1981 Fiat 131 Racing review from Australia and New Zealand

Door latch mechanisms both failed.

As did both window winders.

Fuel filler cam periodically self disassembled.

Steering rack bush disintegrated and went through rack.

Rear wheel cylinder seized.

Rust under rear guards and several other places.

Clutch cable broke.

Carb fault, wouldn't idle.

Another carb the auto choke seized permanently on.

Main and big end bearings eventually wore out, but no measurable wear on crank.

Front seats lost shape.

Exhaust rusted out and loose baffle.

Front brakes needed frequent replacement.

Very quick

engine and gearbox very strong

Good handling

Average brakes, thy fade easily and wear quickly (but they are very cheap to replace).

Higher top speed than what owners manual states (so I've heard)

This car is a classic, I am restoring it and want to own it for ever.

Unreliable in some ways, very reliable in others.