BARGAIN BIN BRILLIANT? Is The Forgotten FIAT Coupe 20v Turbo Worth Buying?

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 8. 12. 2020
  • Today I'm looking at a 1990s icon - the FIAT Coupe, here in 20v Turbo form. For a long time these have languished in the classifieds, available at cut rate prices. But now, they're slowly starting to appreciate - but are they genuinely good, or just a failed experiment?
    #FIAT #Coupe #20VTurbo
    Want to see your car on the channel? Email me on talk@jayemm.com
    ************************************************************************
    Looking to buy a new or used car? HOLMESDALE FINANCE can help!
    My channel partner Holmesdale Finance specialises in finance solution for new and used prestige, sports and performance cars - including MODERN CLASSIC policies and many more. You might be surprised at what they can do, so speak to them to find out more. Their website is www.holmesdalefinance.co.uk/
    ***********************************************************************
    Want More JayEmm? Become a channel member for access to exclusive content!
    / @jayemmoncars
  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 601

  • @DrMikeOxgreen
    @DrMikeOxgreen Před 3 lety +114

    Inline 5 has to be one of the best sounding engine layouts out there

    • @phil955i
      @phil955i Před 3 lety +12

      Yep, only when you get to a V8 is it surpassed. 6 cylinders still sound good, but not as good as a 5 imo.

    • @taxus750
      @taxus750 Před 3 lety +24

      If you don't love the noise an I5 or a V10 makes, you're not friend of mine.

    • @04dram04
      @04dram04 Před 2 lety +4

      well besides a v10 or v12 of course

    • @tonkinesenchill4240
      @tonkinesenchill4240 Před rokem +4

      I bought a VW Bora VR5 for the sound alone.

  • @Kamikaze1180
    @Kamikaze1180 Před 3 lety +118

    I absolutely love how they look, especially the distinct yellow coloured ones, fond memories from Gran Turismo 2 as well

    • @alphatrion100
      @alphatrion100 Před 3 lety

      Fiat X1/9 looks better

    • @andrepontes2507
      @andrepontes2507 Před 3 lety +1

      The yellow ones were awesome

    • @tolga1cool
      @tolga1cool Před 3 lety +2

      Welp. Looks are really subjective. I think this is one of the ugliest cars ever built.

    • @tadassmolskas3014
      @tadassmolskas3014 Před 2 lety +1

      @@tolga1cool I thought the same first time I saw it and I was laughing at people saying it’s beautiful

    • @wira2011
      @wira2011 Před 2 lety

      Frog marrying crocodile... Making love and the child is FIAT COUPE

  • @lanmastersassistant659
    @lanmastersassistant659 Před 3 lety +52

    It's amazing how little this car has aged

  • @sun_of_a_gun
    @sun_of_a_gun Před 3 lety +35

    I own my 20VT (100% original, no mods) for some time already and I have exactly the same thoughts: surprisingly practical, quite comfortable, adorable, great sound (especially when you open the window and listen to the turbo and the blow-off). Quite easy on juice as well if you do not push too hard. I have done 1000km trips in this thing and that was not bad at all. You would be surprised how good this little Fiat is as a daily driver, especially if you don't want to drive some mainstream cars. Not to mention that not too many of them will be able to catch you ;)

  • @Josh-er6oz
    @Josh-er6oz Před 3 lety +39

    I had one 2 years ago utterly fantastic, the 5 cylinder snarl sounds like a baby V10, one of the best cars I’ve owned, regret selling it

  • @global_nomad.
    @global_nomad. Před 3 lety +57

    Chris Bangle is a cool designer who was ahead of his time...

    • @theotherchannel2028
      @theotherchannel2028 Před 3 lety +14

      he was a hit or miss really, sometimes even on a same car

    • @realnutteruk1
      @realnutteruk1 Před 3 lety +2

      didn't he design wonky BMWs? None of which got made??

    • @nakoma5
      @nakoma5 Před 3 lety +4

      What ever became of him?

    • @ArmadaAsesino
      @ArmadaAsesino Před 3 lety

      @@nakoma5 Started his own design firm.

