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Fiat Abarth 124 Rally: The 1970s rally legend
Fiat Abarth 124 Rally — the rally car born from the Fiat 124 Sport Spider, competing in Group 4 from 1972–1975. We look back at its history, technology, achievements, and the later 2016 R-GT variant.
The 124 Rally in brief
The Fiat Abarth 124 Rally was produced from 1972 to 1975 and became the cornerstone of Fiat's rally programme before the 131 Abarth. Fiat took over Abarth in 1971, turning the company into Fiat's motorsport division.
According to sources, around 1013 'hardtop' road cars were produced, necessary for homologation.
History and development
In its first years, the car won several stages — in 1972, for example, Hessen and Acropolis, and in 1973, the Polish Rally.
In 1975, Maurizio Verini won the European Rally Championship with the final 16-valve version. This is considered one of the model's greatest successes.
Technology
The base was the 1.8 l Fiat engine. In 1974, production cars received the 16-valve version, which, according to sources, produced around 200 hp.
The car had rear-wheel drive, was light and uncomplicated, making it ideal for rally stages.
Significance and where to see it
The 124 Abarth Rally is an important part of Abarth and Fiat's motorsport history, later replaced by the 131 Abarth Rally.
Surviving cars often participate in historic rally events and classic car shows. Special mention goes to the Abarth 124 Rally R-GT unveiled in Geneva in 2016.
Two generations of the 124 Rally
No trims available; we present two key versions.
Fiat Abarth 124 Rally
1972–1975A classic Group 4 rally car.
- Rear-wheel drive
- 1.8-litre engine, later 16-valve
- Around 200 hp in the final version
Abarth 124 Rally R-GT
2016A modern R-GT class rally car.
- 1.8-litre turbo engine, around 300 hp
- Six-speed sequential gearbox
- Rear-wheel drive
124 Rally and its contemporary rally rivals
| Fiat Abarth 124 Rally | Lancia Stratos | Ford Escort RS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Rear-wheel | Rear-wheel | Rear-wheel |
| Era | 1972–1975 | Mid-1970s | Early to mid-1970s |
| Character | Adapted from a production spyder | Specially built rally car | Based on a production car |
The 124 Rally stood out because the sports car was created from a well-known production model.
Pros
- Famous rally history
- Rear-wheel drive and a lightweight body
- European Championship title in 1975
- Highly recognizable
Cons
- Few original cars remain
- The racing version is demanding for the driver
- Parts and restoration specialists need to be sought separately
Frequently asked questions
How many 124 Abarth Rally were produced?
Approximately 1013 road-going cars, according to sources.
Is there a newer 124 Rally?
Yes, the 2016 Abarth 124 Rally R-GT with a 1.8-litre turbo engine and around 300 HP.
Was the 124 Rally successful?
Yes, it won stages, and in 1975 Maurizio Verini became the European champion with it.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
