1st RHD Supermirafiori

[Rob 131]

The enclosed picture was taken at Knowsley Safari Park in July 1978 (Children in the picture are my sister and eldest cousin), and this car belonging to my Uncle must be one of the first RHD Supermirafiori?s. You will note the Alloy Wheels and Fog Lights (were these optional factory extras on Irish Cars; Kev could probably answer this) and also the roof mounted Aerial as opposed to the rear wing. The Steering Wheel was also changed from the single column item to something more sporty.

My Father and Uncle at the time both ran 124 Sports and knowing of my Extended Family?s Arrival (for a holiday in Chester) with a New 131, I was expecting a Series 1 131s. When this car turned up it just increased my interest and desire for all things 131 (having not seen the S2). This was a Luxurious Sporting Saloon with Refinements that were new to this class of car. I then began the debate as to which was the best colour; this Green or the brochure Metallic Blue. At the time it was the Blue, whereas now I favour the Green More. The Yellow was also nice but somewhat (again down to the brochure) was more associated with the 1600 CL.

What a great car and never to be forgotten

[kev131]

Nice pic Rob - Great find.

Looks like a Co Tiperary registration number although the style of the plate doesn't seem to confirm to the style used at that time.

I've never seen an Irish 131 Super with factory option alloy wheels although the Irish brochure does list them as an option. I suspect the front fog lights were a dealer or owner fitted accessory.

The ariels were roof mounted in Ireland and Brensports who used to be a member here reported that when he worked on PDI'ing new 131s in his earlier life, one of the changes was to swap the single spoke for a two spoke, similar to the 131 Sport and series 3 version. I think there was a fear that they could break under strain...

[mirafioriman]

My first encounter with the 131 was also a series 2 supermirafiori. It was in metallic green. I had one small photo of it which I would love to scan in but unfortunately I can't find it

I'm currently starting to sort through the tons of stuff in my parents loft so hopefully it will appear

[Rob 131]

The Car definitely came with the Single Spoke. The replacement wheel was bought in the UK and changed during that visit. As I can remember at that time all Irish plates were red  . The car was apparantly around the Tipperary Area into the 90's.

[mirafioriman]

I'm pretty sure my Father's car had the single spoke wheel. It was a 'V' reg UK car.

[bellamacchina]

As far as I know earlier cars had the single spoke, later ones the twin spoke. I mean here the first series Supermirafiori. My car has a twin spoke in brown like the dashboard(= later one from 1980)

[pinkfloyd]

hello rob131,
that pic of the green 131 brought me back some memories. my dad owned a fiat 124 s back in the 70s and as soon as the fiat 131 supermirafiori came to Malta be order one exactly the same colour as your uncle's. the seat covers were very light brown (camel skin colour). it was a 1600cc engine. ehhhhh those were the days my friend.

now he has a fiat 131cl originally with a 1400cc engine but he wanted more power change the engine to a 1600cc