1993 Fiat Tipo 2.0 ie GT
First Registered 25/06/1993
Mileage - 80,729
2.0 8v Twin Cam Engine
MoT To August 2020
Just 2 Previous Keepers, Last Since 1995
115BHP Warm Hatch, Sister to the Sedicivalvole
Less than 100 2.0 GT's Built in RHD Guise
Recorded as the Last Survivor In the UK!
Description
This is, truly, an automotive unicorn.
During a brief stint in 1993, Fiat offered alongside the Sedicivalvole another sporting Tipo; the 2.0 8v "Gran Turismo". Powered by the same legendary Lampredi twin-cam engine that had sat under the bonnets of their performance flagships for many years (see Fiat 124, Fiat 131, Strada 130TC, Lancia Beta, etc), it produced 115 old-school, analogue bhp and was marketed as a cheaper, more insurance-premium-friendly “warm hatch”. Spec and equipment closely resembled the Sedici', with similar wheels, electric windows, an optional electric sunroof, headlight washers and much more. Just a few months after first arriving in the showroom, however, they were unceremoniously pulled from sale.
Less than 100 of these models were ever built in RHD form (sales figures as low as 61 are recorded) and, incredibly, this example here is the very last 2.0 8v Gran Turismo known to have survived.
It has covered just 80k miles and was owned by the same lady from 1995 (when it was just two years old) until we revived it. Finished in Shiraz Red, it's remarkably original - the interior in particular is in absolutely incredible condition. During its time under our care we have renewed the timing belt, treated it to some cosmetic titivation, ensured it is entirely solid and checked everything over. The MoT now runs through to August of next year and it’s ready to drive away and enjoy.
And enjoy driving it we think you will.
Whereas the perhaps better known Sedicivalvole (positively common as muck compared to this!) offers most of its driving pleasures in the higher rev ranges, with a more “cammy” delivery, you get a noticeably more immediate response from the 8v engine. The extra 8-valves actually only increased power by 27hp, and the GT certainly doesn’t feel breathless when compared to its bigger brother. In fact, nowhere is it left lacking in comparison. With the throatier noise it produces and keener throttle response, I’d actually say it offers the best drive available in the entire retro Tipo range. And if you know how highly we rate these cars, that’s praise indeed!
If you’d like to experience the thrills of a Tipo 2.0ie 8v Gran Turismo for yourself, this is literally your only chance!
