Lot 307: 1975 Fiat 130 Coupe by Pininfarina

Together with the 128, Fiat's first front wheel drive model, and the mid-engined X1/9 sports car, the other important car for the Italian marque in 1969 was the luxuriously appointed 130. Designed to move Fiat's products up-market, and initially only available as a saloon, this large but somewhat ungainly looking car was powered by the company's own single overhead camshaft, 2,866cc V6 engine mated to a standard fitment, three speed automatic transmission, the latter, incidentally, another first for Fiat, with a five speed manual ZF gearbox available as an option. Producing 160bhp at 5,800rpm and 161lb/ft at 3,400rpm, the 130 was capable of 119mph and 0-60mph in 10.6 seconds while its good roadholding and handling were courtesy of all round independent torsion bar/coil spring suspension and low profile 205/70 section tyres; braking was via servo-assisted discs at all four corners and steering was power assisted. Sales of the saloon, though, were sluggish and the model was discontinued in 1973. Two years earlier, however, it had been joined by the 130 Coupe using the same wheelbase and mechanical specification apart from a larger 3,235cc V6 engine (concurrently fitted as standard in the saloon). Here, in essence, a silk purse had been created out of a sow's ear, the Pininfarina penned, sharp edged styled and close-coupled two door coachwork transforming the 130 in a stroke, being elegant and dignified and yet understated, and similarities in its design could clearly be seen in the also Pininfarina styled Rolls-Royce Camargue, something which the Italian design house freely acknowledged at the time. Now with 165bhp available at 5,600rpm and 184lb/ft at 3,400rpm, this 3.2 litre, genuine four seater coupe, could achieve 0-60mph in 10.0 seconds allied to relaxed and effortless high speed cruising and a 123mph maximum speed, and the latter would no doubt have been higher but for the limits of the car's aerodynamics. Fiat's flagship model for several years - in 1972 it cost a not inconsiderable £5,257 - the much undervalued 130 Coupe went out of production in 1977 after 4,491 examples had been built. Manufactured in 1975, this fine and rare right-hand drive example was specified from new with a full cream leather interior and air-conditioning. Finished in metallic blue and presented in good condition, it comes with a full service history, servicing and maintenance receipts since 1992, V5 registration document and a MoT test certificate valid until October. Prior to sale, the car will be refitted with its original factory specification alloy wheels.