Background
The Fiat Stilo Abarth first appeared to the world as a Group N Rally Car at the Bologna Motor show in November 2001 and was created to be the basis for the Trofeo Stilo Abarth, a one make series which ran in Italy from 2002 to 2005.
The car was based on the road going Stilo 1.8 16v version. To ensure close competition the series was limited to Group N cars, which meant that modifications were limited. The drive chain consisted of a single-plate metal-ceramic clutch, attached to a 5-speed gearbox with a laminar self locking differential, and closer ratios to improve the drivability of the car in rally trim.
Once again due to the Group N restrictions modifications to engine were also strictly controlled, that said power was increased from the 133bhp of the road car, to initially 157bhp and then 180bhp from the 2003 season onwards.
A similar competition ran in the UK during 2004 and 2005, called the Fiat Stilo Rally Cup and it is at this point that Fiat UK saw more potential from the Stilo than was allowed under the Trofeo Stilo Abarth regulations and set about creating a team to compete on the Wales Rally GB and selected other events using Group A spec cars.
This Car
This is a genuine Fiat UK works Group A car, numbered 039 and features a 214bhp engine and 5 Speed Dog Gearbox. This car was driven successfully and competitively alongside the big names in the GB Rally of Wales, the Manx International Rally and also the Pirelli International Rally by Chris Davies.
Technical
Engine : Four-cylinder, 1.8ltr, in-line, transversely mounted in the front of the car, twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, 214 bhp
Induction : Fuel Injected, Normally Aspirated