    • @nakoma5
      @nakoma5 Před 3 lety

      @@ArmadaAsesino I looked it up, can't find any current information on his design firm or his modern ventures.

  • @davekennedy6315
    @davekennedy6315 Před 3 lety +21

    Gorgeous looking car, I'd have one in a heartbeat. Loved these from when they first came out. They looked incredible then and I think they still do.

  • @OliTayler
    @OliTayler Před 3 lety +53

    When you said one of this week's cars was a 5 cylinder sports car, I somehow just knew it was one of these. And to answer your question.. these are seriously cool.

  • @niallmcmahon8748
    @niallmcmahon8748 Před 3 lety +20

    Yes that's a perfectly fair review. Owned 3 of these back in the day - all Sprint Blue 20vt - and loved them. Ok I was younger, poorer and less experienced and I'm sure today it would feel a little compromised but as it was my first properly fast car it felt like a rocket even before I chipped it. Lots of maintenance needed but they are inherently reliable and well built. One of the most special interiors I think - that colour coded strip looks terrific in blue or yellow. If I had a 10 car garage there would be one tucked away in the corner.

  • @number001
    @number001 Před 3 lety +17

    Best 1000 pounds I've ever spent, will never sell mine , nice wee review , handling is just fine if you know how to drive them

    • @worldhello1234
      @worldhello1234 Před 2 lety

      Handling is not fine if that's not your style, dude. :)

  • @ct-bq5rs
    @ct-bq5rs Před 3 lety +19

    It was a fantastic car back in the day, and it still look special today!
    The car design was ahead of its time. Especially the Plus version with the 6 Speed, better Brakes and Recaro seats was a blast.
    This car is a proper GT not a Track car. It embarrassed quite a lot of cars on the Autobahn. The looks of Porsche owners when you showed up next to them at 250kmh in a frigging Fiat were priceless. Even tough they were driving totally relaxed, and I was sweating from death fear!
    If you dynoed it it would show up easily 20 hp more then it claimed to have, and the 5 cylinder sound is unique. The engine holds up to quite a good amount of boost. 280hp with stock internals is no problem.
    The one thing I never understood is that there was never a decent aftermarket suspension like Bilstein b14, or kw v3 for this car.
    I had mine one an Eibach/Koni suspension with camber bolts in the front and strut bars, this was already alot more nimble, but it's still far away from a corner carver.
    Still today I'm struggling to choose a wheelset that looks good on this car. I had Borbet "A" wheels with polished rim beds on mine. The 16" look so small, bit it actually rides better.
    Quite a lot drove it with Porsche rims.
    I think this and the Fiat Dino are the best Fiats ever made!

  • @brianpritchard8621
    @brianpritchard8621 Před 3 lety +6

    I had a green one and people commented that the bonnet looked like those kids wellies with the frog eyes on top! I had great fun in mine right up until I blew the turbo on an enthusiastic drive.
    I got it fixed (not too expensive really) and enjoyed the sound from the engine for a bit longer. It definitely felt special beyond it's price tag.

  • @mindspinn311
    @mindspinn311 Před 3 lety +1

    So many amazing cars from the 90’s and 00’s available in Europe and the UK. I absolutely love this era of design, especially interior for some reason. Having grown up in the late 90’s and learning to drive in the early 00’s cars of this era are the ultimate nostalgia for me, even if there were no FIATs around (or any French hatchbacks for that matter). I grew up with VW’s and Audis and came to learn about Japanese sport compacts in my teens. There’s an honesty and rawness to these cars that modern ones have lost. I really appreciate this series of videos you’re doing and can’t wait for more!

  • @SA-zoom1
    @SA-zoom1 Před 3 lety +33

    They could sell these today and they would still look modern.

  • @anthonyknox1493
    @anthonyknox1493 Před 3 lety +17

    Yes. Cool car. Chris Bangle stuff is gonna be desirable in the not too distant future, I reckon.

