1974, Cars: Fiat 131 (Mirafiori)

In the Autumn of 1974 Italian car manufacturer Fiat introduces the new Fiat 131, additionally called "Mirafiori", at the Turin Motor Show. The 131 is the replacement for the successful Fiat 124. The Mirafiori name originates after the Turin suburb where the cars were produced.

Initially the Fiat 131 came with 1,297 cc or 1,585 cc L4 engines.The first series was available with two body styles: a saloon (2 or 4 doors) and a station wagons built by SEAT in Spain. There were two trim levels: the basic "131" and the upmarket "131 S".

Predecessor Fiat 124

Fiat 131 Series 1

Fiat 131S Series1

Fiat 131S Estate Series1

Fiat 131S Rear

In 1978 the 131 got a minor facelift and new "Twin Cam" engines were available, these models were badged as SuperMirafiori. The biggest change were the larger rectangular shaped front lights, new bumpers, new bigger rear lights and new interior trim. Also in 1978, the 2-door sporting version Racing with 85 kW twin cam engine, was launched. The Racing had top speed of 180 km/h (110 mph).

Fiat 131 Racing Series 2 (1978)

Fiat 131 Supermirafiori Series 2 (1978)

Fiat 131 Supermirafiori Rear Series 2 (1978)

The 131 was revised again in 1981. The car received a slightly updated interior. In June 1981, a new sport version, the Volumetrico Abarth, was introduced to some markets, with a supercharged version of the familiar 2-litre twin-cam. This car, also known as the 2000 TC Compressore, was built in a small series and could reach 190 km/h (118 mph). In 1983, the production of the saloon ended, the station wagon however remained in production until 1985. In total, 1,513,800 units were produced in Italy.

Succesor Fiat Regata

Advert Fiat 131, France, 1970s

Advert Fiat 131, UK 1975

Advert Fiat 131 (Brava), USA 1970s

 0

Advert Fiat 131, UK 1978

Brochure Fiat 131 (Netherlands, 1978)

Brochure Fiat 131 (Norway, 1980)