| Fiat 131 | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Fiat 131 (Series 1) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Fiat |
| Also called |
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| Production | 1974–1984 |
| Assembly | |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Family car |
| Body style | |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Related |
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| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
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| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,490 mm (98.0 in)[6] |
| Length | 4,230 to 4,264 mm (166.5 to 167.9 in)[6] |
| Width | 1,644 to 1,651 mm (64.7 to 65.0 in) |
| Height | 1,381 to 1,411 mm (54.4 to 55.6 in) |
| Kerb weight | 950 to 1,145 kg (2,094 to 2,524 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Fiat 124 |
| Successor | Fiat Regata |
TheFiat 131 is a mid-sizefamily car manufactured and marketed byFiat from 1974 to 1984 after its debut at the1974 Turin Motor Show. Available as a two-door and four-doorsaloon and 5-doorestate across a single generation, the 131 succeeded theFiat 124.
The 131 was also marketed as the Fiat Mirafiori, after theTurin district where the cars were manufactured. Initially, the 131 was offered with 1.3 L and 1.6 Loverhead valve engines and the range received revisions in 1978 and 1981. Production reached 1,513,800.[5]
The Fiat 131 usedsteelmonocoque bodywork for itsthree-box design and used afront engine,rear-wheel drive layout, where theengine islongitudinally front-mounted. Thegearbox is directly behind the engine, and a tubularpropeller shaft, under the transmission "tunnel", transmits the drive to a solid live rear axle.
The engines were allinline-four types, derived from those used in the outgoing 124 range, with acast ironcylinder block andaluminium alloycylinder head. Initially the 131 was offered only with pushrod valve gear, which offered the innovation of being the worldwide first engine with OHV valve gear and a belt driven camshaft. Only later in the model's life came the well known doubleoverhead camshaft (DOHC) engines which used a toothedtiming belt. Fuel supply was via a singleWeber ADF twin-chokecarburettor, fed from atrunk mounted steelfuel tank. Traditionalcontact breakerignition systems were used, usually withMarellidistributors.
Thesuspension system utilised fully independent front suspension, withMacPherson struts,track control arms andanti-roll bar. The rear suspension was quite advanced (when using a solid live rear axle), in that the rear axle was controlled by double unequal length trailing arms and apanhard rod, withcoil springs and direct actingdampers. This design proved far superior to many of its contemporaries, especially with respect to vehicle stability and handling.
Thebraking system was also typical; the front brakes weredisc brakes, using a solid iron disc and a single-piston sliding caliper. The rears weredrum brakes (a technological backwards step from the 124, which used discs all round), utilising leading and trailing shoe design operated by a dual piston fixed slave cylinder. They were operatedhydraulically, with a tandemmaster cylinder assisted by a vacuumservo using two separate circuits. A rear-mounted load sensing valve varied the bias of effort applied to the rear brakes, dependent on the load being carried (and also the pitch dynamics caused by braking effort and road levels). A centrally located floor mountedhandbrake operated on the rear axle usingbowden cables.
The car's interior had its secondary dashboard switches illuminated by a central bulb with fibre optic distribution to the switches.
The Fiat 131 Mirafiori was introduced at the55th Turin Motor Show in late October 1974.[7]The 131 came with a choice of a 1,297 cc (1.3 L) or 1,585 cc (1.6 L)OHVinline-four engines, both from theengine family first introduced on theFiat 124. Both engines were fitted with a single twin-chokeWeber 32 ADFdowndraughtcarburettor. A 4-speedmanual transmission was standard, with a 5-speed manual and a 3-speedtorque converterautomatic optional on the 1600 engine only.
