Euro Car Hunting

"505Turbeaux" (505turbeaux) 08/27/2013 at 09:18 • Filed to: Eurowebs, Fiat 130, Euro Car Hunting

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So I have pretty crazy taste in cars, to say the least, and have owned probably 50 of the most unique European beaters you have ever seen on these shores, with a little American RWD steel (also beaters) thrown in for good measure. I do a fair bit of trolling on the European versions of autohunter and craigslist, so I guess I may as well see how crazy you guys think I really am. I have brought a few cars over, and it is fairly painless, costing $2000-3500, usually closer to the bottom end of that range, if the car is beyond the magic 25 year mark. I have the talent and resources to find parts for and fix anything with a motor, so that really isn't much of an issue.

OK enough with the backstory, here is my current victim. A !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . 3200 V6, Pininfarina body, disco orange interior, 57K kilometers. Cannot say I have ever seen one in this country that had anything resembling a floor left in it, and that was a ho hum 4 door. Google translate is always your friend when sifting through mobile.de, and you can find a handy english version of the description !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . The exchange rate to the Euro sucks right now, so even with a little haggling I am looking at $12,000 to get it on a boat. Peg it at $14,500 by the time it could be picked up in Boston.

In my opinion this was one of the better looking designs of the 70's, nice tall greenhouse, great sharp lines, good stance. The body of this one looks especially nice. As do the lenses and trim that would have to be put on a plane to find in decent shape.

I think just about everything wrong with this car resides right here. Has a split seam on the drivers seat, but all the material looks to be there. I am a Denver Broncos fan, so orange on blue doesn't bother me, but I doubt it is for everyone! And then there is the lever for the slushbox, probably the biggest detractor. If it were a shift it yourself version I can imagine there would be much more interest.

So I guess that is it. Is $15K not a grand price for a big slutty Italian coupe that only exists in the myth and pieces over here? It is Kia money after all, and not even a good one. I am sure someone has one, but another one wouldn't hurt on these shores. Or will it turn to dust as soon as it shows up off the boat? You decide

duurtlang > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 09:36

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It's gorgeous and it can only appreciate, assuming it's properly priced at the moment. I don't see the problem. Do it!

How do you get it on a boat though? That's assuming you won't fly over. Elsdorf Germany is only a 3 hour trip for someone like me, but as an American I imagine you'll have to pay someone to inspect it and get it to a port.

505Turbeaux > duurtlang 08/27/2013 at 09:41

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Luckily I have family all over Germany. They have driven stuff up to Amsterdam for me before.

Matt Hardigree > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 09:44

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I have always wanted one of these cars. It's in the top 10 for me I've cars I will some day own.

xxstich666xx > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 09:55

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Keep it garaged if possible and if not get a car cover. Oh and hose off that undercarage every month or so.

505Turbeaux > xxstich666xx 08/27/2013 at 10:00

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with engine oil...

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 10:28

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Sweet. I never knew these had V8s. I've seen one or two about, but just thought they had standard Fiat running gear.

505Turbeaux > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 11:17

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It is sex on wheels, period. Thanks for the props Matt

UncleWalty > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 11:19

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Very Ferrari 400i:

Ce he sin > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 11:22

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I used to regularly see one of these! A long time ago though and I'm sure it's gone to that great scrapyard in the sky long since.

A brave purchase. I can't imagine how the Italian tin worm has been kept at bay.

365Daytonafan > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 08/27/2013 at 11:26

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It is a 3.2 V6 in a 130

Ce he sin > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 11:27

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Incidentally it's a v6!

JayHova > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 11:33

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The 130 Coupe is V6-powered goodness and absolutely gorgeous with its sleek lines and actually one of the very last great Fiats.

505Turbeaux > JayHova 08/27/2013 at 11:34

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It is-my mistake on that. sucks gas down like a v8 though

JayHova > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 11:37

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I think I'd be able to forgive such a gorgeous car a higher fuel consumption.

365Daytonafan > UncleWalty 08/27/2013 at 11:38

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They were both penned by Pininfarina (or more specifically Paulo Martin).

MechaScroggzilla > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 11:39

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I hate to break it to you, Matt, but Fiat 130's had a 3.2 liter V6.

UncleWalty > 365Daytonafan 08/27/2013 at 11:52

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Yes, I'm aware of this.

oldirtybootz > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 12:14

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The Knicks fan part of my brain lit up when you said orange and blue interior.

fritzo > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 12:34

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It looks like a 1970's Chevy with a BMW rear end. Odd. The interior SCREAMS 1977 though :)

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > 365Daytonafan 08/27/2013 at 12:42

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Ah, I thought it was. Don't know why I read V8.

505Turbeaux > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 08/27/2013 at 12:44

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I edited that due to my own screwup, sorry about that

Gennaro > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 12:55

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Funny it still has the italian plate. From torino in fact....

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 12:56

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No worries man. Still an excellent car.

I also have a penchant for old European cars, especially Brits and Italians. You can have a look at some of our fleet here (most bought for a song).

