Ex–Michèle Mouton 1978 Fiat 131 Abarth Works Rally

According to a report by Bring a Trailer… This 1978 Fiat 131 Abarth Works Rally is one of an estimated 47 built to “Corsa” specification for use in FIA Group 4 competition as works rally cars. Chassis 2045727 was initially registered in Torino, Italy, under number TO R92450 and was campaigned by Fiat France in World Rally Championship and French Rally Championship events through 1980. Michèle Mouton, the first and only woman to win a WRC event, drove the car to 5th overall at the 1979 and 1980 Tour de Corse as well as 7th overall at the 1980 Monte Carlo Rally. Following its early WRC career, the car passed to privateer Vittorio Carlino of Sassari, Sardinia, who campaigned it to an overall victory at the 1983 Rally di Roccaruja. It was later purchased by racing car collector and driver Fabrizio Violati in 1984, who retained ownership through the current owner’s acquisition in the mid-2010s. A subsequent refurbishment project was carried out by Rallysport Development in England with work involving stripping the body to bare metal and refinishing it in the Fiat France livery worn by the car during its final WRC appearance with Mouton at the wheel. The Tipo 131 AR.000 inline-four, five-speed manual gearbox, and self-locking differential were also overhauled as part of the project. This 131 Abarth Rally is now offered on dealer consignment in Emeryville, California, with historic photos, previous registration cards, and a bill of sale. complete report is on link below. Source: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1978-fiat-131-4/