Fiat 124 Abarth - Lot 34

Fiat 124 Abarth 16-Soupapes Gr. 4 1975 Chassis n° 124CSA0092699 Vintage registration TO M46466 Belgian registration Belgian registration title In the early 1970s, Fiat became fully involved in competition with the 124 Abarth Rally, a muscular version of the standard Spider. Produced in 1,000 units for Group 4 homologation, the 124 Rally shone on the roads of the World World Championship, winning the European rally title in 1975 thanks to Maurizio Verini. The example on offer here is one of nine cars painted in the colors of the Olio FIAT team by the racing department, and specially fitted by Pininfarina to reduce weight and accommodate the large gearbox of the 131 Gr. 4 that would succeed it a little later. According to Abarth, the first five cars were entered by the factory in world championships, the other 4 reserved for possible replacement or other destinations. Initially registered in Turin under the numbers TO M46458 to TO M46467, they benefited from the best evolutions with a 16-valve "testa stretta" (narrow cylinder head) engine equipped with Kugelfischer mechanical injection, developing 200 hp compared with 170 hp for the 8-valve versions. This exceptional car was built in 1975 and registered for the first time on May 22, 1975 in the name of FIAT SPA Gruppo Automobili serv Ass Rallies Torino Cso Marche n°72 with plate number "M46466 TO". A reserve car, it was sold in 1977 by Renzo Avidano, director of Abarth's racing department, to its current owner, the son of the founder of one of Belgium's most renowned Fiat dealerships, who is also the brand's Benelux importer. At its wheel, he took part in three events in the Belgian championship, which was then part of the European Championship, and even finished first in the 6 Hours of Visé in 1976 and third in the same event in 1977, before moving on to the 131 Abarth Gr. 4. Stored for several decades, it underwent a thorough and meticulous restoration in 2012. Completely stripped bare, the hull was restored to state-of-the-art condition. All components - running gear, brakes, wiring harnesses, accessories - have been identically rebuilt or replaced. The engine has been reassembled and still carries an original Abarth 16-valve cylinder head, with its specific camshafts, carefully honed on the test bench. The original Colotti gearbox has also been overhauled. The interior, hardtop, fender flares and additional headlamps complete the package. Equipped and restored to 1975 factory specifications, this 124 Abarth Rally Gr. 4 represents the ultimate "factory" evolution of the model here in remarkable condition. Duly registered in Belgium thanks to its Fiat Auto Belgio certificate of conformity, this car benefits from a perfectly documented history. This car offers first-rate performance and is of particular interest thanks to its period history. Eligible for the most important events on the historic calendar, such as the Tour Auto, the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique or the Modena Cento Ore, it is a must-have for any discerning collector and rally enthusiast. In addition to the hammer price, the successful bidder will be required to pay the following buyer's fees per lot: - For sales in the Collector Automobiles department (sliding scale fees) : - 16% exclusive of tax + VAT at the prevailing rate, i.e. 19.2% inclusive of tax on the first €900,000 inclusive of tax - 12% exclusive of tax + VAT at the prevailing rate, i.e. 14.4% inclusive of tax above €900,001