The initial range comprised eleven different models.[7] There were three body styles, all available from the start: 2-doorsaloon, 4-door saloon andFamiliarestation wagon (Estate on the British market).[8] Trim levels were two; the entry-level 131 Mirafiori (also known as "Normale" or "Standard") had single squareheadlamps, wheels and dishedhubcap from the 124, and simplified interior furnishings. Next was the better appointed 131 Mirafiori Special (or simply "S"), which could be distinguished from the base model by its quadruple circular headlamps, specificgrille, side rubbing strips, chrome window surrounds, and rubberbumper inserts.[7] Inside it added different instrumentation with triple square dials, a padded adjustablesteering wheel, clothupholstery, and reclining seats.[7] Additionally the more sophisticated options — such asair conditioning,tachometer,limited slip differential andvinyl roof — were exclusive to the Special. Each body style could be combined with either of the engines and trim levels, save for the Special estate which only came with the larger engine.
Initial sales were disappointing, since the car was launched at the height of theoil crisis and at a time of strikes and hyperinflation at home. Adding to manufacturers' woes, the cost of parts and materials all increased, while sales went down. Gradually, however, sales built up and the car also sold well in export markets. In 1975, the 131 went on sale in the United States as well. US market versions had aSOHC 1.8 litre inline-four, carried over from the earlier 124 but now with more emissions control equipment, and were available with a GM three-speed automatic transmission.[9]
Salvatore Diomante's Autocostruzioni S.D., located nearTurin, offered a nearly 5-metre long "131 Diplomatic" limousine conversion.[10]
| Model | Engine code | Engine type | Displacement bore ×stroke | Carburetor | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirafiori 1300N | 131A6.000[11] | OHVI4 | 1,297 cc (1.3 L) 75.0 × 71.5 mm | single twin-choke Solex C32 TD1 | 55 PSDIN (40 kW; 54 hp)at 5000 rpm (Germany-only version for low octane fuel use) |
| Familiare 1300N | |||||
| Mirafiori 1300 | 131A.000[12] | single twin-choke Weber 32 ADF | 65 PS DIN (48 kW; 64 hp)at 5400 rpm | ||
| Mirafiori Special 1300 | |||||
| Familiare 1300 | |||||
| Mirafiori 1600 | 131A1.000[12] | 1,585 cc (1.6 L) 84.0 × 71.5 mm | 75 PS DIN (55 kW; 74 hp)at 5400 rpm | ||
| Mirafiori Special 1600 | |||||
| Familiare 1600 | |||||
| Familiare Special 1600 | |||||
| Abarth Rally[13] | 131AR.000 | DOHC 16-valve I4 | 1,995 cc (2.0 L) 84.0 × 90.0 mm | single twin-choke Weber 34 ADF | 140 PS DIN (103 kW; 138 hp)at 6400 rpm |
| US version | 131A1.040 | SOHC I4 | 1,756 cc (1.8 L) | single twin-choke Weber | 86 hp SAE net (64 kW; 87 PS)[9] CA: 83 hp SAE net (62 kW; 84 PS)at 5800 rpm[14] |
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In 1976, 400 examples of the Fiat 131 AbarthRally were built forhomologation purposes.[15] These cars were built in a cooperation betweenFiat,Bertone andAbarth. Abarth and Bertone had the strict order to stay as close as possible to the base model, both in parts choice and in physical appearance.[16] Bertone took part-completed two door standard bodyshells from the production line in Mirafiori, fitted plastic mudguards front and rear, a plasticbonnet and bootlid and modified the metal structure to accept the rearindependent suspension. The cars were fully painted and trimmed and then delivered back to the Fiat specialRivalta plant where they received the Abarth mechanicals.
Thestreet version of the car used aDOHC4 valves percylinder derivative of the standard twin caminline-four engine, equipped with a doubledowndraught 34 ADFWeber carburetors producing 140 PS (138 bhp; 103 kW) at 6400 rpm and 172 N⋅m (127 lb⋅ft; 17.5 kg⋅m) oftorque[17] at 3600 rpm. The street cars used the standardgearbox with nosynchromesh (Rally type regulations required the use of the same type of synchromesh on the competition cars as on the street versions) and stock front brake discs, which performed better because the redesigned Bertone front and hood allowed for more air to cool them. The rear wheels had brake discs instead of the stock drums.[18] Competition cars useddry sump lubrication and eventuallyKugelfischermechanical fuel injection. In race specifications, the engine produced up to 240 PS (237 bhp; 177 kW) in 1980, being driven toWorld Championship status byWalter Röhrl.7212703
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The 131 got a minor facelift in 1978. NewDOHC, or "Twin Cam" (TC) engines arrived, and these models were badged asSupermirafiori. Mechanically, the steering geometry was changed which resulted in less understeer and lighter steering at low speeds.[19] The biggest changes exterior-wise for the Series 2 were larger rectangular shaped front lights (quad round headlights in the US), new bumpers (for the Supermirafiori), new bigger rear lights, while a new interior (CL, Supermirafiori) included the dashboard and a chunky, single-spoke steering wheel.
