1999 Fiat Coupe 20v Turbo LE *Sold £8,700*

Description

• One of only 2000 built
• 89,000 miles with Full Service History
• MOT’d until Oct 2022
• Three original keys including Red Master Key
• A genuine numbered Collectors Edition
• 2.0 20v 220bhp Turbo engine
• Six speed box, limited slip diff

When Fiat launched the Fiat Coupe in January 1994, complete with engines from the World Rally Championship winning Integrale, it quickly became a major success.

In 1998 Fiat took the Coupe to the next stage, with the Limited Edition, LE model. Fiat wanted the LE to be a genuine collectors car, so they numbered each one of the 2000 RHD UK models. This one is number 1166, and rumour has it that 001 was given to Michael Schumacher when he was at Ferrari.

Cosmetically the Coupe LE stood out with the addition of well placed titanium. Featuring a range of stylistic, functional and otherwise performance-wise enhancements, would the public be seduced by the LE? Externally, the LE came with a very well put together body kit. The interior received major upgrades. And finally, being an Italian sports car, Fiat added massive upgrades to engine and suspension. The LE was now a limited edition performance car.

Engine and Transmission

Open up that unique clam shell bonnet and underneath you find a rather superb 2.0l 20v five cylinder engine, pushing out 220bhp with an incredible 310nm of torque. For a front wheel drive car that is rare even today and unheard of back then. To make sure all that power transfers, Fiat fitted a limited slip diff via a viscous drive unit, mating to a six speed exclusively fitted to the LE. To keep everything as tight as knicker elastic, Fiat added a beefer strut brace, then painted it red. The package looks terrific and it makes for a superb driving car. We’re advised this LE has a full service history, so you are buying peace of mind too.

Exterior

It is seen as lazy writing to describe a car as ‘mint’, but sometimes it fits. The LE is, well, mint. Just see for yourself. The Speed Red paintwork, what other colour is there, specific to LE’s is in great condition. The vendor describes “the bodywork as amazing” it certainly looks it. Those recessed rear lights with titanium light surrounds are design dream few have been able to emulate, Ferrari,  maybe?

The original factory body kit is intact. The genuine titanium finished mirrors, fuel cap, headlamp surrounds all survive. This LE is as Fiat intended to be.

Interior

Well, the Italians do know how to build a sports interior. The red and black leather one-off Recaros specific to the LE and in this LE appear unused. Take a look. The door pads, steering wheel, handbrake, gear knob all get the subtle red leather treatment, all of those original items are remarkably preserved. We do not think we’ve seen one this this condition, ever.

The LE special effects didn’t end there. Red seats belts are still intact along with distinct Sparco racing pedals. The Sparco pedals provide much improved feel and grip through rubber ‘stand-ups’ and a larger surface. The larger accelerator pedal provides for improved tip-heeling in line with the sporty feel of the car. Being Italian the LE needed one last touch. Fiat delivered it. A key-less starting system is replaced by big red starter button. Superb. The vendor describes the interior thus; “All seats in good condition, no bolster wear”. It has been a very well cared for car.

The interior package is brilliant and in fabulous condition. Very rarely do we see original interiors of this style, excellence and quality.

Wheels, Tyres, Suspension and Other

The LE featured independent suspension all round. Up front MacPherson struts and lower wishbones anchored to an auxiliary crossbeam with offset coil springs and anti roll bar to keep everything under control. At the rear, trailing arms mounted on an auxiliary subframe fitted with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. It was a sporty drive.

The LE was shod with uprated 16” rims wrapped with 205/50R16Y rubber.

The brakes got an upgrade too.  Brembo’s were fitted and lacquered red. The cross-drilled front brake discs do make a difference. Bite is a bit better, but the vents letting out the gas formed when braking prevents fading and adds a bit more power. They’ve thought of everything. All of these original items are there and look good.

It is a testament to our knowledgeable vendors care of this car that all the wheels are unmarked. With todays UK roads that is an achievement.

Our view

As you’d expect, very rarely do Coupe LE’s come to market. Even more rare are LE’s in this condition. Our somewhat flippant, not to mention last description of this LE as ‘mint’ doesn’t really do it justice. It is rare and remarkable car. With that Edition Number of 1166 it is a genuine collector’s item too.

Add to that our vendor knows a thing or two about LE’s as he has a small collection of them. We’ve seen a couple of them and they are very, very good.

The last one time an LE came to market it was a ‘nice’ car. But judged against that ‘nice’ benchmark, this is something else. We’d expect this LE to finish the auction at somewhere between £5,000 – £8,000. That looks like a real bargain.

Vehicle Location: Bedfordshire – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor

Have a question about this vehicle? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

We base our business on trust and know that the vendor’s description for this vehicle has been done to the best of their knowledge. However, before you bid, please ensure you have made all the necessary checks to satisfy yourself.

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