 | |
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1971 |
| Founder | Fiat Argentina dealers |
| Defunct | 1985; 41 years ago (1985) |
| Fate | Filed forbankruptcy |
| Headquarters | , |
Area served | Argentina |
| Products | Performance cars |
| Brands | Fiat |
| Parent | Fiat Concord (1971–80) Sevel Argentina (1980–85) |
Industria Argentina de Vehículos de Avanzada (abbrevriatedIAVA) was anautomotive company created in 1971 by 16 owners of ArgentineFiat dealerships.[1] Headquartered inMartínez, Buenos Aires, IAVA was the first manufacturer ofperformance vehicles in Argentina,[1] being asubsidiary ofFiat Concord and thenSevel Argentina until it was closed in 1985.
AsAbarth did in Italy, the goal of IAVA was to provide the Argentine industry with ahigher performance version of the ArgentinianFiat 128. The philosophy was to use the platform of the 128, but change the engine to a transversely mounted 1100 cubic centimeter four cylinder. With this new engine IAVA offered, in addition to the increase in power, more comfort, and even aerodynamic accessories for the 128.[1]
IAVA was established in 1971 after an initiative of Carlos Marsengo, then Director ofFiat Concord, the Argentinesubsidiary ofFiat S.p.A. It was believed that Marsengo had been given approval to establish a performance vehicles division from Italy.[1]
The first models were assembled in the Fiat plant inCaseros, Buenos Aires, but short after production moved to Martínez, on Fondo de la Legua avenue.[2] The first president of IAVA was Gerónimo Grossi, and Marcelo Zunnino was appointed as Director.[1]
IAVA's most emblematic model wasFiat 128, which performance cars competed inRallying andTurismo Carretera with successful results.[1] The IAVA "128 TV" ("Turismo Veloz") was launched in March 1972, with near 500 units built in the first year. This model had a top speed of 170 km/h at 7,000 rpm.[3]
IAVA also made version of theFiat 147 which was namedSorpasso. They also made versions of theFiat 133 calledIAVA and Fiat 133Top respectively. Later, IAVA created abuggy calledKikito Buggy but produced less than 25 units, along with 2 berlinetta-type prototypes. It also made a motor for boats based on an SSB structure and a prototype for the firm Mara.[4] Other Fiat models modified by IAVA were the600,125, andDuna.
In 1985,Sevel Argentina (which produced Fiat andPeugeot brands in the country since 1980),[5][6] determined that the subsidiaries should be closed, causing the end of IAVA.[1]
Some famous personalities of Argentina that owned Fiat IAVA automobiles wereSandro,Daniel Scioli,Ramón Díaz,Carlos Monzón,Marcelo Tinelli,Hugo Gatti, andGuillermo Coppola. HumoristLuis Landriscina not only owned a 128 but he drove his car in a 1974 rally.[1]
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