Also in 1978, the 2-door sporting versionRacing (Mirafiori Sport in the UK) with 115 PS (85 kW) twin cam engine, was launched. This car had four round headlights (the inner headlights being smaller than the outer ones, unlike any other Mirafiori model produced), different grille, spoilers and extended wheel arches, and a short-throw 5 speed gearbox. The Racing had top speed of 180 km/h (110 mph). An important introduction for the Italian and many other continental European markets was the newdiesel engined versions, built inSofim's brand-new factory inFoggia.[20] The diesel had been previewed and tested in competition already, with three diesel-engined cars prepared byAbarth for the1977 London–Sydney Marathon rally.[20] As introduced on the Series 2, 131 Diesels received four, equally sized round headlights and a noticeable (and characteristic) bump in the hood to accommodate the taller engine. TheFamiliare (estate) was renamedPanorama.
In Venezuela, the 131 Series 2 was kept in production after the Series 3 had been introduced in Europe. They were only available with the four-door sedan bodywork, as the Mirafiori L and the Mirafiori CL, and were fitted with the Panorama's OHV 1.6-liter engine with 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp). An additional version was the sporting "131 Corsa 95", which used the 131 Racing's front spoiler, grille, rear spoiler, and other parts (still with four doors) along with the twin cam Supermirafiori engine and a sizable bonnet scoop. In Venezuela, this engine produced a claimed 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) at 6000 rpm.[21]
The Series 2 was marketed in the United States as the FiatBrava (two-door only) andSuper Brava from mid-year 1978 with the same 1.8 litre four as had been used in the US-market 131, but before the year was over this was replaced by the somewhat more powerful and much torquier 2 litretwin-cam four also seen in theSpider.[22] Initially, the better equipped models were sold as Super Bravas, but the base model and "Super" tag were dropped for 1979. The interim Brava version also retained the 131's interior.[23] Importantly, the air conditioning system was also upgraded to cope with the demands of US drivers. For 1980 a more powerful fuel-injected version was added (102 hp or 76 kW) while the Estate version was dropped. For 1981 the EFI engine became standard equipment and the headlamps were changed for single rectangular units, but this was to be the last year for the Brava/131 in the US.[24] The January 1991, edition of Popular Mechanics in the United States listed the 1979 Fiat 131 in the "Overall Worst" category as the most "trouble prone" car ever recorded in their Owner Report histories.[25]
| Displacement | Engine type | Power | |
| Mirafiori | 1297/1301 cc | I4 ohv | 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) |
| Supermirafiori | 1297/1301 cc | I4 dohc | 78 PS (57 kW; 77 hp) |
| Supermirafiori | 1585 cc | I4 dohc | 96 PS (71 kW; 95 hp) |
| Panorama | 1297/1301 cc | I4 ohv | 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) |
| Panorama | 1585 cc | I4 ohv | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) |
| Diesel | 1995 cc | I4 | 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) |
| Diesel | 2445 cc | I4 | 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) |
| Racing | 1995 cc | I4 dohc | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) |
| Brava | 1756 cc | I4 dohc | 83 hp (62 kW; 84 PS)[26] |
| Brava | 1995 cc | I4 dohc | 86 hp (64 kW; 87 PS) CA: 80 hp (60 kW; 81 PS)[27] |
| Brava EFI | 1995 cc | I4 dohc | 103 PS (76 kW; 102 hp)[24] |
In 1979, Fiat presented the 131 Ibrida,[28] an experimental prototype featuring the small 903 cc engine from theFiat 127, de-tuned to 33 hp (24 kW), and mated to a 24 kW DC electric motor. Power is also provided by regeneration via the braking system. The 250 amp batteries are located in the boot, adding 175 kg (386 lb) to the weight.[29]
