Successfully marketed between 1974 and 1984, the Fiat 131 celebrates its 50th anniversary

The Fiat 131 was a key vehicle to understand the evolution of the sedan segment during the years of the Oil Crisis, a period that almost precisely coincides with the marketing period of this model (1974-84). This model carried the name of the legendary Mirafiori plant across five continents and has been, to date, the only car of the brand to be crowned World Rally Champion.

The Fiat 131 Mirafiori draws attention, precisely, for its name. It is one of the first models of the brand not to be known exclusively by a series of numbers but by a word that, in this case, refers to the factory where it was produced. In some international markets, such as the American one, it was marketed as Fiat Brava, a name that would be resumed by the brand years later to name another model.

Aesthetically, the Fiat 131 Mirafiori is a display of elegance and sobriety. With a three-volume silhouette and a four-door sedan or two-door coupe structure, it stands out for its pure and angular lines with a totally functional vocation.

In its first series, depending on the finish, its front showed double rectangular or round headlights, as well as "T"-shaped taillights rotated 90˚ at the rear. Inside, it was the first car to illuminate some dashboard elements, such as some switches and the heating controls.

In March 1975, its family version, known as "Panorama" from 1978, was launched with great success. Precisely, that year a deep restyling would arrive, betting on large rectangular headlights, except in the Racing and diesel versions, and also rectangular rear lights. Technically, the 1.3 and 1.6 gasoline engines of the Supermirafiori finishes incorporate a double overhead camshaft. Three years later, the top of the range of the Fiat 131 would complete its equipment with electric windows and central locking, and the 5-speed manual gearbox would become standard.

The history of the Fiat 131 is entirely linked to its sporting facet, with its Fiat 131 Abarth Rally version. With Bertone bodywork and a 16V engine capable of developing 235 HP in the top category of this discipline, its racing livery with the green, white, and red colors of the Italian flag became an iconic element in the late 70s and early 80s, a period in which it reigned over roads and dirt tracks to achieve three World Rally Championships in 1977, 1978, and 1980, in addition to winning the drivers' title for German Walter Röhl and Finnish Markky Alen.

In popular culture, the Fiat 131 Mirafiori is remembered by movie enthusiasts for the thrilling chase in the film "The Professional" (1981), with Jean-Paul Belmondo at the wheel. In this movie, directed by Georges Lautner and with a soundtrack by Ennio Morricone, the great French actor plays a spy betrayed by the secret services seeking revenge.