The Series 2

The Fiat 131 model was one of Fiat’s success stories remaining in production for in excess of 10 years by Fiat themselves and to this very day (2007) in various versions around the world. Over 1.5 million Fiat versions were produced over 3 iterations of the car. This is the story of the Fiat produced, series 2 model.

In 1978 and after the success of the series 1 version, no doubt fuelled by the early successes on the world rally stages of it’s Abarth rally version, Fiat followed the example of car manufacturers the world over by launching a refreshed and updated 131 range. A range of changes to styling, construction, engines, trim, options and performance as well as an expanded model range lifted the image of the car above the worthy but somewhat dull image of the first version, dull because the car had been conceived during the oil crisis and had lost many of the performance features of it’s forerunner (Fiat 124) such as twin cam engines and rear disc brakes. Although the changes touched many aspects of the car the new version was immediately recognisable as a 131 retaining as it did the same body shells.

Body Styles

These were carried over from the series 1 car and meant that the series 2 was again available in 2,4 & 5 door (Estate – Now called the Panorama) forms. Changes to the construction led by computerised laser measurements led to a quieter driving experience as exterior noises were reduced.

Styling

Larger rectangular headlights and a new grill with 4 horizontal chrome bars replaced the old frontal treatment. At the rear, similar changes were made to the lighting with a larger rectangular lighting cluster replacing the old sideways and very distinctive T shape. Twin rear fog lights were incorporated into a Fiat light design for the first time with this car. Door mirrors were changed to matt black and the previous grooves on the bonnet and boot lid were gone to leave a flush finish. Inside a designer dash with a unique glove box design was standard on all models except the basic L version. The new dash also supported a completely re-worked heating and ventilation system that incorporated side window demisters. The Fiat quoted drag co-efficient was 0.40.

Range

At launch the range consisted of 3 trim levels. L (Lusso), CL (Comfort Lusso) and the excitingly sounding Supermirafiori. The range was expanded later in the same year to include the Mirafiori Sport (aka Racing in some markets).The L version came with a 1300 engine while the CL was available with a 1300 (65 bhp), 1600 (75 bhp) or 2000 (60 bhp) diesel engine. These petrol engines were pushrod and did not really live up to Fiat’s sporty reputation. Instead this role fell to the Supermirafiori which came with exotic twin cam engines in 1300 (82 bhp) and 1600 (96 bhp) capacities.

A larger capacity 2500 (72 bhp) diesel engine was also available in Super trim while the range topper was the Sport/Racing version with a 2000 (115 bhp) engine.

A limited run of a supercharged model based on the Sport/Racing version was sold in 1981 –It had a 2000 engine producing 140 bhp and was badged “Volumetrico”.

Equipment

The standard L & CL versions were pretty basic in their equipment levels. Over and above the minimum one would expect, the CL provided a clock, front headrests and a 5 speed gearbox. The real advantages of 131 ownership came with the Super and Sport trim levels.

The Supermirafiori was the flagship model for a short period after launch and was specified as both a luxury and a sporting version. The following items were fitted as standard equipment:

• Twin Cam engine fitted with a weber twin choke carbuerretor.

• 5 speed gearbox.

• Sports steel wheels.

• Matt resin bumpers.

• Front & rear headrests and a rear arm rest.

• Velour seat coverings.

• Rev counter

• Tinted Glass

The Sport/Racing version offered all of the above plus:

• Quad quartz halogen headlights

• Front bib spoiler integrated with matching wheel arch coverings and side trim.

• An aggressive chip cutter grill with the new Fiat laurel wreath badge.

• Matt black trim eliminating all bright-work.

• Twin sports door mirrors.

• Air horn

• Dark anthracite sports wheels – Fitted with Pirelli P6 tyres in some markets.

• Luxury interior.

• A stubby gearbox with remote Abarth shifter.

• Speedometer calibrated to 140 mph (In imperial markings)

• Top tint on the windscreen

• Unique colour schemes.

A special edition version of the Sport was marketed in Germany. This was called the Walter Rohrl after their world championship winning rally driver. In addition to the standard equipment it included twin rear spoilers (roof and boot lid mounted), twin colour side stripes widening as they approached the rear of the car, different paint treatment on the steel wheels and additional driving lights.

The diesel versions of the 131 were distinguished by having an oil pressure gauge instead of a rev counter, twin round headlights with vertical elements in the grill and a large accommodating centre bulge in the bonnet. A commercial version (The Marengo) was also available with a diesel engine.

Performance

Colours

At UK launch the colours available were: 

• Kent Green

• VIP Green

• Paper Blue

• Turtle Dove

• Champagne yellow

• Metallic Blue

• Metallic Green

• Dark Blue

• White

• Silver

The Sport colours were almost unique as follows: 

• Black

• Silver

• Gun metal grey

• Racing Orange

Some of the body colours had a choice of exterior trim, seat belt and interior upholstery colours.

Prices at launch in the UK

1300 L 2 door : £2597

1300 L 4 door : £2748

1600 CL 4 Door : £3220

1600 CL Estate : £3515

1600 TC Super : £3595

2000 TC  Sport : £4636

Optional Extras (on some models)

• 5 Speed gearbox (L version)

• Air Conditioning

• Inertia reel seat belts

• Limited slip differential

• Tinted Glass

• Halogen headlights

• Alloy wheels

• Headrests (L version)

• Wider tyres

• Energy absorbing bumpers

• Adjustable seat backs (L version)

• Sun Roof

• Automatic transmission (1600 versions)

• Hinged rear side windows (2 door versions)

• Rear wash wipe (Panorama)

• Metallic Paint

• Anti theft system

• Rev counter

Marketing

Some of the marketing for the series 2 ranged from inspired (the caged Supermirafiori growling like a cornered animal) to cheesy – The Fiat brochure of the time associated the L with a busy salesman, the CL and Super driven by ”busy” Executives. The Super driver describes his car as being very hard to catch – “Not unlike himself” his wife tells him. Obviously in those days Fiat were ignoring the female purchasing power!

What was the flagship model like to drive…?

The UK motoring press very were very complimentary about the Fiat 131, particularly the sporty versions. The following quotes related to the 131 Sport, when the car was available new and some when the car had achieved classic status.