&w=3840&q=75)
&w=3840&q=75)
&w=3840&q=75)
&w=3840&q=75)
&w=3840&q=75)
&w=3840&q=75)
&w=3840&q=75)
&w=3840&q=75)
Fiat Ritmo 125TC Abarth – 1982
French registration title
In 1981, Fiat commissioned Abarth to develop a sporty version of the Ritmo, a tasteless little car with a design by Giugiaro, to replace the aging 128. Based on the 3-door, the Abarth wizard initially proposed the 105 TC (105 hp), then the 125 and 130 TC, TC indicating a twin cam engine (double overhead camshafts).
The car illustrating these pages is a 125 TC, with a handsome Lampredi 2-liter twin-cam engine (identical to the Lancia Beta) offering 125 hp. With its 5-speed gearbox and optimized front axle, reinforced brakes and wider tires, this front-wheel drive becomes a fearsome bombshell, particularly in the face of the VW Golf GTi. Not surprising for a 2-liter!
Aesthetically, the Ritmo Abarth is recognizable by its Pirelli light-alloy wheels, imposing rear spoiler, sportier dashboard and Abarth’s famous scorpion.
Despite its competitive price, performance and generous equipment, it failed to generate the enthusiasm of its competitors, with only 9,174 Fiat Ritmo 125 TCs produced (in 1981 alone).
A first-rate youngtimer, a high-performance mini-bomb, our example, whose bodywork shows the ravages of time (peeling varnish, traces of corrosion), was bought in Switzerland by its current owner, who equipped it to take part in various regularity rallies, notably the Monte Carlo Historic. In three participations, it finished the race three times.
French registration title
In 1981, Fiat commissioned Abarth to develop a sporty version of the Ritmo, a tasteless little car with a design by Giugiaro, to replace the aging 128. Based on the 3-door, the Abarth wizard initially proposed the 105 TC (105 hp), then the 125 and 130 TC, TC indicating a twin cam engine (double overhead camshafts).
The car illustrating these pages is a 125 TC, with a handsome Lampredi 2-liter twin-cam engine (identical to the Lancia Beta) offering 125 hp. With its 5-speed gearbox and optimized front axle, reinforced brakes and wider tires, this front-wheel drive becomes a fearsome bombshell, particularly in the face of the VW Golf GTi. Not surprising for a 2-liter!
Aesthetically, the Ritmo Abarth is recognizable by its Pirelli light-alloy wheels, imposing rear spoiler, sportier dashboard and Abarth’s famous scorpion.
Despite its competitive price, performance and generous equipment, it failed to generate the enthusiasm of its competitors, with only 9,174 Fiat Ritmo 125 TCs produced (in 1981 alone).
A first-rate youngtimer, a high-performance mini-bomb, our example, whose bodywork shows the ravages of time (peeling varnish, traces of corrosion), was bought in Switzerland by its current owner, who equipped it to take part in various regularity rallies, notably the Monte Carlo Historic. In three participations, it finished the race three times.