131 Story part 3

[Thotos]

If you haven't already noticed, Part 3 of the 131 Story written by Kevin Doyle about the Series 3 cars has been posted on the website. 

[mirafioriman]

Great article, thanks Kev 

There are two points related to the article I would like us to consider.

While it is true some series 3 Supermirafioris had velour trim, I would disagree that the material was 'upgraded'. Many series 3 cars had poor quality trim that shredded very easily and I believe (although I have no first hand evidence) that the better quality velour trim may have become an option.

Secondly with regard to the mechanical changes, I also believe that the suspension geometry was also changed for the series 3, perhaps related to the upgrade to power steering. It certainly appears to me that the Supermirafiori 2000 had a wider rear axle than the 1600CL model. This is an upgrade I still have to do on my 'hybrid' vehicle!

An excellent article though and thanks for completing the story!

[djape1977]

btw, 1600cl doesn't have a rev counter as standard

[kev131]

Thanks for posting up the story Theo - Anyone fancy writing the story of the Marengo...!!??

Thanks for the suggestions and comments guys - The upholstery is a subjective viewpoint possibly, and maybe one that I agree with deep down as the sides of my car's seats are plastic. What about the CL though, was that not an upgrade? Not sure about the steering geometry - Didn't see anything in my literature - Do you have anything that states this categorically..?

djape - Re the tacho, I believe that in RHD markets it was standard - Was it different in LHD. I guess an article like this can't account for every market without lots of research which I didnt have that much inclination to complete I'm afraid. Thanks again for the info.?

[mirafioriman]

I agree with you about the CL trim, this was upgraded to a hard wearing cloth, which appears to last better than a lot of the series 3 Supermirafiori trim. (my mind was disrupted by my fascination with the Supermirafiori  )

With regard to the mechanical changes, I'm sure I read in an old magazine (could have been Autocar) that the suspension geometry had been modified. I will see if I can dig out the magazine in question.

[bellamacchina]

Well done Kevin

At least the story goes to completion, the Abarth and derivates left