The Argenta thread....

[kev131]

This unloved Fiat twin cam replaced the 132 just when Britain was going to war over the Falklands...and Fiat UK must have held their heads in their hands when they discovered the new name!! On top of which, the styling looked so bland compared with the series 3 132, sales were a flop all over and sales of the Argenta were even  dwarfed by the 132, itself no big world seller. I can remember one of the selling points was that it had so many metres of chrome/aluminum strips, maybe 100 metres of it had been put on the car...?

Nevertheless my Dad bought one in 1982 to replace his awesome black 131 Sport!!!   The list price was ?10,000 and we got ?5000 for the 131 which was 3 ys old with 70,000 miles up. A good trade in value although the dealer mark up in those days was pretty high.  



It was metallic gold (our first metallic painted car) and with the switch from the traditional 4 round headlamp styling of our last 4 Fiats, the front of the Argenta failed to inspire. Dealer options included a passenger door mirror and mudflaps and the Radiomobile radio cassette was replaced with a more advanced Pioneer unit and 4 speakers (the ones from the rear parcel shelf I still have). I added 4 chrome wheel rings but the shape of the car combined with that "old folks home" colour was a dispiriting sight in the driveway. To give it it's due though, it could out accelerate any of the fast Fords around bar the XR3 and often towed home my broken down 128!!  

Nowadays Argentas still don't sell and a succession of what appear to be lovingly maintained examples continue to pop up in Italy, occasionally in Germany too. I keep toying with the idea of adding one to my collection. The size of the car combined with that engine and an appeal that sometimes only people like Albert, Dave and some others can see, keeps drawing me back. I've added some pictures below of what look like nice cars. You do get a lot of car for your money if you can find a nice one....

(Try to) enjoy the pictures.....!!

Brochure picture....

[c.a.c131]

I think there will be an Argenta in your garage soon Kev

[mirafioriman]

I just love them always have. Particularly the series 2 it's just beautiful!

[c.a.c131]

I think the S1 is nicer the brown/bronze looks nice


But S2 in white with these alloys is very nice too

[bellamacchina]

Both are nice imho, indeed I am a fan of many unloved and underestimated cars. I really love the interior from the 1st series with the velours from the last 132s i.e., also the sunvisors are unique to the series 3 132 and 1st series Argenta.
For my collection I prefer an Argenta 2nd series Volumex.................so keep me informed when you know of a really nice example for sale

[jasonh131]

I just love them always have. Particularly the series 2 it's just beautiful!

Have you still got the one you bought in Essex , i only saw it once then t reapperd in your stable ....
  
 this one made to look  cooler with the wheels and yoko's



Albert there's only james nicoleson you got realy nice voli one

[mirafioriman]

Yes I still have an Argenta. Series 1 auto in silver.

[bellamacchina]

Standard story, this car was for sale 2 years ago, 74000kms, didn't (wanna) buy then, but now........

[c.a.c131]

Look at all that plastic

[bellamacchina]

Plastic fantastic!

[kev131]

Did you notice the series 1 bumper at the back?

Saw the car as well...here's a similar one. Might be as good...

http://www.subito.it/auto/fiat-argenta-1985-vicenza-78969785.htm

[bellamacchina]

Saw that one too recent Kevin, there's one little detail..... no Volumex
When you look ast all the pictures it misses the right front indicator at the last picture. At all the car looks good indeed

[c.a.c131]

http://www.subito.it/auto/fiat-argenta-2000i-conservata-asi-1982-alessandria-76359447.htm

[donk r8]

 We had one many years ago..........................



My dad had it first, he got it as an ex demo, had air con and cam driven dizzy......

[kev131]

Saw it at Brooklands ...probably around 1994 Chris....Didn't realise it was an auto though.

I spoke with the owner (probably you) who told me that it had major bodywork from Fiat just before the 6 year rust warranty expired....!  Enjoy the pics...