mirafiori. FGD 937T. At the time all my mates had Escort Mexico's or RS2000's. My Fiat surprised them all and gave them a real run for their money. I loved it. Wished I never sold it. Spotted it in Paisley about 10 years later and asked the owner to call me if they were ever selling it. Never got a call......
I had a Fiat 131 Mirafiori, 1600cc, 5 speed gearbox. A 1978, SReg in light mettalic blue. Great to drive, especially compared to a Cortina of the day. It was 2 years old and I was 21, life was good 😊 It went rusty in the rear arches 😢
At last a car I had many of when I was in my prime .had 2 series 2 1 series 1 and my last was the series 3 . super mirafori. With the wonderful 2.0 twin cam . that also came with the shorter gear knob in the correct position rather than coming out of the centre console at a weird angle. Thank you.this video has brought back wonderful memories.
Christ, the glovebox, the bullet mirrors, the velour seats, it brings back so many memories of my dad’s old 131sport. His looked. Just like that, but with pepperpot wheels, a massively heavy rubber spoiler on the bootlid and blindingly bright rally spotlights. Many thanks for bringing it back to me!
As kid, I was envious that my pal's dad had a Fiat 124 Special T, which was a roadburner in its day. But this 131 is something else, and I love everything about it.
Sweet! That two litre Lampredi DOHC was a true champion of an engine which helped propel Lancia rally cars to their wins in the 80s and 90s..... roar brings back memories of driving my brother's 130TC Abarth for 6 months in 1989....nobody was able to keep up expect for one guy in my town who drove a Gen1 Uno Turbo i.e..
Huge thanks. This brought back many memories. I was an RUC officer, based in rural Tyrone in the late 80's. We had a mix of cars. Some armoured. Mostly Ford Cortinas. Many other types. Soft skinned, as we called them. Came and went. One day, in winter an almost glow stick orange Mirafiori or Super Mirafiori arrived and as soon as we first heard it running. All the guys wanted to get it onto the endless backroads in our area, to do it's thang. I forget the details. But the engine was definitely warmed over. And the suspension and other weight bearing components beefed up. Then the temperature dropped and on snow and ice that wasn't treated. You could barely keep it between the hedges. Several times we were skating on ice and snow, when we'd get a call over the radio to attend a traffic accident or a domestic. What should've taken us ten minutes or less to respond to. Took us twenty minutes or more because first of all, we had to extract ourselves from B roads. It must've looked like something out of an Italian mafia movie. Literally flying around, blue light on the roof flashing. Ear splitting two tones waking the dead. It had an engine note like the car you reviewed and everyone loved it. One day it was gone. I think someone in another duty section crashed it. Leaving behind Fords, Vauxhalls and of course, Land Rovers. It probably stood out too much. But in a winter, with The Troubles going full tilt. It brought us a little entertainment and many laughs, in an otherwise bleak, extremely dangerous existence.
Oh my goodness! I learned to drive in my Dad’s 1600 131, and when I passed my test, it was replaced with a 2 litre mirafiori ‘TC’ with power steering and electric windows. A huge treat to be allowed to drive it - although it was carrying rust out of the showroom!
What a machine 😎 I passed on the opportunity to buy one just like that about 20yrs ago for not much money instead opting to get a rather rough Dolomite Sprint- I rue the day!
It was fascinating to see that even Mr "Less is More" Hubnut is not immune to the throaty call of a pair of Dellortos! Watching your driving style become more and more spirited as you piloted the wee beast through that wonderful twisty-turny road and adapting more to the engine's "Come on then, Big Man - you KNOW you want to" than you normally do! I'm sure I even heard Miss Hubnut make a couple of surprised noises as the car took bends and bumps in its stride - and she doesn't normally do that at all! But you're right - the sound is intoxicating and it engulfs every other sound to become the only one you hear.....and the more you hear, the more you just want to keep hearing it! I somehow don't think that it would be a vehicle that one could just pootle about in on a Sunday drive....well, maybe that's just me because I definitely do not have the self control to resist the engine's taunting! Lovely review and such an awesome little car! Thanks for showcasing it for us. All the best.
I had a Series 2 131 Supermirafiori Panorama 1600TC back in the early 90`s, I`ve had over 150 cars, some of them very flash, some very fast, some very luxurious, but that 131 is EASILY my most missed car, & the one I`d really love to have again! Seeing this has just brought it ALL back, the sounds (even on the standard twin choke!), the slightly rubbery gearchange, the clunky switches, the slidy glovebox, the sumptuous velour.. I can even remember the interiors smell! Fantastic! Love it! & you did too, given your constant smile Ian!
I had one of these as a 4 door Supermirafiori (Y reg) when I was living in the UK. (1989-92) A fast motorway cruiser and kept under the radar as it looked like a scruffy Lada. Updated rear lights and rectangular headlights. Insurance was good considering the performance. It was one of the first FIATs to get galvanised body so at 8 years old it just had a bit of paint fade rather than severe rot like many of the time. The only time it let me down was on a very dark night on a narrow lane. The battery had a crack in it and the acid in a cell leaked out. Suddenly everything when out when the relays went off. No lights or engine as I crossed a small bridge. Managed to avoid hitting the stone walls either side. I am familiar with the induction roar as I have a Lotus Esprit with 2x45mm Dellortos. They sit right behind your head.
Fantastic Hubnut! I remember my friend in the 80s had a 131 in blue. His dad worked at a Fiat dealership so that's probably why he managed to get a good 2nd hand one ❤
Ahh the memories come flooding back as a child in my grandfathers 131 super mirafiori. Then the Lancia Beta saloon. I've been in love with early fiats and Lancias ever since.
