1974 Fiat 130 Coupe review from Australia and New Zealand

Too little use over the life of the car before I bought it, meant that anything rubber required replacement.

It required two Mazda RX7 fuel pumps to replace the one factory fitted pump after it seized. Fuel evaporation a major issue.

Factory air-conditioning is very poor in hot weather.

High maintenance. During my ownership it seemed every spare part was the last known with a price tag to match.

This would have to be one of the most elegant automotible's from the 1970's.

Designed in the late 1960's by Pinnifarina to take on Mercedes Benz and Jaguar. Unfortunately they were built with the cheap iron ore sourced from Russia, as were most Italian cars of the era - they rusted away from the moment you drove out of the dealership.

These models unfortunately were not sold in the USA, which would have lifted sales and subsequent spare part supplies for collectors.

Even though a very attractive two door with loads of standard equipment and some famous owners (i.e. Dusty Springfield had white one with gold plated door handles) they remained fairly rare as Fiat was not regarded as a luxury marque (they cost nearly as much as a Silver Shadow when new).

Very impressive road holding and ride with all independent suspension, roomy cabin, cosseting bucket seats front and back. A poor driving position let comfort down due to an offset steering wheel and an accelerator pedal set too high.

Performance was very impressive considering its size and weight. Overtaking is its forte, so too the glorious sound from the Dino sourced V6. This all comes at a price. Economy is very poor, even in its day for 3.2 litre motor. Smiles per mile made up for it every time though. I still miss its beauty.