Fiat 131 TC and Sport (1978 – 1984) Review

The Fiat 131 Sport - or Racing in Italy - was an appealing brew of two-door Mirafiori shell, and a 2.0-litre twin-cam engine, and kitted out with a stylish bodykit and alloy wheels. Essentially, it was the Italian equivalent of the Ford Escort RS2000, but rather better on the road. In comparison, the Fiat’s twin-cam efficiency compensated for the 131 Sport’s extra weight.

Both were pure road cars being sold on the back of rally successes. The Fiat 131 Sport went through a horrendous period of decline thanks to mid-life rust, and on account of being an engine donor for countless Morris Minor conversions, so today's survivors are rare and utterly desirable. They were only sold in black, orange, silver or grey, can't be mistaken for lesser 131s.