1986 Fiat Strada Abarth 130 TC

Interior

The cabin is a wonderful reminder of just how focused the 130TC was, and the original Recaro bucket seats might be the coolest of any 80s hot hatch. The angular dashboard, simple instrumentation, and sporting details are also unmistakably of their era, creating a driving environment that feels refreshingly purposeful by modern standards. The interior presents in amazing original condition with the upholstery and trim all reflecting the high-quality finish evident elsewhere around the car.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The 130TC represented the ultimate evolution of the sporting Strada and remains one of the most charismatic and rarely seen hot hatches of its generation. The 2-litre twin-cam engine breathes through a pair of Weber carbs and produces circa 130hp – serious performance for a lightweight 80s hatchback.

To ensure the restoration was more than skin deep, the mechanical preparation was every bit as thorough as the bodywork. When the car was stripped back to a bare shell, every mechanical component was removed and either completely refreshed or replaced entirely. Everything from the engine and gearbox to the suspension and braking system was recommissioned as needed, all resulting in a car that drives as impressively as it presents. For additional peace of mind, it has just returned from having a service at Emblem Sportscars, and upon a sale at the asking price it will also receive a fresh cambelt change, giving its next keeper the reassurance to use and enjoy the car from day one.

History File

The Fiat Strada Abarth 130TC has evolved from an often-overlooked hot hatch into one of the most fascinating performance cars of the 1980s. Rare when new and exceptionally scarce today, its combination of naturally aspirated twin-cam power, twin Weber carbs, and wonderfully analogue dynamics is unlikely ever to be repeated.

The provenance accompanying this particular 130TC is what truly sets it apart. A rare UK-supplied example with just 55k miles from new, the car was the subject of an extraordinary restoration programme between 2011 and 2013, with documented expenditure totalling approximately £75k.

Further confirmation of the car's pedigree came in 2017, when it was submitted for official Abarth Classiche certification, a process costing in excess of €3,400 and involving a full inspection of the vehicle by Abarth technical experts flown in from Italy. Quite remarkably all the original handbooks are also present with the car. Freshly serviced and with a cambelt change to be completed upon sale, this unrepeatable example is ready to be driven, shown and very much enjoyed by its next custodian.