1997 Fiat Coupe 20v review from UK and Ireland

Clutch imploded and jammed to flywheel.

Bonnet Release Cable: Huge job to replace - my mechanic was not a happy bunny when it came to fit this - the design of this is pretty poor.

CV joint

Downpipes cracked.

The 5 cylinder engine makes the most stunning roar under load.

The interior is a work of art - a real treat to sit in and is matched by the stunning coachwork.

I bought the 20v NON-Turbo because having owned a LOT of Italian machinery over the years, I know that the more highly tuned they are, the more likely are they to break - and the more costly are they are to fix.

The 20v is a gem of an engine - the roar under load is a sound you need to hear - positively thrilling, but the chassis wasn't up to the same levels of finesse as the engine. The combination of FWD and a long chassis mean that on twisty b-roads the Coupe felt skittish and over extended. In comparison sweeping A-roads were a joy to experience.

The Coupe can best be summed up as a Italian GT car which shuns the norm - it's a future classic which cant be matched for its striking looks.

Buy one with your eyes wide open though - it will not be cheap to run - although the chance to be truly different is worth the extra attention it demands.