My father had a 131 1600 CL panorama (estate) when i was young from brand new FFS676X and i got a 131 mirafiori sport in bright orange YSC366W when i was 18 car was 7 years old pure loved it had 18 months then sold it on wish i kept it.That lancia engine is actually the fiat twin cam i had same 2 ltr engine guy croft was legenday fiat twincam engine tuner.Those engines were amazeing so much stronger than the ford pinto crap !!! 😂😂
My late father had blue 1979 Mirafiori 1600 L . First car I ever driven and loved it so much. I wish I could drive a car like this again. I think I’d probably cry all the way missing my father so much
I'm so glad you enjoyed this one Ian. I owned a black 131 Sport on a V plate from '82-'87. Best car I ever owned and a hoot to drive on country roads. The close ratios meant you had to work the gearbox, but that added to the enjoyment. You missed mentioning the rear side windows, which opened like a quarter light.
My grandfather was parts manager at several FIAT dealers over the years. He had several Fiat's as company cars but I still remember him taking us out one weekend in a 131 Sport in orange with the black grille and by god did that thing move.
Italian pal of mine had one of these, superb car, sensible, but with flair. In his 40 years of driving he’s only ever had one non Italian car, an Audi Quattro, which he rather liked. But still went back to Alfa and now Maserati. He’s working on a Fiat 130 with a rather naughty engine.
Always loved these. The styling while angular just worked with the lights and trim. The owner of that one must be smiling 24/7 having that on the driveway.
Ahhh! The 132 Supermirafiori ❤❤❤ a car I drove frequently in the early 80's, fell in love with the devine twin cam motor matched with the 5 speed ZF gearbox & still reminisce about to this day. So much better than the 'cloggy' Ford XR-blaa's I had to drive the rest of the time. Along with its sister Lancias & Alfas, & occasional DeSoto Maseratis I have retained a enduring love of Italian chic to this day.
I used to love those cars, i used to have a lift off a friend in one back and fore to college in the late 70`s, it was bright orange, i always longed for one but was always to sensible to buy one!
I remember in summer 1985 when I was in the market for a new car for the first time I was looking around and my local Fiat dealer, Irvine Motors in Newcastle, had a 'job lot' of Supermirafioris from an unfulfilled order or maybe an 'end of line' offer. Only problem was they were all estates, and pre-registered on a 'B' plate. Nevertheless I was tempted. The OTR price was around £5000. I ended up spending an extra £750 on a new C-reg Ford Escort 🤔
I vaguely remember an advert in the 1970's for the Fiat 132 where chaps were comparing the sound of their engines (I guess Cortina's and Marina's). Then a chap blipped his twin cam 132 which sounded super rorty. I loved the 132 and 131 and would have one over a fast Ford any day of the week.
My brother and I had a 131 station wagon here in Australia, back in the early 80's. I wish I still had it, and my brother. Most fun car I'd ever driven. Had the best sound of a 4 cylinder engine I've ever heard. Big regret selling it. Don't see them at all in Australia now.
My friends dad had a Super Mirafiori back in the eary 80's. As a probably 8 year old I failed to recognise the significance and was more impressed with their series 2 landrover lol. Now I'm older (50 a few weeks back) I have been suitably educated in all things car and must admit these are mighty fine but very rare automobiles. I fact I saw one a few months back in full rally garb and it looked and sounded tremendous. Keep up the great video's you've been driving some true beauties recently 🙂
Magneti Marelli electrics were almost as bad as Lucas, the Prince of Darkness :) I've got the 1756cc engine from my 132 installed in my little Triumph Spitfire (with twin 40s obviously), awesome engine :)
I had one of these Sports, also a ‘W’ reg (RKK 479W I think it was) in 1982, same colour but with the standard 2 litre FIAT twin cam engine. It was an absolute gem. I changed it for a Lancia Delta ‘GTie’. That was in a lovely metallic black. Pretty much the same engine but the 1.6 version. That was also fun to drive but the rear wheel drive FIAT was better. Great to see this video.
One of my favourite square =modern cars. The Italians do it so well. You don't see these anymore which is a shame. Can't decide between the square headlights or the round ones. Both look good. I love these taillights.
I had a Fiat Mirafiori 131 sport. It was black with burnt orange velour interior. That was circa 1985 ish. Immaculate condition. Two of my friends had one as well - one was orange with black velour and the other was the same as the one you have there. I swapped my Triumph Dolomite Sprint for the Fiat and it felt streets ahead in comfort. Mine also had a big rubber spoiler on the boot.
My uncle took me and my brother to see Flash Gordon at the cinema in the late 70s, arrived there in a dusky pink Supermirafiori TC with that lush soft interior... In brown, from memory. One of my favourites of the many cars my uncle has had over the years. Cheers for the video, Ian and Carly
This brought back memories of my dad testing a 1600 estate as a much needed replacement for a Simca 1100 which was rusting away. The garage was at the bottom of Reigate hill and by the time we got to the top the whole family had huge grins on our faces, we flew up compared to the Simca. Dad bought it of course and I spent many happy hours as a teenager helping to deal with the rust in return for elevated amounts of pocket money. Great car. I also had one as my first car a 1600 saloon in white, again great car which took myself and my friends on any adventures.
Ohh, sweet memories. In my early twenties I had an orange 131 Racing (that was the name in the Netherlands), with a two-stage carburetor, what fond memories I have of that FIAT. I was working at the FIAT dealer in Nijmegen at the time, this 131 Racing was first offered to a colleague, but he already had too many FIATs around the house, so I asked if I could buy it, and I never regretted it. This silver gray one sounds great with the Dell'Orto's.
@@scottyg7284 Dat klopt, Jan Hendriks aan de Van Heemstraweg in Beuningen, zit nu op de Goudwerf in Beuningen. Ik heb ook nog bij de FIAT dealer in Druten gewerkt. That's right, Jan Hendriks on the Van Heemstraweg in Beuningen is now at the Goudwerf in Beuningen. I also worked at the FIAT dealer in Druten.
