Fiat 131 Abarth

Brand new Rally book from Veloce

Veloce books have recently released Fiat 131 Abarth (ISBN 978-1-84584-182-9), part of their Individual Rally Giants books which focus on the cars and personalities that stand out from the crowd in the long and exciting history of rallying. The books tell the story of cars and people that have left a big impression in the record books, and the minds of rally enthusiasts the world over.

We haven't seen a copy of the books yet, but the following information, taken from their website, should whet your appetite:

Features
- Full, detailed history of the Fiat's rally career
- Complete story of concept, design and development
- Unrivalled coverage of people and influences behind the cars
- Step-by-step account of technical evolution
- Description of cars: why, how and when evolved
- Details of principal people involved
- Packed with pictures
- Comparison with rivals
- Complete listing of important successes and ‘works’ Fiats

Description
When Fiat entered rallying in 1970, its ultimate aim was to become World Rally Champion – and the 131 Abarth of 1976-1980 provided the machinery to make that possible. It began winning World rallies within months of its launch, and, in 1977, 1978 and 1980, the 'works' team also won the World Championship for Makes, and set every standard by which Rally Giants were to be judged. Was there ever any doubt that successors like the Lancia Rally 037 and the Delta Integrale would come from the same stable?

Synopsis
When Fiat entered rallying in 1970, its ultimate aim was to become World Rally Champion – and the 131 Abarth of 1976-1980 provided the machinery to make that possible. Within the Fiat-Lancia empire, the 131 Abarth not only replaced the 124 Abarth Spider sports car, but was also favoured ahead of the charismatic Lancia Stratos. By 1970s standards, the 131 Abarth was the most extreme, and effective, of all homologation specials. Compared with the 131 family car on which it was originally based, it had different engine, transmission and suspension layouts, was backed by big budgets and by a team of superstar drivers, and was meant to win all round the world.
Not only did it start winning World rallies within months of being launched, but in 1977, 1978 and 1980 the 'works' team also won the World Championship for Makes, and set every standard by which Rally Giants were to be judged. The 131 Abarth was backed by a peerless team of engineers, so was there ever any doubt that successors like the Lancia Rally 037 and the Delta Integrale would eventually come from the same stable?

Available from any good bookshop, you can find further details and images on  http://www.veloce.co.uk/