131mirafiori forum

First replica in blue that I've seen - Looks fantastic to me - Quite a lot of effort gone to with the interior seats in trying to replicate the original - Beats me why they didn't fit a S1 rear panel and lights though!

http://www.subito.it/fiat-131-recing-replica-abarth-imperia-5577105.htm

These replica prices seem totally unrealistic to me though - here's an even more expensive one!!  :o

http://cgi.ebay.it/_Auto__FIAT-131-RACING-REPLICA-ABARTH-1979_W0QQitemZ110375712624QQadiZ6576QQadnZAutoQQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobile_IT?hash=item110375712624&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Both with series 2 back panels interestingly. Obviously replicas based on the later modified Abarth rally cars ;D

You are right about the prices, although I suppose building a good replica does cost quite a lot of money. Particularly if you have to pay someone else to do the work.

Do your sums lads that blue car is very well finished the wheels as per prices posted on this forum ?2500 then tyres, the retrim another ?2500 the body kit ?1k? the engine mods carbs exhaust etc ???? the paint job ?3000 the original car + time labour you wouldnt be long spending ?20k doing one of these yourself.

Of course you are right Nick - This blue one is to a very high standard although still obviously a fake.

Very few of us on here know the cost of restoring a car to this standard better than yourself.? :)

However when do you ever see that return when it comes time to sell...? Invariably the creator takes a big hit when that time comes and the real beneficiary is the next owner. ?25k for a replica Abarth when an original one cost this money 3 years ago??! - Good luck to the seller but I can't see him getting that money. All the big money 131 Sports that come up for sale never appear to move on - From watching the European market the best prices that I have seen realised are c?8500 for really mint and original cars.

well said Kevin, the way i look at it is if you want one of these & are restoring it yourself standard 131 sport or replica you would seriously have to be keeping it & not selling on to make money because you will only lose , so when doing it to keep do everything to the car, get rid of all the hidden rust you wouldnt believe where i found rust, all the seamsealer has to come off it may look good but take it off & there is are small rust holes that will only get worse over time.