In the late 80’s you could pick up a decent supermirafiori for £600, which represented the best excitement/power:cash/insurance ratio for any English teenager. Rorty twin cam, rev counter, alloy wheels, lux interior and an electric aerial. Guaranteed to impress - until the belt snapped.
Iconic gurgling from a set of twins! Never get that from an EV.(Oops sorry). Takes me back to chasing the UK RAC Rally around watching the Fiat Abarth rally version when they'd put the co-driver in effectively the back seat for weight distribution, before it was outlawed. Fond memories. 👍🇬🇧.
Here in the US, the series 2 was initially called the SuperBrava when introduced in 1978 and my parents bought a four door one and had it delivered in Italy. We drove it around there that summer and shipped it home. I adored that car even though it had its problems and we had it until 1984 when we traded it in for a Honda Accord. In the US, we never got the Sport model however, I do believe that we eventually got the 2.0 litre engine. If I remember correctly, we had a 1.8 and strangely enough, the manual shift lever was further up on a slight diagonal and it was longer than the one in video. Also another difference in that first year model that we had was a wonderful uni spoke steering wheel. Between that and the huge glove box, it really made the interior stand out for its day. Fiat advertised it at the time in the US as the $5,000 car with the $8,000 interior
Thanks, for the trip down memory lane! This model was the second car I ever owned. I bought a 1979 one in 1993 in bright orange with black trim, five spoke momo alloys and steering wheel, and Koni shocks. The engine was the standard 2000TC. It was brilliant fun and the rasp and willingness of the engine was all the music I ever needed. I think I had a tape cassette deck plus radio in it but it got very little use. I had it for about 5 years and used to take it out for drives just for fun!
The Fiat 124 became the Lada instead of the Polski Fiat (that one being based on the bigger Fiat 125). In the Netherlands and probably other European countries the 131 Sport was known as the 131 Racing. Later versions were available with the Volumex compressor, but these are quite rare.
I wanted one of these so bad. I couldn't get insurance for the sport, but i could for the super, which had the 1.6 twin cam. It wasnt fast but it was so nice to drive. I would take one now in a heartbeat if it were possible. Unfortunately back in the late 70s fiats and lancias rusted before your eyes. Great to see this again. Thanks
I get tears in my eyes when I see people running these FIAT's and Alfas without air filters. The amount of friction material entering those ram tubes is a very scary thought indeed. I guess some people enjoy annual rebuilds? Lovely car though. I would want one!
You enjoyed that then. I was half expecting to hearpace notes from Miss HubNut. My late Father-in-Law had a 1972 Fiat 125 Special with 1.6 twin cam engine. The car dissolved, but the engine lived on in a 131. The Renault 12 retained lhd windscreen wipers in the UK, but had rhd wipers in Australia.
I always like this model, very underestimated to my opinion. The rallycar was really top of the notch. Great video picking again a car which are likely to be forgotten!
Allways loved the shape of those they look a bit mk2 escort but smaller Love the carb induction roar too been a few years since ive had somthing tuned up and carbed Bet its got that classic petrol smell
I often wanted one of these, I had a Fiat 2ltr twin cam engine in my Lada Niva, with that fitted in the engine room it went very well. I changed out the gearbox for a Fiat ZF type gearbox and because the gearbox was a cable clutch gearbox I fitted a Fiat pedal box with the clutch pedal being cable. Doing this also had the added advantage of the pedals that weren't close together like the Lada pedals were. I also fitted a Fiat Tipo 1.9ltr turbo diesel engine to that Niva. It basically went straight in using the Niva engine mounts but I had to change stuff around, make a exhaust and inlet manifold, remote mount the oil filter, remove the vacuum pump from behind the cyl head and remount it, make a remote thermostat for the cooling system.
I had an orange one, and I absolutely loved it. Problem was that I had spare body panels stored in the garage due to the speed it rusted. Was gutted when the rear axle rusted out as I couldn’t afford to replace it.
I worked on these from new Cracking car to drive but front brakes were from a 128 and not up to the job but they were so much fun to drive,best in the black with ginger suede which was covered in yellow plastic on pdi.
Now that's a flashback car. I remember my neighbor when I was a kid back in the 80s, we didn't even have a car but he had a 131 Super and while it looked nothing special back in the 80s it certainly sounded nice!
The Fiat Mirafiori 131, the first car I actually owned from 1988 to 1993, and that my wife and I had for the first couple of years of our marriage. A great car to drive, lovely gearbox, but our’s had awful electrics and was a real money pit! Nevertheless I have very fond memories of that car, and your terrific review brought the memories flooding back.
Such a lot of nostalgia for the Fiat 131 as my dad had one from '80-'82. I can't find the colour anywhere - it was a kind of dark mauve, but became rust coloured very quickly! In '82 the Barclays Bank at the end of my street had an armed robbery, a week or so later Shaw Taylor came along and did a bit for the LWT version of "Police 5". He parked his Jag outside our house as my dad was at work. While he was filming his report, right behind him was my dad coming home from work, driving his Fiat 131 around the corner, we only found out when it was broadcast. At the time he was annoyed by the rust and was ready to get rid of it, although otherwise it was a fantastic car. My mum suggested that he should advertise it "as seen on Police 5"!
I think you enjoyed that! I certainly did. It sounded quite “cammy” but blimey! You picked the right car on the right road in the right weather. That’s made my day
Love those twin cam engines, I had a Beta Coupe 1600 which loved being pushed to the redline. Now I have dual twin choke Dellortos on my FulviaSport 1.3S.
My mum had a metallic blue saloon. I've only seen two saloons, but never a coupe. It looks and sounds amazing, and the Lancia engine is an inspired choice
I had one of these and two Supermirafioris back in the late 80's. I do remember hitting a pot hole once and the wheel ended up touching the wing , the chassis was made of paper. They rotted so badly which is probably why few remain but indeed they were incredible fun, especially around roundabouts.
