THE FIAT STRADA – AN APPRECIATION

According to howmanyleft.co.uk there are but 48 Stradas on the road in the UK. It is a sad fate for the car designed with a computer, silenced by a laser and built by a robot.

When British imports began in 1979, it resembled no other competitor, making the Talbot Horizon and the Austin Allegro look dated by comparison. Then, 43 years ago, those plastic bumpers, flush-fitting door handles, and almost geometric lines caused a minor sensation in Acacia Avenue.

Fiat intended the Strada (English-speaking markets)/Ritmo (Italy and mainland Europe) to replace the 128 eventually. When it debuted in 1978, the running gear was familiar, but Sergio Sartorelli’s coachwork was highly distinctive; it also boasted a drag coefficient of 0.38. Motor Sport complained:

This new generation Fiat hatchback is very ingenious in many practical aspects but it is not a handsome car. But nor was the Citroen 2CV, and the same purpose lies behind each – to provide a commodious hold-all rather than a car intended to catch the eye.

The editor Bill Boddy went on to grumble about the “ugly air-intake grille atop the bonnet lid” and that the Strada’s wheels were “the ugliest in the business”. However, when Autocar evaluated a 75CL version, they concluded that if its heating and ventilation were attended to, ‘there would be nothing to choose between the Fiat and the Volkswagen” – high praise indeed.

Possibly the worse review of the Strada was on Top Gear, where Noel Edmonds was not overly enthused.

Apparently, the fascia layout was “absolutely ridiculous” and the Fiat’s looks were “positively ugly”. Of course, Turin was not overly happy with these remarks, but the Strada did become a reasonably familiar sight in the UK.

By February of 1982, Fiat GB offered the very desirable 105TC with its ‘Speedline’ alloy wheels, 1.6 litre DOHC engine and, of course, a front spoiler with integral fog lamps. In addition, Car noted the perforated metal accelerator pedal and the “positively phallic” (!) gear lever. Meanwhile, enthusiasts craved the 120 mph 1,995cc 125TC built on the Abarth production lines. Alas, there were no RHD models as the company found it nearly impossible to alter the position of the steering column.

1982 also marled the launch of the Series II, with all British-market cars sporting four round headlamps. Fiat unveiled the 130TC in the following year, and Ford Escort XR3i owners immediately noted its FHOC 2-litre engine with twin Solex/Weber carburettors, 121 mph top speed and four-spoke alloy wheels. Motor thought, “if you are fed up with seeing Golf GTis everywhere, the Fiat provides one of the best alternatives”.

The Strada/Ritmo received another facelift in 1985, with production ending in 1988. Its successor was the Tipo, itself an increasingly rare sight in this country. Yet, 34 years later, the Fiat that was “Handbuilt by Robots” deserves to be remembered as a genuinely innovative machine. And there are many of us who find it rather attractive…