Gennaro > JayHova 08/27/2013 at 12:59

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It is in germany but with italian old style plate. Smells fishy. Crack pipe for me.

505Turbeaux > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 08/27/2013 at 12:59

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beautiful, you must be located somewhere else than the Americas with that 156. I am in for a long wait before I can grab a 156 JTD wagon on this side of the pond...

Gennaro > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 13:06

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http://m.autoscout24.it/details?vehicl…
In italy goes for around 5/6 thousamds euro.....in mint condition.

JayHova > Gennaro 08/27/2013 at 13:08

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The ad states that it comes with italian papers (which would explain the italian plates)and by the look of things it currently is the cheapest, decent 130 Coupe on mobile.de.

But the lack of german historic registration indeed seems to be suspect for a car of such good substance.

("stood at a collectors place for 20 years but regularly has been maintained")....I wonder how much it takes to bring it to the road legally. *heads of to ask the seller*

Filmlandgrab > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 13:08

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Neat car! Wish I had the know-how to make those oddball overseas buys...1970's Audi 50 anyone?

505Turbeaux > Filmlandgrab 08/27/2013 at 13:11

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always wanted one...though even smaller than a rabbit!

Gennaro > JayHova 08/27/2013 at 13:17

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The thing is that to be legally driven in germany it should have been switched to german plates. That is the rule....so 30+ years without regular plates....in germany?? Seems strange.

JayHova > Gennaro 08/27/2013 at 13:33

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Well...we don't know when it came to Germany...might have been a week ago, might have been 20 years ago.

If the car has been 'de-registered' in Italy (e.g. no taxes and insurance are paid etc), it also isn't allowed on german roads - how long a properly italian-registered and taxed car is allowed on german roads (owned by a german) - I have no idea but it can't be that long until it has to be registered in Germany.

So: no german registration - can't have seen much action on german roads.

550F2 > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 14:12

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I'm roadtripping in rural France and I'm seeing a lot of cars I want. Here's a nice one you might want too:

505Turbeaux > 550F2 08/27/2013 at 14:17

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yep I want that

MidgetJimRome > fritzo 08/27/2013 at 14:50

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It's actually the other way around. The Fiat 130 and similar Pininfarina coupes (Camargue, Fiat 124, etc) were a big influence on GM. Of all things, the 1977 Pontiac Catalina coupe is nearly a carbon copy of the 130 coupe.

AMC/Renauledge > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 14:55

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I'm in a similar boat as you. One day, I will own a V6 Fiat penned at Pinninfarina, as well. But my object of lust is the Dino Spider. Ferrari-designed V6, convertible top, and all had the 5-speed manual transmission. One of the prettiest cars ever made, in my opinion. The later models with the 180hp 2.4L V6 and IRS are especially interesting. They're worth a lot more in good condition than the 130 Coupe certainly, but I'm pretty sure they're more common on this side of the Atlantic, as well.

The 130 Coupe is an undoubtedly incredibly pretty and special car, no doubt. So kudos to you and your discriminating taste!

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 16:55

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Thanks man :) I'm actually in the South of England, so you guessed correctly.

My dad's got a 156 JTD estate as his main car. Dark blue, rather than my azurro. Leather interior to my cloth as well. Very nice car.

Eventually, I want to do two 156 project builds. The first is to take one of the AWD Crosswagons and replace the 1.9JTD with a 2.0l T-Spark turbo. That way I could have an AWD turbocharged estate and go hunting Subarus.

The second is a bit more ambitious. It involves lots of chassis chopping, an Alfa or Maserati transaxle and RWD.

Reborn Pyrrhic > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 16:56

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That steering wheel alone is worth it. So seventies! Buy it now!

ranwhenparked > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 18:15

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That is a gorgeous car, anyway you look at it, $14.5k is a steal. Amazing value for money, all things considered.

Poundingsand > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 19:10

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I think that feature is standard...

mercedesuberalles > 505Turbeaux 08/27/2013 at 23:26

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There was a 130 for sale in the US on eBay not too long ago, with a 5-speed manual gearbox, FYI.

WayOfTheRoadWarrior > 505Turbeaux 08/28/2013 at 03:33

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DTF

Davemarsh56 > 365Daytonafan 08/28/2013 at 06:43

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Yes it is a 3.2 in 130 in 1970s POS from Fiat...enjoy!

Porschephile > 505Turbeaux 08/28/2013 at 06:49

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Always loved these. Although if I were going (further) down the road of ruinously expensive Italian cars, I'd have an Abarth 131 like this one. Would complement my GTA quite nicely :)

Eddie Brannan > 505Turbeaux 08/28/2013 at 10:14

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I love the linear stuff from Pininfarina of that era. So futuristic at the time, and foreshadowed ’80s styling in such a chic way. It's a Giorgio Moroder record on wheels. Buy it and when you're sick of it sell it to me.

Piero Giorgi > 505Turbeaux 08/28/2013 at 17:03

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NOT WITH THE AUTOMATIC!
That thing is a nightmare! You have a very good chance of driving for 100 miles in 1st gear, or to be forced in 3rd gear wile driving downtown!