Fiat 131 Racing/Sport, Mirafiori/Brava (ESC 169W), Rebuild/Restoration.

This car was extensively rebuilt (re-engineered!), in the early 1990's by a friend of mine. I bought it off of him in the early to mid 90's. this slideshow hardly scratches the surface of the rebuild, I have literally hundreds of photos of the rebuild, too many in fact to post. I wrote to Retro Cars Magazine, who published a letter asking where it is now. Sadly, after being sold locally and then going to the Glasgow area, it seems to have been sold down south where it appears to have been broken up.

As you can see from the photos, the restoration was extensive and I was surprised to learn from the Glasgow owner that the car required a lot more welding for its MOT. Note that all the inner sills and floor were rebuilt with 1mm galvanised steel, and the excessive amounts of Waxoyl. I guess there's no stopping the hungry tinworm!

Ever since I lost track of the car, I've often wondered if the shell is still intact and possibly awaiting a further rebuild, and will it ever be put back on the road again? Also, what ever happened to the engine? The 131 was more than capable of out accelerating Peugeot 309 GTI's, MR2's and such like (So I was told officer ;-)

A brief spec included....Twin 40 weber carbs with straight inlet manifold, cam driven distributor to allow the straight manifold, Holbay Tornado cams, high compression pistons, Alquati exhaust and manifold (2.25 inch), verniers on the cams, fiat 124 sport alloy timing belt cover, Fiat 127 Sport (Abarth) steering wheel.