I had a Fiat 125 in Australia in the 1980s fitted with a Lancia 1800 and Dellortos from an Alfa Romeo on a Lynx manifold. The intake roar certainly was noticable.
Had 2 Sports back in the 80s, a 79 in Orange with black interior and an 82 in black with a burnt orange interior. Also had a 1.6 & 2.0 Super. I wouldn't mind owning a Sport today. But finding one is another matter!
I always loved these. Worked on a few back in the 80's along with many other fiats. They always had a very distinctive pungent interior smell which I'll never forget. Would love one if I could find one along with strada 105TC Abarth.
Thanks for that enjoyable video! I owned a four-door 131 with 1600 ccm engine which I greatly enjoyed. Sadly, rust became a problem and we parted some years later.
God these were absolutely gorgeous. We had tons of Mirafioris in Ireland, lots of Supers and some Sports too. Orange was the colour to have for the Sports.
My mate had a 131- a 4 door shell, originally a 1600 which he stuck a 2L twin cam in and painted orange back in early 90s. He had the Sport interior like this one and it really takes me back watching this. I've always liked the 131 Abarths but they are just insanely expensive like all the 70s/80s stuff.
Brought some happy memories back for me did that. Had a couple of 131 Sports in the late 1980's. Always far better than a RS2000 and for half the price second hand. A Mk2 Escort was archaic compared to the FIAT.
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It went HubNut. The Fiat 124 became the Lada, the 125 the Polski-Fiat. I was so determined to get it right! Still got it wrong...
Thanks for correcting and chastising yourself 😆
@@HubNut Shh! We won't tell anyone!
As Dorothy Parker might have said 'How can they tell???'
There were many Polski Fiats, the 126 and the 125 and the Polonez and even some licence built 132 2000 and 130 3200, I would not drive an engine without air filters on dusty roads out of Motorsport. Please test a 16V Dolly Sprint! :)
@@Schlipperschlopper They even assembled the 127p and 128p Coupe along with assembling the Zastava Skala as the 1100p
I bloody love these…especially in orange…so good looking
I came looking for this comment. Orange and slammed, these were so cool.
@@iaincochrane8741 those were the days 😀👍
I had one, a 1979. Black interior, Clarion audio, black towels that clipped on the seat backs for the summer. Went really well
Mine was yellow:)
In 1974 I was an apprentice Fiat mechanic and we called the supermirafiori the flying carrot as they were only available in orange initially. You are right, they were great fun to drive. Your video brought back many happy memories.
I owned a 128 in orange, 1300cc. I loved the steering and free-revving OHC engine. The rust got to it in the end, but I got about five years solid use from it. I rather foolishly, due to budget constraints, shod it with a a full set of Polish Stomil tyres on special offer from the newly established "Kwik Fit". I can recall adjusting the bucket tappets, which was quite a long-winded affair involving bus trips to the main dealer for the little disc shims. I lusted after a Mirafiori after being overtaken by one in a coach in Yugoslavia. I thought the Tipo was a promising car for Fiat - it seemed quite a capable contender to the golf.
@@jamesbenning9665I had one it was also a rust bucket...but it was surprisingly very fast but also thirsty
Modern cars are so stifling. This is how cars should be. What a sound! Simple fun. Beautiful car.
I was sold on the glove box feature alone
The 2 door saloon/sedan needs to make a comeback. Beautiful example.
They always looked good, BMW 3 series, Kadett, etc, much nicer proportions.
@@sebastian0107 Agreed, I remember the 2-door E21s so well. Looked great.
Moment: in a moment of total insanity my dad bought a Opel Rekord 2.1 diesel, with the hump on the bonnet. 4 gears + overdrive. And… just 2 doors! At a BMW dealer who wanted this monstrosity off his parking lot straight away. It was a great car in fact.
So yes, large 2 door saloons with normal space at the back, strange combo.
@@67tomcat Ford even made a 2dr mk2 Granada in the UK.
Couldn't agree more.
As a young man at the time I so wanted a Mirafiori over a XR3 or GTI but could afford to buy or insure neither. Thank you so much for reminding me how much I lusted after a Mirafiori.
I served my apprenticeship as a FIAT mechanic from ‘78-82 before being promoted to receptionist so know my FIATS well.
I used to get to “borrow” these 2 litre Mirafiori Sports/racing from either some of the sales guys or the parts manager and used to drive them at insane speeds around Glasgow’s
(much quieter then) West end thinking I was the next Walter Rohl. XXXmph + regularly and SO easy to flick sideways around every corner! Absolutely nothing to be proud of but such a total blast to drive in its heyday.
Like all FIATS build quality was shocking as was the corrosion but fantastic enthusiastic drivers cars that made every journey special.
Great times fondly remembered forever when the world was a much happier place.
I loved my racing orange 131 Mirafiori sport - the 2000cc twin cam was a great engine - a proper drivers car !
Me too 👌🏻😎
I know this sound so well.
I implanted all of the same mechanicals into my 1973 Simca 1501 Special, in 1989. I have the twin Dellortos and the rear end is from an '81 Argenta which I adapted to fit the Simca. It's a half inch wider track and uses the same brake backplate and shoes as per Simca excepting the cylinder diameters are slightly smaller.
Wheels are Chromodora from an '80's Lancia Beta. I have the later, stronger 5 speed box from the Argenta and use mostly Fiat controls, accelerator, handbrake etc.
I never met the late (and Great) Guy Croft but spent time chatting on the phone and have both his twin cam tuning manuals - THE bible for anyone serious about preparing one of these super engines. Guy said these Fiats were everyday cars fitted with racing engines. Wonderful!
Fiat owners and enthusiasts will be delighted to view your video and yes, they are great cars! Electric cars? Bah, Humbug!
Thanks very much.
