Fiat 147 Sorpasso: The Rare Version of the Fiat 147

O Fiat 147 holds a special place in the hearts of Brazilians, mainly because it was the first car produced by Fiat in Brazil. Since it left the assembly lines in Betim (MG), in 1976, the small hatchback quickly gained popularity, especially among those looking for an agile and easy-to-handle car. Its trajectory in the country also included sports versions, such as the famous Rally. But did you know that the most exclusive and fast of the Fiat 147 was manufactured exclusively for our Argentine neighbors?

Yes, we are talking about Fiat 147 Sorpasso, a model that, despite being little known here, is celebrated among Argentines and collectors for its power and distinctive features. Produced between 1982 and 1984, the Sorpasso was a speed icon and sportiness, thanks to its powerful engine and unique design, and continues to attract attention and arouse curiosity to this day. Let's delve into the history of this unique car and understand why it is so special, including its current market value.

Origin of the Fiat 147 in Brazil: A National Icon

When the Fiat 147 arrived in Brazil, was revolutionary. At the time, he represented a new era for Brazilian automobile industry, being compact, economical and with a modern design for the standards of the time. Over the years, performance-oriented versions were launched, such as the Rally, which pleased enthusiasts for its sporty appearance and agility.

Despite this, the most special and coveted version of the 147 never officially made it to Brazil. Created by IAVA (Argentine Advanced Vehicle Industry) — a sports division of Fiat in Argentina — the Sorpasso version was dedicated exclusively to the Argentine public, and its name already made it clear what it was for: “Sorpasso” in Italian means “overtaking”.

Fiat 147 Sorpasso: Exceptional Details and Power

Between 1982 and 1984, Fiat produced only 403 copies of Fiat 147 Sorpasso. With this limited production and a focus entirely on sportiness, the Sorpasso version gained unique attributes that make it stand out to this day. Here are some of the details that make this model a true gem.

1. 1.3 engine from the Italian Fiat 128: The Sorpasso did not have the common engine of the 147 produced in Brazil. It inherited the 1.3 engine from the Fiat 128, a stronger engine, with 90 hp It is 10.8 kgfm of torque, which is surprising for the light weight of just 820 kg of the vehicle.
2. Carburetor and Intake System: Equipped with a dual-barrel Solex carburetor, the Sorpasso had a reworked intake and exhaust system, as well as a more aggressive valve timing. These adjustments made the engine “breathe” better and generated surprising power for a compact.
3. Less Restrictive Exhaust: The Sorpasso's exhaust was designed to emit a deeper, sportier roar, which further highlighted its powerful nature.
4. Appearance and Style: The Sorpasso's design also did not go unnoticed. With 14 inch wheels, ducktail style spoiler, front spoiler and a two-tone color scheme, the car drew attention wherever it went. The red or black stripes on the sides, depending on the body color, completed the sporty look.
5. Remarkable Performance: With these modifications, the Fiat 147 Sorpasso was able to reach the 100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds and its maximum speed reached 163 km/h. By the standards of the time, especially for a compact, these numbers were impressive and cemented the Sorpasso as the Fiat 147 faster already produced.
6. Interior with a Focus on Sports: Inside, the Sorpasso was equipped with a complete instrument panel, which included a speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure indicator, fuel level and even a trip odometer. The sports steering wheel and the AM/FM radio with cassette tape input were luxury accessories for the time, reinforcing the sporty and sophisticated experience.

IAVA's Role in the Creation of the Fiat 147 Sorpasso

IAVA, Fiat's Argentine division focused on high-performance vehicles, was responsible for modifying the 147 and transforming it into the Sorpasso. Created to give Fiat models a sportier touch, IAVA invested heavily in changes that increased the performance and exclusivity of the vehicles. The Sorpasso was the culmination of these improvements applied to the Fiat 147.

Unfortunately, the performance of IAVA was restricted to Argentina, which explains why the Sorpasso was never officially sold in Brazil. This made the model a real rarity and an object of desire among Brazilian collectors.

How Much is a Fiat 147 Sorpasso Worth Today?

With the growing demand for classic cars, especially those with unique histories like the Sorpasso, the value of this model has increased considerably over the years. But how much is a Sorpasso worth today in good condition? To answer this question, it is interesting to count on the experience of an expert in the subject.

O Manuel Rezende, known as Mané, is one of the greatest Fiat 147 connoisseurs in Brazil. In addition to having competed in races with the model in the 1980s, Mané also has a collection of classic cars, including a 1979 Fiat 147 with only 8,000 original km. According to him, the Sorpasso is a true rarity and its value on the market can be considered a small fortune.

“A Sorpasso in good general condition could be worth something around R$ 100 thousand“, comments Rezende. “If it were an impeccable example, this value could be even higher. The issue is the difficulty of finding a car like this in good condition and even more so bringing it to Brazil.”

Fiat 147 Sorpasso: A Dream for Brazilian Collectors

Imagine the scene: a Fiat 147 Sorpasso driving on the streets of Brazil, showing off all its power and exclusivity. For many Brazilian collectors, this is a distant dream, but not impossible. If a well-preserved specimen is found in Argentina and imported to Brazil, it would certainly become a valuable piece in any collection.

The fact that the Sorpasso has never been officially sold here only increases its appeal among classic car enthusiasts. And the estimated value for a Sorpasso in excellent condition, exceeding R$ 100 thousand, is a reflection of its exclusivity and the unique history it carries.

Conclusion: The Fiat 147 Sorpasso and Its Immortal Legacy

O Fiat 147 Sorpasso is much more than an old car: it is a real jewel of automotive history, which carries the charm and nostalgia of a time when Fiat dared to experiment. Although it was never sold in Brazil, it arouses the admiration of many Brazilian enthusiasts who dream of seeing it here.

With a limited production run and an exclusive mechanical set, the Sorpasso represents the pinnacle of Fiat 147 and is consolidated as the fastest and most special model ever made. If one day someone is lucky enough to bring a Sorpasso to Brazil, they will have in their hands not just a car, but a living part of Italian-Argentine automotive history.

And if you are a collector or simply passionate about classic cars, the Fiat 147 Sorpasso is a true inspiration. After all, it proves that even in a compact body there can be room for a lot of power and style. With a estimated value around R$ 100 thousand, a Sorpasso in good condition represents an investment that only tends to increase in value over time.