    • @anthonyknox1493
      @anthonyknox1493 Před 3 lety +3

      @Modern Classic Collectables I think his designs are quite brave and distinctive, they define the nineties and early 00's car design pretty well.

  • @AllTorque
    @AllTorque Před 3 lety +6

    These remain one of my favourite cars and I'm keen to do my own feature on the channel. My thoughts are that these will rise in value .. I see them as under appreciated. If you can overlook some of the niggles they remain one of the best looking coupes ever made in my opinion. Especially in some of the more funky colours! They may be a little niche still but people are catching onto them at last. Great video as usual! I'm still after a collaboration by the way haha

  • @davidfoster1762
    @davidfoster1762 Před 3 lety +4

    Had a little smile about the styling comment . I’ve had my Coupe 15 months and am unsure about its styling at times ! Certainly gets noticed though.

  • @LF-fk6xy
    @LF-fk6xy Před 3 lety +7

    Had one of these a good few years back, absolutely loved it, but she did spend a lot of time in the garage getting fixed.

  • @daniellee9015
    @daniellee9015 Před 3 lety +26

    It's a thing of beauty love it always wanted one

  • @A_DeepLoveForOtherMen
    @A_DeepLoveForOtherMen Před 3 lety +48

    Finally, my dream car. Looks mad is a bit shit but I adore it. A truely memorable car especially in blue.

    • @hrgiyzueghe
      @hrgiyzueghe Před 3 lety +1

      Yeah blue with white wheels is perfect, have a look at this one, converted to 4x4 :P qparQ7B-c4s

    • @A_DeepLoveForOtherMen
      @A_DeepLoveForOtherMen Před 3 lety +3

      @@hrgiyzueghe I see the appeal of white wheels but I would just be boring and go for standard aftermarket alloys. If I had one I would also do all the usual stuff new exhaust suspension upgrades. I'm pretty boring

    • @liceface
      @liceface Před 3 lety +5

      I still have one in blue with LE kit on. It’s off the road though

    • @A_DeepLoveForOtherMen
      @A_DeepLoveForOtherMen Před 3 lety +3

      @@liceface I respect that

    • @vergecryptocurrency4552
      @vergecryptocurrency4552 Před 3 lety

      Lol

  • @70053morayfirth
    @70053morayfirth Před 3 lety +6

    My wife had one for 50,000 miles - very reliable, excellent car. Great interior, lots of go (ours was a non-turbo, but still went well) and styling you can't ignore. Buy one that is unmodified as in future they will be the ones worth keeping. Definitely a car that is under valued. Great review.

  • @richiesorge5099
    @richiesorge5099 Před 3 lety +2

    Thank you very much, Sir! This brings so many memories, mostly positive ones

  • @leonread8651
    @leonread8651 Před 3 lety +6

    I wasn't so keen on these until I drove my mates and then went and bought one. Got to say the noise is awesome

  • @stephenoverstreet9898
    @stephenoverstreet9898 Před 3 lety +8

    I believe that (for the most part) if a car’s styling divides opinion, then that’s always a good thing. If they had sold in the US I’d have bought one, mostly for the styling inside and out, and for that glorious noise.

  • @andy4ward.slavaukraini.364

    I had a purple one, it was awesome. It’s beautiful front and sides, so so rear.

  • @easydrive3662
    @easydrive3662 Před 3 lety +5

    I own a 20vt coupe, what an amazing car it is, beautiful and unique looking both inside and out with insane performance, there is something about them!

  • @weedaviec
    @weedaviec Před 3 lety +12

    Nice to see the Crow Rd near Glasgow getting featured here. Amazing scenery and bends.

    • @JJHurst
      @JJHurst Před 3 lety +2

      Good book as well...👍🏻

  • @zzhughesd
    @zzhughesd Před 3 lety +4

    I had a Marea 20v 5cyl non turbo, I loved, LOVED, loved that engine

  • @Rebasepoiss
    @Rebasepoiss Před 3 lety +2

    My dad used to have the 16V Turbo and it was actually one of the first cars I drove on a longer trip after getting my license. I remember distinctively how enjoyable it was to change down to 3rd to get the turbo spooling up and overtake slower traffic on a single carriageway. It wasn't particularly fast when taking off from standstill but when you had the revs up it picked up really nicely.

