1976 Fiat-Abarth 131 Rally: An Italian Rally Legend in Tuscany

Tuscany has all manner of public roads doing a laudable impressions of a tarmac rally stage, and if you’re going to drive an Italian homologation special around for a day you’d struggle to find a better area to get lost in on purpose.
The Fiat-Abarth 131 Rally had some big shoes to fill when the Fiat Group hung its WRC hopes over its widened fiberglass shoulders. Unlike the Stratos which had brought Lancia a trio of constructors’ titles in the mid 1970s, it was decided that the Group’s rallying involvement would be more directly related to its mass-produced road cars; in this case the humble Fiat 131.
To get the entry-level car up to the task at hand in the WRC, Fiat got Abarth involved with the preparation for rallying, and had Bertone take care of the restyling and construction of the lightweight bodywork for the 400-car homologation production. The transformation was enough to bring Fiat three WRC contractors’ titles (1977, 1978, and 1980), and drivers’ titles for Markku Alén and Walter Röhrl (in 1978 and 1980, respectively).
The road-going version of the factory rally cars was impressive in its own right, with its dramatic styling backed up by the four-corner independent suspension and the Abarth-tuned twin-cam inline-four. In Stradale trim the motor made just shy of 140hp out of its two naturally aspirated liters. Fed by a single Weber carb but packing four valves per cylinder in its aluminum head, the engine isn’t what you’d call powerful outright, but it’s an impressive example of highly strung natural aspiration for a 1970s road car.
Though there are some things that could make this 131 even sweeter to steer down these roads-like a limited-slip-it’s impossible not to find some enjoyment from this fascinating familiar yet wild relic from the formative years of world rallying.
More films, articles, and photos: www.petrolicious.com
Petrolicious Membership: Premium films, Drive Tastefully Quarterly, events & more: www.petrolicious.com/membership
The best automotive gear and goods: www.petrolicious.com/shop
Like us on Facebook: / petrolicious
Follow us on Instagram: / petrolicious
Always Drive Tastefully®

[@LR_84]

dont understand the hate people are giving for this video format, I think its brilliant; Im here about the car, not the owner.

[@carlodanese9120]

Dear Petrolicious, We have enough of this diver/reviewer talk. You made your channel great because you made the owners talk about their cars and their story. That's what made this channel SPECIAL for us Petrolheads. There are plenty of reviewers, don't make the same mistake. BRING BACK THE OLD, AWAY WITH THE NEW!! Best Regards, Italy

[@justkeeponrolling]

These videos aren't new! These videos are old and were given to those who had paid memberships. The reason why these videos are getting published for free now is because Petrolicious is now under new ownership and most probably getting rid of the old while they start producing the new videos we know and love. I can imagine that this has been difficult to do due to the Coronavirus which had delayed filming new "Made to Drive" series videos. . Just be grateful that we are getting some content from the channel and it hasn't completely died.

[@carlodanese9120]

Cornettus I understand that Covid19 has undermined our lifestyle and reality but I don’t accept this change in format, I’ll give them a year, after that I’ll unsubscribe.

[@arnaudvilliard2008]

So I guess you want a refund for what you paid to see this content? Go on and unsubscribe then, we will miss you so much. Leave it to the others who understand that in these times it's either this content, or nothing. They have to keep the videos coming. I like this format and I still learn about amazing cars. Have a great day!

[@carlodanese9120]

Arnaud Villiard such an unrefined and fruitless comment

[@carlodanese9120]

Arnaud Villiard as a person and true petrolhead, I have to right to express my thoughts on the matter and I do not accept baseless assertions from someone that doesn’t know me and viceversa

[@cp5472]

Please bring the old format back, funny how this went from being my favorite youtube channel to something I'm not even excited about anymore and can't finish a whole video.

[@AliasHSW]

Yes yes yes!!!!🙌

[@hillecopter4182]

My Dad's car when I was 12! I loved it!👍🏻

[@jo05dk]

I've always loved the looks of the 131 Abarth, and it still excites me greatly. You're a lucky human getting to drive such a car. Thank you for sharing the experience :)

[@iliasmetalworks]

Thumbs up for not having advertisements!

