Does anyone know about this Strada going to auction next week??
http://www.classiccarauctions.co.uk/fiat-abarth-130tc
http://www.classiccarauctions.co.uk/fiat-abarth-130tc
General Strada 130TC auction
- Thread starter adamgreen
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General Strada 130TC auction
I know a "little" about this car from passing experience.
I've seen it at a number of car shows (I think mostly at Fiat MC & Brooklands) over the years and it was in good condition last time seen.
I can not recall if it has ever been/seen any restoration (I note the info claims "paintwork is described by the vendor as original" and it had "light mechanical overhaul several years ago").
When I look at a 130TC you will generally see my bum because I closely examine the underside as this is the biggest indicator of the basic history and integrity of the shell. If the topside paint work is original then the front wings and rear if rear wings & "C" posts will show distinct 80s Fiat orange peel effect. Other places to look are inside the boot beneath the boot carpet along the boot floor to rear valance interface, inside the rear wheal arches where the bumper attaches to the leading top side corner of the rear bumper. There are other place.
Looking at the dash then I note that the speedometer/odometer and oil pressure gauge come from a MkI 105TC/125TC/130TC and are not original. Note that these instruments have pointed needles and not the blunt/square tops of the others. This may or may not affect the true mileage of the vehicle. I would suspect not because with these old speedos it is easy to change the mileage and if I were forced to replace the speedo in my 130TC then I would ensure the replacement carried the correct reading of (in my case) 83K+ miles.
If this car is genuinely unrestored then it is one of only 3 in the UK to my knowledge.
Looking in the engine bay then I note the following. The choke cable and the material lined rear compartment dividing wall to the lower windscreen scuttle area show NO signs of heat stress or they have been replaced/repaired. A closer examination would also give an indication potential repair and mileage history.
The add say Weber carbs. This is incorrect the carbs fitted as shown in the picture are Solex carbs.
Looking at the rear bumper then it does not look like and original 130TC MkII bumper but a standard Strada MkIII bumper. This bumper has a completely level bottom edge across the top of the exhaust whereas an original 130TC MkII bumper is shaped around the top of the exhaust.
As always it is very difficult to judge from pictures alone so if you are interested in buying this car then you will really need to inspect it carefully paying particular attention to plastic body trim parts as these, if broken, damaged or missing will be very difficult to replace.
If you are looking to obtain a 130TC then is/was, as far as I recall as I've not seen the vehicle in the last 3+ years, one of the few good condition 130TCs in the UK (I include restored and unrestored models).
If I were looking to get another 130TC then I would certainly make the effort to view and closely examine this car with a view to possible purchase.
I've seen it at a number of car shows (I think mostly at Fiat MC & Brooklands) over the years and it was in good condition last time seen.
I can not recall if it has ever been/seen any restoration (I note the info claims "paintwork is described by the vendor as original" and it had "light mechanical overhaul several years ago").
When I look at a 130TC you will generally see my bum because I closely examine the underside as this is the biggest indicator of the basic history and integrity of the shell. If the topside paint work is original then the front wings and rear if rear wings & "C" posts will show distinct 80s Fiat orange peel effect. Other places to look are inside the boot beneath the boot carpet along the boot floor to rear valance interface, inside the rear wheal arches where the bumper attaches to the leading top side corner of the rear bumper. There are other place.
Looking at the dash then I note that the speedometer/odometer and oil pressure gauge come from a MkI 105TC/125TC/130TC and are not original. Note that these instruments have pointed needles and not the blunt/square tops of the others. This may or may not affect the true mileage of the vehicle. I would suspect not because with these old speedos it is easy to change the mileage and if I were forced to replace the speedo in my 130TC then I would ensure the replacement carried the correct reading of (in my case) 83K+ miles.
If this car is genuinely unrestored then it is one of only 3 in the UK to my knowledge.
Looking in the engine bay then I note the following. The choke cable and the material lined rear compartment dividing wall to the lower windscreen scuttle area show NO signs of heat stress or they have been replaced/repaired. A closer examination would also give an indication potential repair and mileage history.
The add say Weber carbs. This is incorrect the carbs fitted as shown in the picture are Solex carbs.
Looking at the rear bumper then it does not look like and original 130TC MkII bumper but a standard Strada MkIII bumper. This bumper has a completely level bottom edge across the top of the exhaust whereas an original 130TC MkII bumper is shaped around the top of the exhaust.
As always it is very difficult to judge from pictures alone so if you are interested in buying this car then you will really need to inspect it carefully paying particular attention to plastic body trim parts as these, if broken, damaged or missing will be very difficult to replace.
If you are looking to obtain a 130TC then is/was, as far as I recall as I've not seen the vehicle in the last 3+ years, one of the few good condition 130TCs in the UK (I include restored and unrestored models).
If I were looking to get another 130TC then I would certainly make the effort to view and closely examine this car with a view to possible purchase.
Hi S130 - thanks so much for your detailed reply!! on the one hand, this seems an exciting opportunity, but on the other - I am suspicious where this has suddenly popped up from, why it is showing such low miles, why it hasn't been used if that's correct, and what needs doing to it!
I don't like buying from auctions, with only a brief window to look at the car and no opportunity to speak to the previous owner. I wish there was a bit more information about this one!!
I don't like buying from auctions, with only a brief window to look at the car and no opportunity to speak to the previous owner. I wish there was a bit more information about this one!!
Gulp!
To be honest is does not surprise me. Over the years we have been approached by people in their late 50s just wanting to have a 130TC either because it was their dream car in their youth that they never had or they did have one and now wished they never got rid of it.
To be honest is does not surprise me. Over the years we have been approached by people in their late 50s just wanting to have a 130TC either because it was their dream car in their youth that they never had or they did have one and now wished they never got rid of it.
Well, i'm definitely in the camp of wanting one!!
£15k does surprise /me/ though - although good ones do go for that sort of money in Italy. Still, a tidy Alfa 155 Q4 went through the same auction at £6.5k which looks like a superb buy for someone!
If yours ever went up for sale, it would have to go through a specialist auction too.
£15k does surprise /me/ though - although good ones do go for that sort of money in Italy. Still, a tidy Alfa 155 Q4 went through the same auction at £6.5k which looks like a superb buy for someone!
If yours ever went up for sale, it would have to go through a specialist auction too.
I've seen so many 130TCs either neglected or written off over the years monetary value actually means little to me/us. Having owned, motor sported, loved and cherished our 130TC from new then monetary value is actually irrelevant.
A good, long term home with respect, public presence etc. would be our priority and come that day a "qualifying" heritage motor museum will hopefully receive an intact, loved & cherished 130TC complete with provenance and very rare spares.
I would rather donate to an official registered charitable motor museum for no fee/income our 130TC, worth £10K plus, that we have looked after since the day it was born than to let if fall into a possibly long train of initially well meaning owners who then lose interest and pass the increasing liability onwards.
She is NOT up for sale at any price.
A good, long term home with respect, public presence etc. would be our priority and come that day a "qualifying" heritage motor museum will hopefully receive an intact, loved & cherished 130TC complete with provenance and very rare spares.
I would rather donate to an official registered charitable motor museum for no fee/income our 130TC, worth £10K plus, that we have looked after since the day it was born than to let if fall into a possibly long train of initially well meaning owners who then lose interest and pass the increasing liability onwards.
She is NOT up for sale at any price.
Irish Cento
Member
FIAT Ritmo 130TC Abarth will become a huge classic in the future. I raced a 1300 cc Ritmo (Strada in UK) and it was really great fun, the Abarth version was always an object of my desires.
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