  • @Tom90Y
    @Tom90Y Před 3 lety +5

    I do like how these look and will always remember as a kid someone had a red one in Nottingham and had decided to put Ferrari badges on it.

  • @jonscoupe
    @jonscoupe Před 3 lety +1

    Excellent review. Pretty spot on. Love these cars to bits. Had one for 7 years. They are great fun and good value for money. Cheers, Jon.

  • @marktomlinson6026
    @marktomlinson6026 Před 3 lety +2

    I owned a yellow 20v coupe and it was amazing. Beautiful styling and great performance for the day. A lovely exhaust note from the 5 cylinder engine made it a really attractive package. The CAM belt change was expensive but I didn't care. I loved it. 😁

  • @Affalterbach1967
    @Affalterbach1967 Před 3 lety +3

    Yes ! Cool looking like a scaled down supercar, it ages well, like a Ferrari Dino. The Fiat Coupe of around year 2000 is the car I've requested you to review whenever you polled us. I remember seeing these on the road, but never in USA.

  • @alext2933
    @alext2933 Před 3 lety +4

    It is a beauty and very distinctive. My friend had one new, back in the day, and I remember a story he told me in its development. The mgmt said if there was a squeek or rattle in the prototype car, they would all be sacked. It was taken very seriously, for a Fiat. I loved being chauffeured and that 5 cylinder growl is still with me.

  • @asw16177
    @asw16177 Před 3 lety +2

    I remember in around 2001 one of the guys I worked with had one of these and I lusted after it. But my dad worked for Caffyns/Rover at the time and I ended up with the Rover Coupe 220 Turbo..... both epic cars of their time and great fun to be it. Ah to be 21 again.

  • @dghdavies
    @dghdavies Před 3 lety +4

    I took a test drive at the Harlow FIAT dealer in 1995 and still waiting for them to call me back with the numbers.

  • @Deanxm1
    @Deanxm1 Před 3 lety +8

    I have been playing the dangerous game that is looking at cars on eBay the last few days, these fiats actually... now this pops up, it’s a sign, must buy a 20v coupe...

    • @Deanxm1
      @Deanxm1 Před 3 lety +1

      @Spanish John already done that one, nice car but broke a lot and did'nt have much character, newer Audi as a daily makes sense, as a classic or toy they just dont have that X factor for me

  • @mesco8200
    @mesco8200 Před 3 lety

    Your channel is great, varied content which is perfect 👍🏻

  • @user-dapeng661
    @user-dapeng661 Před rokem +1

    Absolutely love Jay's review on this car, must say it's the best of his vlogs, and understandably so for he grew up with three of these ! Absolutely love the look of the Fiat Coupé, definitely tops the look of an Alfa gtv by miles !

  • @lukeshardlow768
    @lukeshardlow768 Před 3 lety +2

    Always liked the way these look!

  • @strongbowism
    @strongbowism Před 3 lety +1

    Good video.
    A good mate has a Broom Yellow 20v Turbo, mild map circa 275 bhp, owned it for 18 years now, lovely car. He changed the standard 16" wheels over to 18" several years ago, looked superb but it didn't do the ride/ handling any favours whatsoever. He recently seen sense and refurbed his stock wheels and refitted them. Total transformation. A lot of car for the money these at present if you find a good one.

  • @denseljosephs9500
    @denseljosephs9500 Před 3 lety +6

    I owned a Tipo16v and I always fancied one of these .

    • @mattbettany1174
      @mattbettany1174 Před 3 lety +4

      A Sedicivalvole . I bought the sticker for my 1.4 DGT when I was a kid 😂

  • @liverpoolscottish6430
    @liverpoolscottish6430 Před rokem +2

    No doubt about the Fiat Coupe being cool. A very daring piece of design, a superb interior, good performance. One of the the very few 90's cars which qualifies as a proper classic. Fabulous.