[@johang7498]

That is one very special Fiat, a true rally-legend! Highly coveted today because of its rarety, competition heritage & performance potential. Styling might not be for everyone, but I can't imagine any petrolhead having a problem with it.

[@richardvandervoort]

Definitely my favourite Abarth

[@alf279]

Every time I see a new Petrolicious video, I'm hoping for the old interview-style content with the owner and story of the car. Not this time I guess... it used to be way better.

[@garrenturk4093]

Agreed......

[@rogerfripp562]

I still enjoy these.

[@YNotTravelNA]

I think it's kind of hard for them to bring the old format because of covid

[@StreetCarma]

It‘s not coming back, I‘m afraid

[@Kombiburner]

That car is a thing of absolute beauty!

[@jorgmohnen2849]

Nr. 1 bucket list of a vehicle. Nothing even comes close, not even by a mile. It is most magnificent & testament to art & form & engineering. Unobtainable..........

[@MC-bh8ph]

Of all the super boxy looking cars ever made I think this is one of if not the most beautiful

[@machinegunakshay]

Come on guys! Where are the stories and the owners? Please bring back that! "

[@carl_marks1626]

Not every owner might be comfortable on camera.

[@batutasci]

Still seing those on road in Turkey,much popular car since its birth

[@mauiman52]

I prefer to see and listen to the original owner, as authentic as they might sound.

[@nevillepretorius8948]

My dream car! This and a 124 CSA Spider Abarth and a Evo 1 Integrale. Dream garage!

[@deltas4764]

Petrolicious was unique in its own way, be the Petrolicious we all knew and loved. Bring the old format.

[@OPPSATO1]

Tyler has good taste in cars, god damn

[@ryancarey766]

What happened to owners telling the story of their cars. That’s what I liked most about this channel?

[@clausmadsen6754]

Maybe COVID? Maybe not all owners want their face on merciless KZbin?

[@AshyGr33n]

Probably sometimes the owners don't have a story or want to tell it, yet the car is still significant.

[@timothydaly2152]

Yeah I would say it’s down to COVID

[@alf279]

@@timothydaly2152 Maybe, but also maybe related to the change of ownership @ Petrolicious.

[@justkeeponrolling]

To add to other peoples replies, it is most probably a mix of Coronavirus and new ownership. Also these videos are a different series to the " Made to Drive" series we all like and were released to those who had paid memberships.

[@theoldtimerbarn7891]

Sorry to say, but the interviewing type video's where way better!

[@ryancarey766]

Yeah these are corny and kind of boring or dull. Better content with the interviews for sure.

[@timothydaly2152]

Could be due to COVID-19?

[@ryancarey766]

@@timothydaly2152 was wondering about that

[@pinut187]

*were

[@ryancarey766]

@@pinut187 thank you

[@orlandocoronado1330]

Was not expecting this type of video from petrolicious

[@69Phuket]

Learnt to drive partially in one of these. You could tell it was pretty handy!

[@albertoblas86]

I miss the old format.

[@swiper1818]

Crazy to have the car on such old tires!

[@JustinSeara]

And he even said the owner was proud of it! That’s terrifying. Wtf is wrong with people

[@Jacob.Hajarat]

would u shut up for a second so we can hear the engine !?

[@stephen-john1677]

And back to Car Talk 🙆🏿‍♂️

[@8iker]

I love homologato type cars.

[@muhammadjahanzaibqamar5197]

Bring the old format back please

[@paulcrombach7262]

Somehow this guy sounds like he is reading the text of a bad car magazine. Nobody talks like that!

[@konkeydong6907]

As some of us know, Petrolicious got sold to a new owner and this format of videos is probably what he wanted. Obviously, not what we all want.

[@alubchicken]

Why do I feel like I'm watching a really boring version of Top Gear... You know what makes your videos interesting is the unique personas with every classic car right?

[@TerryManitoba]

and this one was not an interesting personas!

[@quediablos100]

I guess this guy is the new owner. He is like "I am the one who bought the channel, i should be on the screen all the time."

