1993 Fiat Tipo 2.0 16v Sedicivalvole from UK and Ireland - Comments

Very little apart from routine servicing.

The front windscreen delaminated.

Central locking never worked.

The balancer shaft belt broke, but that was my fault after a standing start at Santa Pod.

The Tipo 16v is an incredible car. Ultra rare, mean looking, fast, fun - and the most amazing engine noise you can get without shelling out for a Ferrari.

Words can't adequately describe how much enjoyment this car created even on the humblest of journeys. A flex of the ankle on the accelerator provoked a gorgeous latin bark that sang right through the rev range. The engine sounds so good and is so smooth that it's impossible not to drive in a lower gear than is necessary. This is accompanied by a willing chassis and fast steering and also a very decent ride quality.

OK, so it's based on a very ordinary and ageing Fiat, but that is part of it's appeal. You'll never see another, but if you do, you'll most likely get a flash of the headlights and a wave from someone else who 'knows.' In the 1990's Fiat seemed to know how to create a hot hatch - understated styling modifications which somehow left you in no doubt about the car's potential (but left others in the dark), a characterful engine, combined with a useable car.

Since then they've lost their way. Even the later 3 door Tipo 16v's had lost some of their urgency and rawness, in favour of an attempt to spruce up build quality. I regretted changing my five door for the later version, and I still wish I had kept the car 3 years on.

Please keep it a secret, and don't buy one unless you understand what makes this car so great! There are a few sad looking 'MaxPowered' ones skulking about now, and it really isn't that kind of car. They don't NEED an induction kit to sound great for goodness sake...

I own a j plate 16v 5 door tipo 160 bhp.and it is a great car apart from the cost of a major service ie cam belt change just cost me 289.03 nearly cried with that, but it goes like stink (140 mph) handles better than a lot of modern cars. and only cost me £500 to buy bast money I have ever spent on a car. lee.

I´m an owner of Tipo witch isn´t sedicivalvole, but have to agree with your review in every word. I regret that 2.0 16V isn´t in my garage, but in the other hand I suspect that sedicivalvole is too thirsty for my wallet (and I have heavy foot).Cheers!

I can only agree 100% to this review. My 2,0 grantourismo 92' is absolutely the best and the thrill giving car I've ever had and I'll go far to keep it running for as long as possible. The previous owner must have felt the same because it is thoroughly nursed and well protected. We are located in Sweden where the 2.0 is a very rare model. 230.000 km. on the clock I'm about to change the top gasket to stop a latent water loss. Cam belt, piston rings and bearings will be changed. I hope this will stop the thirstiness for oil at when driving fast. Apart from that it's a car that can do the "limo" job as well as the swift overtaking when needed. Very few problems has occurred along the 25.000 km we've had together.

JF

Sweden.

I owned a k reg 93 2.o litre sedicivalvole about 2 years ago. I bought it for £500, what a bargain!!

Having already had a 1.4 tipo I knew they were sound cars but nothing prepared me for the first time I drove the car. Fitted with a racing clutch, it took a while to get used to the gear changes, but once mastered it was a dream to drive.

I once raced my brother in his jaguar XKR (g reg, 300bhp) and up to 100mph he had me by a bonnet!!! Needless to say when we got to the pub he bought the beers. So many other cars tried and failed to beat me in a moving race, BMW's, gti's, even scobbie's. I once chased a 911 carrera back from Cardiff to Newbury on the m4 and it barely managed to get away (he may have not been hammering it like I was). We nudged 130mph (just below the red line) and when we had to slow because of traffic, the guy in the carrera gave me the biggest grin as I went past on the inside lane.

I sold the car to a friend of mine having changed jobs and needed something a little more economical (20mpg at best was all I was getting) for work. He now wants to sell it and I want it back for a weekend car (got a bmw 3201 now).

Don't think i'll ever drive a car as fun as this ever.

Bigc218.