10k Flash: 1983 Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130 TC
The Fiat Ritmo (badged Strada in the USA) was a compact front wheel drive hatchback distinctively styled by Bertone and sold around the world from 1978-1988. The basic edition has been called the Fiat Gitmo, because driving one is humiliating and pointless experience, but the hopped up Abarth badged 130 TC version had all the elements of a thrash-able hot hatch. This 1983 Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130 TC edition is for sale in Miami, FL bidding starts at $8,000 with no reserve with 1 day to go.
This Ritmo is claimed to be one of one in the USA…although the seller does say “probably” which means it isn’t.
Long before Charlie Sheen was pimping Fiats on television, this scorpion-adorned 2.0 liter inline 4 was pumping out 130 horsepower helped by a set of twin side draught Weber or Solex carbs – setting the 130TC from its competition who were all fuel injected by the mid 80s.
No – someone didn’t put space shuttle toilets in the front, these are the stock Recaro sport seats complete with a hole for non-existent 5 pt-harness anti-submarine belt. Interior is classic 80s stuff with an airbag free steering wheel.
This car may not be priced appropriately given the lack of bids, but we expect that after the auction fails it will be back on ebay with a more realistic starting bid. $4k?
See a more rare 80s hot-hatch for less? email us: tips@dailyturismo.com
According to legend, at 100MPH a mechanical hand emerges from the hole in the driver's seat and makes the trip more interesting. That's why it is $8,000.
This car has been for sale for A LONG TIME. Perhaps because the seller was seeking a truly delusional buy-it-now price of $23500. Even at $8K, the seller is going to have to hold out a long time for that one similarly delusional Ritmo Abarth fanatic. There's got to be at least one out there. right?
I owned one of these back in the 80's, and let me tell you that not a lot of cars could keep up with it. The worst mistake I made was to sell the car for a Tipo 16valve.
Nick