The 131 was updated again in March 1981.[30] By this time, the car was no longer offered in the USA. Production of the Racing/Sport versions ceased, although these were sold well into 1982. The same 2.0 TC (twin cam) engine went to the Supermirafiori. Also the normal 2-door versions were no longer produced.[31] The car was renamed 131 Super Brava in Australia. The car received a slightly updated interior (instruments, single-piece glovebox lid), and thanks to changes to the furniture and headliner, the passengers had a little more room.[31] Outside, lower rubbing strips found their way onto all models up to CL specification. The Supermirafiori received larger lower door cladding. Mechanically, Mirafiori versions now received overhead cam engines rather than pushrod versions; a new 1.4 litre engine and a revised 1.6 litre. Also new were the clutch and gearboxes, a tweaked suspension was also introduced and the gas tank increased in size by three litres, for a total 53 L (14.0 US gal; 11.7 imp gal) capacity.
In June 1981, a new sport version, the Volumetrico Abarth, was introduced to some markets, with a supercharged version of the familiar 2-litretwin-cam. This car, also known as the 2000 TC Compressore, was built in a small series (about 200 units[32]) and could reach 190 km/h (118 mph).[33]
In 1983, the production of the saloon version was discontinued, but the estate, now named 131 Maratea, remained in production with two engine choices (115 PS 2.0 TC and 72 PS 2.5 D) until 1984, when they were replaced with theRitmo-basedRegata Weekend. These last versions featured four round headlights and the by-now familiar five-bar grille.
In Australia the saloon was also updated for a final time for the 1984 model year. It also received the 4 round headlight and five bar grille. Other subtle revisions were also made to the vehicles wiring with the central locking button removed and integrated into central locking motors. Wheels were upgraded to a 14-inch size with unique offset . Driveshaft universal joint size was increased . Steering rack ends and tie rod ends were sizing was also changed. Brake master cylinder bore size was increased to 20mm and brake fittings changed to a metric fine thread size.
| Model | Displacement | Engine type | Power |
| Mirafiori | 1,367 cc | SOHCI4 | 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) |
| Mirafiori CL | 1,585 cc | SOHC I4 | 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) |
| Supermirafiori | 1,367 cc | DOHC I4 | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) |
| Supermirafiori | 1,585 cc | DOHC I4 | 98 PS (72 kW; 97 hp) |
| Supermirafiori | 1,995 cc | DOHC I4 | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) |
| Volumetrico Abarth | 1,995 cc | DOHC I4 | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) |
| Panorama | 1,301 cc | OHV I4 | 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) |
| Panorama | 1,585 cc | SOHC I4 | 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) |
| Mirafiori 2000 Diesel | 1,995 cc | I4 | 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) |
| Mirafiori 2500 Diesel | 2,445 cc | I4 | 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp) |
| Supermirafiori 2500 Diesel |
Fiat 131 Rally's precursor the 3.5-litreGroup 5 Abarth SE 031 won1975 Giro d'Italia automobilistico. The Fiat 131Abarth was a very successfulgroup 4rally car, winning the manufacturers'World Rally Championship three times: in1977,1978, and in1980.With this carMarkku Alen won the1978 FIA Cup for Drivers andWalter Röhrl won the1980 drivers' World Rally Championship.[34]Between 1976 and 1981 the Fiat 131 won 20 WRC events; other notable drivers wereSandro Munari,Timo Salonen,Attilio Bettega andMichèle Mouton.
Between 1975 and 1977 the official "works" cars carried theOlio Fiat blue and yellowlivery, then during 1978 and 1979 seasons they were sponsored by Italian airlineAlitalia and bore their distinctive red, white and green livery.