  • @TheMadTatter
    @TheMadTatter Před 3 lety +6

    I remember my folks going to buy one of these new but they backed out because the insurance was insane, like so insane they got an RS Turbo instead and that worked out cheaper to tax, insure and run!
    They look great, inside and out, and I think they have that "Ford Puma Factor" in that they're a late 90's car that still holds up style wise today.

    • @TheMadTatter
      @TheMadTatter Před 3 lety

      @colin bkk Escort. Obviously not from the same dealer.

    • @TheMadTatter
      @TheMadTatter Před 3 lety

      @colin bkk we were always a Ford family when I was growing up, my old man worked in their bodyshops for about 25 of the 30-odd years he was a panel beater, they'd had countless XR2s and 3s and I think the Fiat Coupe was just such a radical departure in style that they were immediately struck by it, it wasn't until the question of insurance and running costs came up that they backed off it.
      Weirdly they went from potentially buying a bright yellow Fiat, to actually buying a Mercury Grey S2, bit of a difference! Its one in a long list of my dad's "why did I sell that?" cars

  • @masonknives92
    @masonknives92 Před 3 lety +2

    I had one, loved it!!

  • @benrochford8769
    @benrochford8769 Před 3 lety +1

    Great video always wanted a fiat coupe ! My neighbour when I was younger had a purple one!

  • @jthorpe4droid
    @jthorpe4droid Před 3 lety +4

    I remember driving the bosses one of those when it first came out I was in the rain, and the brakes being very scary as I came to my first roundabout, and I was use to an MR2 trying to kill me as my daily. Still was a very cool car!

  • @Hopgop1
    @Hopgop1 Před 3 lety +3

    Wasn't a fan of the looks of these until I googled a picture of a blue one. I'd definitely have one in that colour.

  • @mikek6049
    @mikek6049 Před 3 lety +2

    I had 2 , a 20vt and a 20vt+. Glorious cars. Best colour was yellow 🤩. I notice the car in the vid has the aftermarket metal dial rings which really set it off.

  • @mjphotographic-co-uk
    @mjphotographic-co-uk Před 3 lety +3

    Adore how the Coupes look, awesome cars

  • @carsandzombies8257
    @carsandzombies8257 Před 2 lety

    omg I love that you're driving around my local town hahaha and the hills!

  • @Tom-zq6um
    @Tom-zq6um Před 3 lety +7

    Amazing cars, I’ve owned 3 of these in the past myself, one in broom yellow, one in speed red, one in ink black. The ‘Bugatti blue’ that you mentioned is called Sprint Blue and is very eye-catching. Not keen on this example as looks a bit boring in Steel Grey, I don’t like the de-badging on the front of this example as well. They look incredible in broom yellow or speed red and Vinci grey, beautiful head turning cars and sound amazing, stunning interior also. Go through a tunnel and floor it, wow!

  • @stuwillis7710
    @stuwillis7710 Před 3 lety +11

    I know what you mean about the same train of thoughts as the Alfa GTV in looks but I like the two of them. You instantly know what your looking at. Lovely looking cars

    • @bensmithkent22
      @bensmithkent22 Před 2 lety

      Were they related underpinning wise or not at all? Cant remember. Im sure this won what car coupe of the year in 96.

    • @ozhandles
      @ozhandles Před 2 lety

      Yeah..looks like a GTV crossed with a Mitsubishi FTO

  • @atomicdave1987
    @atomicdave1987 Před 3 lety

    These are really cool. I totally agree James I loved that shade of blue they came in. Haven't seen one of these on the roads now for a good number of years, think they still look great even now.

  • @jankypainting2282
    @jankypainting2282 Před 3 lety +1

    Janky do thanky, yes! Was so hoping this would pop up in a review. Never got these in the states and have always lusted after one, 4 spoke wheels are funky but very Fiat, harkening at least as far back as the X1/9. One of the cleanest and most iconic rear ends imho. Great review.