[@rolandalfonso6954]

This was wonderful! What a car...what a history! Please now excuse me while I putz around my estate in Tuscany in mine. No, I don't have one but when I dream, I dream. big. Disclosure: I'm an American. 68. My fellow countrymen will never get it...but I do...

[@axllook7803]

Lovely car 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@dragoberghe5690]

many thx for that, every word is true got one of this babes back then, till this day it hurts me for not keepin it

[@denseljosephs9500]

Owned a Tipo 16v with that engine it loved to be thrashed all day and just laughed it off miss it.

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

Is he squaring off every corner or is it just me seeing this?

[@richardsheil5289]

You are right. He is a poor driver

[@aztecducky]

Every single Petrolicious video makes me want to go out and buy the car that is being featured. Such fantastic videos, thank you!!

[@MALBASMBVLOGS]

wow....fantastic Abarth..😍😍😍 beautiful and elegant.wow... WE have a fiat premier padmini it's 1989....😃

[@gringostarr69]

My friends dad had one back at early 90's. Damn it was fast. In Finland we had a lot of ladas and cause it looked like it, I never really understood it. After years I realized lada bought the rights to build their own ones on the east sidd of our border. That car is more cool than a lancia delta's

[@hungryalien]

thanks for trying. but missing the good old days of #drivetastefully

[@AliasHSW]

I was just thinking about this model just days ago, upon reminiscing on a hillclimb video from years ago.

[@charliebowman785]

Holy cow, I thought it was the 510 Datsun, one of my favorite cars. This one is gorgeous also.

[@miskomarkovic3446]

Beautiful

[@karavogeorge5340]

BEAUTIFUL CAR..

[@octaveleroux5400]

Looking at the comments i guess 90% of the remaining viewers agree with this: the old format is missed. We don t need another top gear or grand tour for old cars. We prefer by far the history and experience of the owners! Please try to wake up as soon as possible or it will become harder to find car owners willing to share their experience with you (and us) ! @petrolicious

[@fishtigua]

Was just chatting about the Abarth just this morning. Over 150 likes, I think think the stars knew before you posted this.

[@fezzle1154]

Very unpopular opinion: I like this format of videos way more than the format where the owners are interviewed. I just like learning more about the history of these cars more than the life stories of the car owners. However, I think that it would be the best of both worlds if an interview with the owner was mixed in between the history of the cars in each video :)

[@pereldh5741]

Finally some cred to this rally Champion! I don’t understand the talk about Volvo tho, this is about as far you could get from a Volvo in the 70’s

[@princesssolace4337]

My late dad got one used 82 and RHD. It came with a multi spoke Campagnolo wheels

[@tenglor6111]

Love watching this channel

[@R-Tap]

Beautiful.

[@rachithadesoysa423]

What a beauty! Bellissima ❤️

[@stephanmurphy909]

A beautiful car

[@MrX-wd8cm]

You can tell Sam loves his driving .

[@MrSapper21]

2:19 that's beautiful.

[@tizziprima1940]

Abarth ❤️ The effect of the scorpion's Venom 😈🦂

[@donachille3351]

The owner's personal story is more interesting than this type of content, honestly. This kind of content has no emotion and heart in it. Such a shame for a great car.

[@Porschee944]

Congratulations!

[@ranbirgill4718]

Best looking rally car ever

[@guguliguk]

very nice car

[@calogerovenniri7868]

Great car

[@colinmcleod4190]

Wonderful car.

[@roscokat6367]

Would have been nice to see the engine at least.

[@Gr8CF85]

What happened to the owner's interview?! Why did you changed it?! I believe the owner has more information about the car and its setup than the reviewer/host....-_-

[@shauntvr4312]

Owned a strada 130 abarth in the 80s a great car

[@thisishuakai]

great video and great history lesson on this model.

[@xavierrender6230]

Who's here from Tyler's video?

[@wowsuchname1939]

Please don’t do what y’all did to the e30 with this…

[@gmain1977]

Great Car, lightweight and simple

[@rb5stevenumber903]

I remember this car well on the Lombard RAC rally back in the day against the Escorts. Good classic rally car, but deserved someone better reviewing the car and giving us a it more history and driving experience of the wonderful old car. My mate had the sport version of it, I remember seeing gradually being eaten by the dreaded tin worn that Italian cars suffered with so much then.