Had 2 of these in the late 80's, they were incredible cars that gave me a lifelong love of fast fiats. 👍👍👍
I had a 124 saloon, followed by a 125 Special.....I dont think people realise how advanced these cars were, ....twin overhead cam engine (125), intermittent wipe, 5 speed box, radial tyres, disc brakes, reclining seats, tacho,handbrake warning light,side indicator lights.....and many more features that slowly became standard on other European cars.....but later.
My experience with 131 was a pushrod 1600, I'd traded an Alfa Sud Ti, as I needed a four door as a family wagon.
My step-uncle has the 2000cc version of the Twin Cam engine from one of these into his Mk.1 Escort.
It really is a hidden gem of an engine.
20+ years ago I had a Guy Croft engine in a Lancia Montecarlo. Using standard cams it put out approx 155 BHP measured on a rolling road as part of a writeup on the car in Car and Car Conversions Magazine. It was a lovely engine and had power from idle to 7000 rpm. Just done a rego check and pleased to see it's still out there too.
My first car in 1988 when I passed my test was a 1979 Fiat 131 Super Mirafiori. FGD 937T. At the time all my mates had Escort Mexico's or RS2000's. My Fiat surprised them all and gave them a real run for their money. I loved it. Wished I never sold it. Spotted it in Paisley about 10 years later and asked the owner to call me if they were ever selling it. Never got a call......
I had a Fiat 131 Mirafiori, 1600cc, 5 speed gearbox. A 1978, SReg in light mettalic blue. Great to drive, especially compared to a Cortina of the day. It was 2 years old and I was 21, life was good 😊 It went rusty in the rear arches 😢
At last a car I had many of when I was in my prime .had 2 series 2
1 series 1 and my last was the series 3 . super mirafori. With the wonderful 2.0 twin cam . that also came with the shorter gear knob in the correct position rather than coming out of the centre console at a weird angle.
Thank you.this video has brought back wonderful memories.
Christ, the glovebox, the bullet mirrors, the velour seats, it brings back so many memories of my dad’s old 131sport. His looked. Just like that, but with pepperpot wheels, a massively heavy rubber spoiler on the bootlid and blindingly bright rally spotlights. Many thanks for bringing it back to me!
My one had that rubber spoiler.. you needed 5 hands to open the boots to put your luggage in..
As kid, I was envious that my pal's dad had a Fiat 124 Special T, which was a roadburner in its day.
But this 131 is something else, and I love everything about it.
Sweet! That two litre Lampredi DOHC was a true champion of an engine which helped propel Lancia rally cars to their wins in the 80s and 90s..... roar brings back memories of driving my brother's 130TC Abarth for 6 months in 1989....nobody was able to keep up expect for one guy in my town who drove a Gen1 Uno Turbo i.e..
Huge thanks. This brought back many memories. I was an RUC officer, based in rural Tyrone in the late 80's. We had a mix of cars. Some armoured. Mostly Ford Cortinas. Many other types. Soft skinned, as we called them. Came and went. One day, in winter an almost glow stick orange Mirafiori or Super Mirafiori arrived and as soon as we first heard it running. All the guys wanted to get it onto the endless backroads in our area, to do it's thang. I forget the details. But the engine was definitely warmed over. And the suspension and other weight bearing components beefed up. Then the temperature dropped and on snow and ice that wasn't treated. You could barely keep it between the hedges. Several times we were skating on ice and snow, when we'd get a call over the radio to attend a traffic accident or a domestic. What should've taken us ten minutes or less to respond to. Took us twenty minutes or more because first of all, we had to extract ourselves from B roads. It must've looked like something out of an Italian mafia movie. Literally flying around, blue light on the roof flashing. Ear splitting two tones waking the dead. It had an engine note like the car you reviewed and everyone loved it. One day it was gone. I think someone in another duty section crashed it. Leaving behind Fords, Vauxhalls and of course, Land Rovers. It probably stood out too much. But in a winter, with The Troubles going full tilt. It brought us a little entertainment and many laughs, in an otherwise bleak, extremely dangerous existence.
Oh my goodness! I learned to drive in my Dad’s 1600 131, and when I passed my test, it was replaced with a 2 litre mirafiori ‘TC’ with power steering and electric windows. A huge treat to be allowed to drive it - although it was carrying rust out of the showroom!
What a machine 😎 I passed on the opportunity to buy one just like that about 20yrs ago for not much money instead opting to get a rather rough Dolomite Sprint- I rue the day!
It was fascinating to see that even Mr "Less is More" Hubnut is not immune to the throaty call of a pair of Dellortos! Watching your driving style become more and more spirited as you piloted the wee beast through that wonderful twisty-turny road and adapting more to the engine's "Come on then, Big Man - you KNOW you want to" than you normally do! I'm sure I even heard Miss Hubnut make a couple of surprised noises as the car took bends and bumps in its stride - and she doesn't normally do that at all! But you're right - the sound is intoxicating and it engulfs every other sound to become the only one you hear.....and the more you hear, the more you just want to keep hearing it! I somehow don't think that it would be a vehicle that one could just pootle about in on a Sunday drive....well, maybe that's just me because I definitely do not have the self control to resist the engine's taunting! Lovely review and such an awesome little car! Thanks for showcasing it for us. All the best.
A real car with character. You don’t need huge amounts of technology to enjoy driving, as this video shows. Well done Ian 👍🏻
There is a last series, 4 door Super 131 Mirafiori in Gold, still running around the Illawarra, with the matching cladding around the lower sides.
I had a Series 2 131 Supermirafiori Panorama 1600TC back in the early 90`s, I`ve had over 150 cars, some of them very flash, some very fast, some very luxurious, but that 131 is EASILY my most missed car, & the one I`d really love to have again! Seeing this has just brought it ALL back, the sounds (even on the standard twin choke!), the slightly rubbery gearchange, the clunky switches, the slidy glovebox, the sumptuous velour.. I can even remember the interiors smell! Fantastic! Love it! & you did too, given your constant smile Ian!