  • @rivenmotors7981
    @rivenmotors7981 Před 3 lety +4

    Love the daring styling, some people want to disappear into the background, this not so much. Breath of fresh, bold air. Can't speak to the dynamics as we never got them in the States.

    • @visionist7
      @visionist7 Před 3 lety

      You can import a 1995 one under the 25 year rule I think

  • @rajjy1976
    @rajjy1976 Před 3 lety +2

    My uncle had the 20v non-turbo. Green over tan. It was beautiful. We were coming back from the motor show in Birmingham in 98, and we were doing 70mph (🙄) in 3rd and it sounded so good. A handful of years later my manager bought a 20v turbo. When he first put his foot down with me in the car, I remember panicking and reaching out for something to grab out of shear fear! 😂😂 I wasn’t a huge fan of the turbo versions. Felt the NA ones were a lot more “sensible”.

  • @jamesdrichardson3447
    @jamesdrichardson3447 Před 3 lety +1

    Owned a 20vT in Sprint Blue, the colour everyone loves 15 years ago, Zender Bodykit, 18" Azev Alloys, lowered by 40mm and Novitec Chip which took it to around 250bhp.
    It was a striking looking car and got lots of good comments from the FCCUK site and out on the road.
    One or two Achilles heels, manifold cracking, cambelt failure mostly due to auxilliary belt failure taking out the cambelt and Oil Cooler pipes rusting, none of which I suffered I'm pleased to say. Definitely its main weakness was the chassis as James says, a modern futuristic but controversial styled body attached to an old and dated Fiat Tipo chassis which flexed like cardboard. I fitted a Strut Brace to the front which did improve the rigidity slightly.
    Remember blowing away many rivals in their Type R's, Scooby's, M3's and even a 911, seriously quick in their day off the mark at 0-60 in 5.5 secs when you got the front wheels to grip.
    Lots of fun which I remember well.

  • @MaverickM1
    @MaverickM1 Před 3 lety +3

    Fantastic car. Restored mine, engine full overhaul with new crank, forged wossner parts, new bearings etc.. full re-paint, bilstein shocks, eiback pro kit springs, gtec and catback straight pipe, k&n cold air intake, upgraded radiator and cooling pioes...It took 2 years and now it is a dream came true. But it looks perfect only with the j7 rims. (Mine is a 20v Turbo Plus which was equipped with the big brembo calipers and the j7 rims with the splitted sprockets and it has 6 spd gearbox.) It is really a beast, it pulls the speedo over its top mark which is not 260 in the Plus models just saying..... I will never sell it, this was my dream car since its debut and now it is in my garage. Also worth to mention, it is 21 years old now but it has no rust issues at all. The previous owner was really crude to the engine (it was burned toasted fried and cooked :) and that’s the case when you buy a classic turbo petrol car)) but the car was always washed well and stored in a dry place. I will never use it in rainy weather or in wintertime at all. (Ok, it is not so difficult while I live outside the UK :D) So it worth every penny but only if you take it serious. Buy it, overhaul the engine correctly, inspect the suspension and upgrade at least the rear shocks to b6 bilstein to make it more balanced (it has all the mass in the front). Warm up well before hard accelerations and let it cool down while idleing -if you pushed hard- at least 15 minutes. Use only the factory 10w60 selenia racing oil and good quality filters and replace them in every 5k or per year. Use only 100 octane fuel. That’s it. Maybe it seems too much but this is how you should handle ANY petrol turbo car.. happy Coupe-ing and a much happier 2021...

  • @theshowman8478
    @theshowman8478 Před 3 lety +1

    Lovely looks and sound. Love it !

  • @liceface
    @liceface Před 3 lety +2

    I have one of these off the road. It was a great car

  • @fredrich99
    @fredrich99 Před 3 lety +5

    Daily Driver is a sprint blue 99 20vt (number 9 coupe ) and my track car is a Coupe 16VT I love both of them as they are both completely different

  • @christurner8062
    @christurner8062 Před 3 lety +2

    My sister had one of these in “Highland Green” made a noise like the original Audi Quattro, but you’re right about the handling. But is it a cool car - you Betcha 👍🏻

  • @bobbymcgee6149
    @bobbymcgee6149 Před 3 lety +1

    Just got my 2nd Coupe after selling the first one 10 years ago. Beautiful car, well definitely get a lot of attention.

