Lot Ended
Description
Just two owners from new, the
current for 25 years; only 64,600 miles; detailed maintenance history; top spec
20v Turbo; driven 60 miles to the sale; getting rare these
days
Launched at the 1993 Brussels Motor Show, the Fiat Coupe
featured radical angular styling by Chris Bangle (later of BMW fame) and had a
classically Italian interior designed by Pininfarina with a painted steel
dashboard.
Although the styling alone was enough to win it many fans, the
driving experience was what really set the car apart. While the base cars made
do with a 134bhp four-cylinder 2-litre 16v engine, at the top of the range stood
the wonderful five-cylinder 2-litre 20v turbo which had the same engine as the
legendary Lancia Delta Integrale.
Putting 220bhp and 230lb/ft under the
driver’s right foot, it could sprint to 60mph in just over 6 seconds with a top
speed of 150mph, making it the fastest front-wheel drive car on the market, an
efficient Viscodrive limited-slip differential being employed to counter the
understeer that otherwise plagues most powerful FWD cars. Even Michael
Schumacher was impressed and was often seen hooning around in a red one that he
owned.
Just 72,762 examples of all types were made before production came
to an end in 2000, and the top spec 20v Turbo is now a rare sight on the
roads. The sunroof switch has been disabled because of closing
difficulties.
First registered in August 1997, this 20v Turbo has had
just two owners from new, our vendor acquiring the car in November 2000. He has
kept a spread sheet showing all the work and services that have been carried out
over his 25-year ownership.
It has covered only 64,600 miles and has an
MOT until 17th June 2025 with no advisories recorded. The cam belt
was last changed in September 2017 at 53k miles. The car comes with the 3
original keys, 2 alarm fobs and the original factory brochure.
This is a
very original two-owner car and was driven 60 miles to the sale. The paintwork
could do with some attention here and there, especially on the bonnet, but it
has the makings of a really nice example. The vendor tells us that the colour
was a rare option on the Coupe and it certainly works well with the
striking Bangle styling.
For more information please contact
[email protected]