My Dad had one of these in 1977. Amazing car to drive for the time. Thanks Hubnut
I had one of these as a 4 door Supermirafiori (Y reg) when I was living in the UK. (1989-92)
A fast motorway cruiser and kept under the radar as it looked like a scruffy Lada. Updated rear lights and rectangular headlights. Insurance was good considering the performance.
It was one of the first FIATs to get galvanised body so at 8 years old it just had a bit of paint fade rather than severe rot like many of the time.
The only time it let me down was on a very dark night on a narrow lane. The battery had a crack in it and the acid in a cell leaked out. Suddenly everything when out when the relays went off. No lights or engine as I crossed a small bridge. Managed to avoid hitting the stone walls either side.
I am familiar with the induction roar as I have a Lotus Esprit with 2x45mm Dellortos. They sit right behind your head.
We had one when i was a kid. It did still rot though.
Had a black one when i passed my test in 1990. Bought it for £65 . Wish i had it now. It was a very fun car to drive.
What’s not to like - a majestic beast
Fantastic Hubnut! I remember my friend in the 80s had a 131 in blue. His dad worked at a Fiat dealership so that's probably why he managed to get a good 2nd hand one ❤
Ahh the memories come flooding back as a child in my grandfathers 131 super mirafiori. Then the Lancia Beta saloon. I've been in love with early fiats and Lancias ever since.
My father had a 131 1600 CL panorama (estate) when i was young from brand new FFS676X and i got a 131 mirafiori sport in bright orange YSC366W when i was 18 car was 7 years old pure loved it had 18 months then sold it on wish i kept it.That lancia engine is actually the fiat twin cam i had same 2 ltr engine guy croft was legenday fiat twincam engine tuner.Those engines were amazeing so much stronger than the ford pinto crap !!! 😂😂
My late father had blue 1979 Mirafiori 1600 L . First car I ever driven and loved it so much. I wish I could drive a car like this again. I think I’d probably cry all the way missing my father so much
I'm so glad you enjoyed this one Ian. I owned a black 131 Sport on a V plate from '82-'87. Best car I ever owned and a hoot to drive on country roads. The close ratios meant you had to work the gearbox, but that added to the enjoyment. You missed mentioning the rear side windows, which opened like a quarter light.
My grandfather was parts manager at several FIAT dealers over the years. He had several Fiat's as company cars but I still remember him taking us out one weekend in a 131 Sport in orange with the black grille and by god did that thing move.
There's a trend with the 70s Fiats you have tested, they are all awesome and memorable
Had one of these in bright orange with a tinge of rust under the door mirrors.
Twin 45 dellorto carbs and a Vauxhall Cavalier slayer.
Italian pal of mine had one of these, superb car, sensible, but with flair. In his 40 years of driving he’s only ever had one non Italian car, an Audi Quattro, which he rather liked. But still went back to Alfa and now Maserati. He’s working on a Fiat 130 with a rather naughty engine.
Always loved these. The styling while angular just worked with the lights and trim. The owner of that one must be smiling 24/7 having that on the driveway.
Ahhh! The 132 Supermirafiori ❤❤❤ a car I drove frequently in the early 80's, fell in love with the devine twin cam motor matched with the 5 speed ZF gearbox & still reminisce about to this day. So much better than the 'cloggy' Ford XR-blaa's I had to drive the rest of the time. Along with its sister Lancias & Alfas, & occasional DeSoto Maseratis I have retained a enduring love of Italian chic to this day.
That's a car to keep and saviour for many years, beautiful and simple .
I used to love those cars, i used to have a lift off a friend in one back and fore to college in the late 70`s, it was bright orange, i always longed for one but was always to sensible to buy one!
I remember in summer 1985 when I was in the market for a new car for the first time I was looking around and my local Fiat dealer, Irvine Motors in Newcastle, had a 'job lot' of Supermirafioris from an unfulfilled order or maybe an 'end of line' offer. Only problem was they were all estates, and pre-registered on a 'B' plate. Nevertheless I was tempted. The OTR price was around £5000. I ended up spending an extra £750 on a new C-reg Ford Escort 🤔
I vaguely remember an advert in the 1970's for the Fiat 132 where chaps were comparing the sound of their engines (I guess Cortina's and Marina's). Then a chap blipped his twin cam 132 which sounded super rorty. I loved the 132 and 131 and would have one over a fast Ford any day of the week.
My brother and I had a 131 station wagon here in Australia, back in the early 80's. I wish I still had it, and my brother. Most fun car I'd ever driven. Had the best sound of a 4 cylinder engine I've ever heard. Big regret selling it. Don't see them at all in Australia now.
My friends dad had a Super Mirafiori back in the eary 80's. As a probably 8 year old I failed to recognise the significance and was more impressed with their series 2 landrover lol. Now I'm older (50 a few weeks back) I have been suitably educated in all things car and must admit these are mighty fine but very rare automobiles. I fact I saw one a few months back in full rally garb and it looked and sounded tremendous. Keep up the great video's you've been driving some true beauties recently 🙂
Reminds me of our beloved 1800cc 132 from the early 80s. Drove like a tank, the electrics were dire, but ohhh … the rawty noise! We loved it
Magneti Marelli electrics were almost as bad as Lucas, the Prince of Darkness :)
I've got the 1756cc engine from my 132 installed in my little Triumph Spitfire (with twin 40s obviously), awesome engine :)
I had one of these Sports, also a ‘W’ reg (RKK 479W I think it was) in 1982, same colour but with the standard 2 litre FIAT twin cam engine.
It was an absolute gem.
I changed it for a Lancia Delta ‘GTie’. That was in a lovely metallic black.
Pretty much the same engine but the 1.6 version.
That was also fun to drive but the rear wheel drive FIAT was better.
Great to see this video.
Can’t believe that I had a silver sport with black vinyl roof with 131 Mirafiori down the back panels and replaced it with red delta gt ie
One of my favourite square =modern cars. The Italians do it so well.