[@Jheassler]

I don’t mind this format style, but maybe a part where it’s focused on the owners story with car would be delightful. If done correctly, I feel it would pair with the drivers review and summary of the car quite nicely😁👌🏽 great job as always filming though!

[@IamJDMable]

Yes! Love this guy, every new video is so interesting! Reminds me of Carfection, but with classics, which is amazing.

[@nickthaskater]

Henry (assuming that's who you're referring to) is far more engaging. His excitement and curiosity is infectious. This, on the other hand, is just flat.

[@jacobhaggstrom1452]

Sorry, but not a fan

[@janvoiculescu7182]

Bellissima

[@raphaellazo9218]

Is petrolicious run by new people?i remember seeing the news that it was being sold to someone else..i miss the old way they made these videos..

[@emans3490]

Io sono bestia, fateli anche in italiano questi video!

[@devinwerner6426]

Petrolicious where have you gone. I decided to watch this after taking a long break and have no desire to watch your channel as it is more about guys who wear loafers with no socks and rich guys talking about investments more than the love of their car. You made me sit on the edge of my seat at the beginning waiting for new videos but now you have become the bore of every other pretentious car channel. You don't need fifteen syllables to explain a love for a car. Your staff should go back and watch your video of the yellow Alfa Berlina and when the owner talks about his dad in the taxi. That is "real passion" from the owner of cars.

[@efferus]

The generation of mentally deficient "Woke" sheep had the founder ousted because he criticized the BLM thugs. Good job, sheep. Thanks for ruining even Petrolicious. I'll oppose your initiatives anywhere I go for being a cancer on the face of civilized society.

[@Mexxx65]

100th Like!!! Fiat Rally Legend!!!!

[@joeram90]

Which cameras do you use in your videos?

[@bradgould]

So this means you'll do a 242 video next?!

[@toremali6957]

We chose safety over the thrill, I miss my youth, I miss the ''real'' world...

[@ivoherben26]

5:18 double clutching?

[@leftovercrest]

Hard to watch without smiling...

[@spacemoonmonkey]

Basic initial mistake - it is not "a 3 door, a 5 door and an estate". It is a 2 door and a 4 door etc...

[@CarlosOliveira-cj3iz]

Good...even if not as it used to be.

[@LinguraDeLemn93]

Constantly talking about how well it handles, but driver cant take a corner for the life of him 😂

[@nessuno5403]

Can you include how much these vintage classic are worth?

[@dimitriosalexopoulos168]

Excellent video, as always.

[@ZeeBri]

Is he wearing bowling shoes?

[@chrisburnley5088]

Why call the two door and four door models "three door and five door"? Sloppy.

[@freejrs]

I really like these videos, Sam has a great style and his passion and experience definitely comes through. For me I see no problem with this format coexisting with the old one. Just on this video the background music is poorly chosen and unnecessary.

[@George_Borman]

Очень интересный Фиат !!!

[@douglasb.1203]

I'm Leonard Pinth Garnell....

[@me-gb2wp]

would this car be the birth of the arbarth 500?

[@kovacszsolt8052]

Tiff Nedell is back. I want the old formaz back. Even if I have to pay

[@diegoaponte8512]

Can someone out there create a few renderings of various new Ferraris, Alfa Romeos and Fiats dome rally style by Abarth? Example: Ferrari 488 Abarth SFR (Scudria Ferrari Rally)................ just an idea.

[@andrewboulton9928]

Not even a mention of the co-driver sitting in the rear..

[@petardenchev75]

Good video, well done. Seems like the comment section is full of nostalgic romantics and failed novel writers :D Both formats are fine I think

[@amirkazemi2517]

my first car was brava 131 silver 4 door.

[@ydidishitmyself353]

This and the delta integrale are my fav dream cars, but this car goes for ab 210.000$

[@rezaafshar906]

DUUUHH..HEBATNYA FIAT BOLEH AKU MINTA FIATNYA TUAN 🤔🤔🤔 SAYA INDONESIAN..TUAN 👍👏🤗