“ Abarth Corse received for the 1976 season thus the order to cover the rally activities of the Fiat Group centrally and together. Hence also the decision to build a single successor vehicle for 124 Spider and Stratos in the form of the Fiat 131. Under the direction of Aurelio Lampredi, development engineer Sergio Limone and his team of almost 100 people set to work. The two-door sedan was chosen as the basis, but Bertone made various changes…
“ Abarth Corse received for the 1976 season thus the order to cover the rally activities of the Fiat Group centrally and together. Hence also the decision to build a single successor vehicle for 124 Spider and Stratos in the form of the Fiat 131. Under the direction of Aurelio Lampredi, development engineer Sergio Limone and his team of almost 100 people set to work. The two-door sedan was chosen as the basis, but Bertone made various changes to its bodyshell. For example, a front spoiler lip was developed in the wind tunnel, which merged seamlessly with the front wheel arch extensions. The rear fenders were also widened to make room for larger 15-inch wheels. While the angular bumpers were dropped for weight reasons, a roof spoiler and rear spoiler lip now provided more downforce. Air intakes in front of the rear wheels provide airflow to the braking system. An air scoop in the hood does the same to the engine.