You don't see these anymore which is a shame. Can't decide between the square headlights or the round ones. Both look good.
I love these taillights.
It's like with the Capri Mk2 > Mk 3; this looks 'meaner'
I had a Fiat Mirafiori 131 sport. It was black with burnt orange velour interior. That was circa 1985 ish. Immaculate condition. Two of my friends had one as well - one was orange with black velour and the other was the same as the one you have there. I swapped my Triumph Dolomite Sprint for the Fiat and it felt streets ahead in comfort. Mine also had a big rubber spoiler on the boot.
My uncle took me and my brother to see Flash Gordon at the cinema in the late 70s, arrived there in a dusky pink Supermirafiori TC with that lush soft interior... In brown, from memory. One of my favourites of the many cars my uncle has had over the years. Cheers for the video, Ian and Carly
This brought back memories of my dad testing a 1600 estate as a much needed replacement for a Simca 1100 which was rusting away. The garage was at the bottom of Reigate hill and by the time we got to the top the whole family had huge grins on our faces, we flew up compared to the Simca. Dad bought it of course and I spent many happy hours as a teenager helping to deal with the rust in return for elevated amounts of pocket money. Great car. I also had one as my first car a 1600 saloon in white, again great car which took myself and my friends on any adventures.
Ohh, sweet memories. In my early twenties I had an orange 131 Racing (that was the name in the Netherlands), with a two-stage carburetor, what fond memories I have of that FIAT. I was working at the FIAT dealer in Nijmegen at the time, this 131 Racing was first offered to a colleague, but he already had too many FIATs around the house, so I asked if I could buy it, and I never regretted it. This silver gray one sounds great with the Dell'Orto's.
Was there a small Fiat specialist between Nijmegen and Druten?
@@scottyg7284 Dat klopt, Jan Hendriks aan de Van Heemstraweg in Beuningen, zit nu op de Goudwerf in Beuningen. Ik heb ook nog bij de FIAT dealer in Druten gewerkt.
That's right, Jan Hendriks on the Van Heemstraweg in Beuningen is now at the Goudwerf in Beuningen. I also worked at the FIAT dealer in Druten.
Love the sound, cool car! The 131 lived on in Türkiye as the Tofas Sahin/Dogan until 2002, later models a curious mix of 70's and 90's styling
In the late 80’s you could pick up a decent supermirafiori for £600, which represented the best excitement/power:cash/insurance ratio for any English teenager. Rorty twin cam, rev counter, alloy wheels, lux interior and an electric aerial. Guaranteed to impress - until the belt snapped.
Iconic gurgling from a set of twins! Never get that from an EV.(Oops sorry). Takes me back to chasing the UK RAC Rally around watching the Fiat Abarth rally version when they'd put the co-driver in effectively the back seat for weight distribution, before it was outlawed. Fond memories. 👍🇬🇧.
Here in the US, the series 2 was initially called the SuperBrava when introduced in 1978 and my parents bought a four door one and had it delivered in Italy. We drove it around there that summer and shipped it home. I adored that car even though it had its problems and we had it until 1984 when we traded it in for a Honda Accord. In the US, we never got the Sport model however, I do believe that we eventually got the 2.0 litre engine. If I remember correctly, we had a 1.8 and strangely enough, the manual shift lever was further up on a slight diagonal and it was longer than the one in video. Also another difference in that first year model that we had was a wonderful uni spoke steering wheel. Between that and the huge glove box, it really made the interior stand out for its day. Fiat advertised it at the time in the US as the $5,000 car with the $8,000 interior
Lots of these in California back in the early 80's, and sadly saw every one of them in the self service wrecking yards.
What a joy to see I really thought there was none of these stunning cars left fantastic car
Absolutely magnificent
This funky dashboard was actually on display in the New York museum of modern art back in the day
You should see the Lancia Trevi dash! 😁
@@juststeve5542 You mean the one with all the round holes, that’s a trip
Girlfriends dad had a silver estate I thought it was a super minafuri 131 but a lovely car and boy could it go brings back memories thanks bud 👍😊
Thanks, for the trip down memory lane! This model was the second car I ever owned. I bought a 1979 one in 1993 in bright orange with black trim, five spoke momo alloys and steering wheel, and Koni shocks. The engine was the standard 2000TC. It was brilliant fun and the rasp and willingness of the engine was all the music I ever needed. I think I had a tape cassette deck plus radio in it but it got very little use. I had it for about 5 years and used to take it out for drives just for fun!
The Fiat 124 became the Lada instead of the Polski Fiat (that one being based on the bigger Fiat 125). In the Netherlands and probably other European countries the 131 Sport was known as the 131 Racing. Later versions were available with the Volumex compressor, but these are quite rare.
Beautiful car. Sounds wonderful. Thanks Ian and Carly
I had a 124 sport coupe in nz in the early 80s, fun car, still smile when i think of it.
I wanted one of these so bad. I couldn't get insurance for the sport, but i could for the super, which had the 1.6 twin cam. It wasnt fast but it was so nice to drive. I would take one now in a heartbeat if it were possible. Unfortunately back in the late 70s fiats and lancias rusted before your eyes.
Great to see this again. Thanks
I get tears in my eyes when I see people running these FIAT's and Alfas without air filters. The amount of friction material entering those ram tubes is a very scary thought indeed. I guess some people enjoy annual rebuilds? Lovely car though. I would want one!
Stunning looking car, Mr. Roberts P.E. teacher in Pencoed had one the same back in the day. Very cool car.
You enjoyed that then. I was half expecting to hearpace notes from Miss HubNut.
My late Father-in-Law had a 1972 Fiat 125 Special with 1.6 twin cam engine. The car dissolved, but the engine lived on in a 131.
The Renault 12 retained lhd windscreen wipers in the UK, but had rhd wipers in Australia.
Beautiful. Identical steering wheel to my Strada 65CL.
