Fiat Ritmo: l’auto che doveva salvare la Fiat (ma divise tutti)

The Ritmo is probably not the first Fiat that comes to mind when thinking about the history of the Turin-based manufacturer. However, it is an extremely interesting car, both for the context in which it was designed and for its production. The 1970s, when this mid-size car was conceived (it would appear at the 1978 Turin Motor Show), were tragic for Fiat, engulfed by a heated social climate. Millions of hours of strikes curtailed production, generating a severe crisis (which in 1974 would lead to the sale of 10% of the company to the Libyan government), while terrorism, which identified Fiat as the main exponent of Italian capitalism, struck with attacks, intimidation, shootings, and the assassination of executives. This situation of uncertainty and fear led to the Ritmo's launch at least two years later than planned, causing the Turin-based manufacturer to lose the leading role it had played in anticipating public tastes with the 128 and 127. The new Fiat mid-size car had essentially the same mechanical foundation as the 128, with several improvements, such as increased engine power, but from a body perspective, it was extraordinarily innovative. The first Fiat to be christened with a name rather than a number (it was initially conceived as the 148), it represented a marked aesthetic departure: enormous bumpers incorporating the headlights and engine grille, and numerous plastic design elements, left the public quite shocked. Some of these, such as the one-piece plastic door panels and the awkward trapezoidal rearview mirror, disappeared in the first restyling in 1981. Others would gradually disappear with the special series and second edition, gradually eroding the originality of the initial design. The Ritmo was the first Fiat to be largely built by Comau robots, which handled the complete body welding. Despite some initial finishing defects (it was assembled in both Rivalta and Cassino, partly to minimize the risk of it being blocked by a plant shutdown) and a few naivety issues, such as bumpers that faded in the sun, changing colors, the Ritmo was a good car, like all Fiats of the period: very spacious, comfortable, fuel-efficient (not price-wise), and with solid dynamics, the fruit of the company's long experience with front-wheel drive. Despite competition from the Golf, it sold well both in Italy and Europe, but was a major flop in the United States, where it is remembered as the first car of future President Barack Obama. We tested the base version, a 60CL (the acronym indicates the horsepower and the Comfort Lusso trim), the first restyling, but we also got our hands on the most coveted and fascinating, the Abarth 130, which we will soon present to you in a very special setting. Thanks to the Municipality of Dolo (Venice) for hosting us in the historic area. Claudio Pavanello Visit our website: www.automoto.it Subscribe to our channel:    / redazioneautomoto   Facebook:   / automoto.it   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automoto_it... Twitter:   / automoto_it   TikTok:   / automotoit   Whatsapp: https://bit.ly/47CNr3k