Fiat 147 Sorpasso: A Rare Automotive Gem

If you are passionate about classic cars and the history of the automotive industry, the Fiat 147 Sorpasso is a model that certainly deserves your attention. This sports compact, developed in Argentina by IAVA division (Industria Argentina Vehículos de Avanzada), is a true rare gem. With limited production and impressive performance for its time, it consolidated its position as the Fastest and most exclusive Fiat 147 ever made. Let's explore the details that make this car a legend!

A Little History: The Fiat 147 and the People's Revolution

O Fiat 147 was the first Fiat passenger car produced in Brazil, launched in 1976. Its proposal was clear: to offer a compact, economical and affordable vehicle, ideal for the Brazilian market. With a independent suspension efficient, reliable brakes and an economical engine, it quickly gained space on the country's streets.

Despite its success, the Fiat 147 was not free from criticism. The famous jokes about its “147 defects” and stories of being towed by Ferraris marked its trajectory. However, its sports versions, like the 147 Brazilian Rally, showed that there was potential for more. It was exactly this spirit that Fiat Argentina sought to take to the extreme with the 147 Sorpasso.

IAVA: The Performance Division of Fiat Argentina

A IAVA was created by Fiat Argentina to develop sporty and improved versions of its models. Before the Fiat 147, the division had already worked on the Fiat 128, creating variants that impressed with their performance and distinctive appearance. These experiences were fundamental for the birth of Sorpasso, launched in 1982.

The word “Sorpasso”, which in Italian means “overtaking”, is a perfect name for a car that symbolized performance and boldness. It was designed to be the fastest and most powerful in the line, consolidating itself as the most desired sports compact from Argentina.

The Sorpasso Engine: Power and Engineering

The heart of the Fiat 147 Sorpasso was a engine 1.3, based on the propellant of the Italian Fiat 128, but modified to deliver 90 hp at 6,400 rpm. It included:

• Solex dual body carburetor for greater efficiency in the air-fuel mixture.
• Reworked head to improve the flow.
• Exclusive intake and exhaust manifolds, optimizing exhaustion.
• More aggressive valve timing, increasing response at high revs.
• Less restrictive muffler, which provided a sporty roar.

The performance was impressive: 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and maximum speed of 165 km/h. These numbers placed the Sorpasso as the fastest car produced in Argentina at the time.

Unique Style: Sporty Look and Finish

O Sorpasso design reflected his sporty personality. He was equipped with:

• Front spoiler prominent, which improved aerodynamics.
• Cibié auxiliary headlights, ensuring better lighting.
• Exclusive side stripes, which ran along the entire perimeter of the car.
• Discreet rear spoiler, complementing the aggressive look.
• Spoked wheels 14 inches, which housed radial tires and servo-assisted brakes.

The suspension has also been recalibrated, with negative camber to improve grip and stability, giving the car a sportier stance.

Interior: Functionality and Elegance

Inside, the Sorpasso featured more subtle but still noticeable changes. It featured:

• Three-spoke metal steering wheel, reinforcing the sporting appeal.
• Dashboard with rev counter, a difference for the standards of the time.
• Exclusive coverings on seats and doors, which gave a touch of sophistication.

The interior environment was simple, but in line with the proposal of a compact sports car.

Limited Production: A True Treasure

The exclusivity of the Fiat 147 Sorpasso is reinforced by its extremely limited production. Among 1982 and 1984, just 403 units were manufactured:

• 37 units in 1982.
• 302 units in 1983.
• 64 units in 1984.

This rarity makes the Sorpasso a car highly collectible, especially in Argentina, where it is considered an icon. In Brazil, however, it is almost unknown, making it even more difficult to find a copy here.

How Much Does It Cost Today?

Recent estimates indicate that a Fiat 147 Sorpasso in good condition can fetch values between US$ 25,000 and US$ 40,000 in the international market. Converting to reais, this is equivalent to approximately R$ 125,000 to R$ 200,000, depending on the price and condition. A high but fair price, considering its rarity and historical appeal.

The Legacy of Sorpasso

The Fiat 147 Sorpasso is more than a rare car; it represents an era in which sports compacts were synonymous with fun and innovation. Even with the technical limitations of the time, IAVA's work showed that it was possible to transform a popular hatchback into a true sports car.

If you're a fan of classic cars, this is the kind of vehicle that deserves to be on your wish list. After all, how could you not want one? Fiat 147 with sports performance and such a rich history?

Now it's up to you: How about starting your search for one of these models to call your own? Whether it's to show it off at classic car meets or to enjoy a nostalgic ride, Fiat 147 Sorpasso will certainly be the center of attention. After all, who doesn't want a little piece of history in the form of four wheels?