I always like this model, very underestimated to my opinion. The rallycar was really top of the notch. Great video picking again a car which are likely to be forgotten!
Allways loved the shape of those they look a bit mk2 escort but smaller
Love the carb induction roar too been a few years since ive had somthing tuned up and carbed
Bet its got that classic petrol smell
I often wanted one of these, I had a Fiat 2ltr twin cam engine in my Lada Niva, with that fitted in the engine room it went very well. I changed out the gearbox for a Fiat ZF type gearbox and because the gearbox was a cable clutch gearbox I fitted a Fiat pedal box with the clutch pedal being cable. Doing this also had the added advantage of the pedals that weren't close together like the Lada pedals were. I also fitted a Fiat Tipo 1.9ltr turbo diesel engine to that Niva. It basically went straight in using the Niva engine mounts but I had to change stuff around, make a exhaust and inlet manifold, remote mount the oil filter, remove the vacuum pump from behind the cyl head and remount it, make a remote thermostat for the cooling system.
We had an 82' racing 131 in black with burnt orange velour and factor magnesium wheels soaked up the bumps went round corners and the kids loved
I had an orange one, and I absolutely loved it. Problem was that I had spare body panels stored in the garage due to the speed it rusted. Was gutted when the rear axle rusted out as I couldn’t afford to replace it.
My Father in Law had one of these when I first met him. Dark grey with burnt orange velour interior. Happy memories!
I worked on these from new
Cracking car to drive but front brakes were
from a 128 and not up to the job but they were so much fun to drive,best in the black with ginger suede which was covered in yellow plastic on pdi.
Now that's a flashback car. I remember my neighbor when I was a kid back in the 80s, we didn't even have a car but he had a 131 Super and while it looked nothing special back in the 80s it certainly sounded nice!
The Fiat Mirafiori 131, the first car I actually owned from 1988 to 1993, and that my wife and I had for the first couple of years of our marriage. A great car to drive, lovely gearbox, but our’s had awful electrics and was a real money pit! Nevertheless I have very fond memories of that car, and your terrific review brought the memories flooding back.
Such a lot of nostalgia for the Fiat 131 as my dad had one from '80-'82. I can't find the colour anywhere - it was a kind of dark mauve, but became rust coloured very quickly!
In '82 the Barclays Bank at the end of my street had an armed robbery, a week or so later Shaw Taylor came along and did a bit for the LWT version of "Police 5". He parked his Jag outside our house as my dad was at work. While he was filming his report, right behind him was my dad coming home from work, driving his Fiat 131 around the corner, we only found out when it was broadcast. At the time he was annoyed by the rust and was ready to get rid of it, although otherwise it was a fantastic car. My mum suggested that he should advertise it "as seen on Police 5"!
I think you enjoyed that! I certainly did. It sounded quite “cammy” but blimey! You picked the right car on the right road in the right weather. That’s made my day
Love those twin cam engines, I had a Beta Coupe 1600 which loved being pushed to the redline.
Now I have dual twin choke Dellortos on my FulviaSport 1.3S.
Remember when they were New , used to love the Lancia Delta , and all the Rally wins 😎👍
My mum had a metallic blue saloon. I've only seen two saloons, but never a coupe. It looks and sounds amazing, and the Lancia engine is an inspired choice
The 131 Sport grille has to be one of the finest grilles ever styled and built. It puts every modern grille to shame.
All of the styling enhancements were perfection for the time… but the gaudy plush velour interior is a real oddity !
The spot lights in the grill light up the road for miles ahead. Night driving was a pleasure.
Mine had an orange velour interior black exterior
I had one of these and two Supermirafioris back in the late 80's. I do remember hitting a pot hole once and the wheel ended up touching the wing , the chassis was made of paper. They rotted so badly which is probably why few remain but indeed they were incredible fun, especially around roundabouts.
This was the only Italian car I ever owned.
Loved it.
I thought the glove box was the future, it wasn't but it should have been.
I had a Fiat 125 in Australia in the 1980s fitted with a Lancia 1800 and Dellortos from an Alfa Romeo on a Lynx manifold.
The intake roar certainly was noticable.
Had 2 Sports back in the 80s, a 79 in Orange with black interior and an 82 in black with a burnt orange interior. Also had a 1.6 & 2.0 Super. I wouldn't mind owning a Sport today. But finding one is another matter!
I once saw a 131 rallye at a local cars and coffee. It was reeeally lovely. There was also an orange mirafiori 131. One of my favorite cars ever!
I always loved these. Worked on a few back in the 80's along with many other fiats. They always had a very distinctive pungent interior smell which I'll never forget. Would love one if I could find one along with strada 105TC Abarth.
I never saw one of these before. It reminds me of the shape of a Saab 99. Very nice.
They were a fun car, sold a few when I was trading, have painted and welded a couple too
That induction noise who needs the radio on what a lovely noise and that glove box how clever
Used to rally a Sunbeam Rapier on twin Dell'Ortos - it sounded just like this. Happy memories!
I had a supermiafiori for a couple of years, it was great in the snow!
Thanks for that enjoyable video! I owned a four-door 131 with 1600 ccm engine which I greatly enjoyed. Sadly, rust became a problem and we parted some years later.
God these were absolutely gorgeous. We had tons of Mirafioris in Ireland, lots of Supers and some Sports too. Orange was the colour to have for the Sports.
My mate had a 131- a 4 door shell, originally a 1600 which he stuck a 2L twin cam in and painted orange back in early 90s. He had the Sport interior like this one and it really takes me back watching this. I've always liked the 131 Abarths but they are just insanely expensive like all the 70s/80s stuff.
my mate had one in the 90's, 100 quid.....people sneered at it until it left there xr3's gti, etc in the dust!
Brought some happy memories back for me did that.
Had a couple of 131 Sports in the late 1980's. Always far better than a RS2000 and for half the price second hand.
A Mk2 Escort was archaic compared to the FIAT.