Prior to the introduction of the 131 Diesel, Fiat hadAbarth prepare three diesel-engined cars with two-door, Series 1 bodyshells for the1977 London–Sydney Marathon rally to promote its reliability and robustness.[20] Entered by the FrenchEsso Aseptogyl team, two cars finished, in 15th and 23rd place. The engines were largely unmodified, while the cars were fitted with 5-speed gearboxes and 90-litre (20 imp gal) fuel tanks.[20]
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Fiat Abarth 131s recorded victories in the followingWorld Rally Championship events:
In 1978, American actorJames Brolin campaigned a Fiat 131 Abarth on a limited schedule in the GTU category of theIMSA GT Championship. The car carried sponsorship fromAnheuser-BuschNatural Light beer, which had been introduced the previous year.
TheSEAT 131 started its production in early 1975 in Barcelona with two versions initially offered: SEAT 131 L, featuring rectangular front lamps, 1,438 cc OHC engine and 4 speed gearbox and SEAT 131 E featuring four round headlamps, 1,592 cc DOHC engine and 5 speed gearbox. The range grew up in 1976 with the SEAT 131 Familiar, estate version offered with both engines. In 1977 the 131 Automatico (Automatic gearbox) was released and the following year a very short production of the SEAT 131 CLX 1800 was offered.
In 1978, the SEAT 131 evolved into the SEAT 131 Mirafiori/Supermirafiori (Panorama for the estate versions), with the same changes as seen on its Italian cousin. The engines remained largely the same, but a 1.8 litre DieselPerkins 4.108 engine was available in 1979.
A further CLX special edition was launched in 1980. Available only in metallic silver or metallic bronze colours, this 131 CLX had a 1,919 cc engine, developing 114 PS (84 kW) at 5,800 rpm.[35]
In 1981, the Diesel version was developed with a newSofim engine. This 2,500 cc engine was much more powerful than the Perkins version (72 hp against only 49 hp) and was one of the most successful taxis in early '80s Spain.
In 1982, the SEAT 131 changed again, gathering all the body changes seen on the Fiat 131 series 3. The 131 was now available in CL, Supermirafiori and Diplomatic versions. The Diplomatic was the top of the range, with a 1,995 cc engine and features such as power steering, power windows or air conditioning. The Panorama versions were the cars chosen by the "Cuerpo Nacional de Policia" (Spanish Police force) as patrol cars.
In 1984, the SEAT 131 range was discontinued, without a direct substitute and theFiat Ritmo-basedSEAT Málaga took its place in 1985.
Turkish Automotive Factories Incorporated (Tofaş) inTurkey started the production of Fiat 131s built under Fiat license with theMurat 131(Turkish: Desire) nameplate. Later, Fiat 131 based"Bird Series" were developed and built inBursa,Turkey. The base version of"Bird Series" was named asMurat 131Şahin(Turkish: Hawk), luxury version was asMurat 131Doğan(Turkish: Falcon) and the estate version was named asMurat 131Kartal(Turkish: Eagle). These vehicles enjoyed a very long production run (1986–2002 at Turkey, 1991–2009 at Egypt, 2006–2010 at Ethiopia), and were later replaced by newer Fiat models.
Assembly of the 131 sedan was also undertaken inPoland byFabryka Samochodów Osobowych (FSO) in the years 1975 to 1981, and 3102 were assembled in total.[36] They were often used by state institutions and communist party officials.[36] First series cars were available only in Special trim and were calledPolski Fiat 131p Mirafiori. Cars of second series were known under the name Fiat 131p Mirafiori and were offered in L and CL trim levels.
The Fiat 131 was also produced atHelwan, inEgypt, byEl Nasr since at least 1982,[37] on the basis of complete knockdown (CKD) kits. This was followed by CKD assembly of the Tofaş Murat 131 between 1991 and 2009. The Tofaş Murat 131 has also been assembled inEthiopia byHolland Car between 2006 and 2010.
Other CKD production of the Fiat 131 has taken place in the following countries:[37]
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