  • @danytiga1624
    @danytiga1624 Před 3 lety +3

    A beautiful classic car! Just like your shirt.

  • @peterfi.
    @peterfi. Před 3 lety +40

    Utterly gorgeous, a mini Ferrari for very little money

    • @gregcym
      @gregcym Před 3 lety +5

      😂😂😂😂 your name says it all

    • @markwalton8644
      @markwalton8644 Před 3 lety +1

      Should we be worried or have you got a very warped sense of humour 🤔

    • @hotwheelshuntinguk
      @hotwheelshuntinguk Před měsícem

      @@markwalton8644no. I think the front looks very much like a 90s Ferrari. The rear however isn’t for me at all.

  • @MikeyBee1
    @MikeyBee1 Před 3 lety +5

    Yes James, very cool cars! Personally I love the styling, and think if anything it's got better with age. Some of the members club cars are running really silly numbers as they're easy to tune.

  • @BillyBoy444
    @BillyBoy444 Před 3 lety +2

    4:15 - that BLUE was before it's time in the mid 90's when you consider the ASTRA VXR / Focus RS in similar shades some 20 years on.

  • @kinghock
    @kinghock Před 3 lety +11

    I'm yay on these, in the right colour though. Not massive on the Silver.

  • @EugVR6
    @EugVR6 Před 3 lety +1

    I inherited yellow 5 cylinder coupe for a few months, waiting for my company car in 1998, it was brilliant fun and very fast for the time and probably quite quick today.

  • @simonwillgress
    @simonwillgress Před 3 lety +1

    I still remember the excitement, being taken to the fiat dealership when my father was buying his new car. A 7 year old car obsessed lad, I sat in a green one for the entire time we were there. And when we drove home, it was in their ex demonstrator Fiat Punto, I was gutted.

  • @williamsdaduk
    @williamsdaduk Před 2 lety +1

    When I bought my Plus I had the shocks and springs replaced all around with new stock monroe items. Since then the car has handled like its on rails... I have absolute confidence in it - often I throw it around just to try to get it to step out but it never does.

  • @rogerpayne5336
    @rogerpayne5336 Před 3 lety +3

    As a Coupe 20vt owner for 17 years now , in regards the handling I've found that entering the corner at speed : set car up upon corner entry with brakes , enter corner , mid way through corner apply gas smoothly and let the viscodrive pull you out the other side , then much gas and fly down the straight.

  • @X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X
    @X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X Před 3 lety +1

    I like it, but love the GTV.
    My neighbour had one in yellow in the late 90s, even being five years old back then I still remember its distinctive shape.

  • @simonburleigh1872
    @simonburleigh1872 Před 3 lety +4

    James I worked at the Fiat dealers when these were new and they were certainly considered as something special then. Some magazines even rated it better than the GTV. The 20v engine was also put in the Bravo HGT which was rapid in a straight line and could eat front tyres if you were not careful.

    • @tomwebb7091
      @tomwebb7091 Před rokem

      Having owned both i would say magazines were wrong. The problem was the Fiat was better than expected and the Alfa was worse than hoped for but in reality the multilink on the rear of the GTV does make a vast difference. Once the Q2 diff is slotted into the GTV 3.0 it is game over. Despite the awful chassis the 5 pot is a truly great engine and theres a unique, quirky and fun character to the Coupe 20VT that always appeals

  • @Stringwar
    @Stringwar Před 3 lety +2

    One of the best looking cars ever. Every colour looked great on the 20v turbo. Kind of the spiritual successor to the Alfa SZ from a looks perspective.

  • @Lukec4ge
    @Lukec4ge Před 3 lety +2

    James I think the blue you were referring to is Sprint Blue. My brother had a 20v Turbo. Shame you didn’t drive a standard one. They are tyre-sensitive as well- proper grippy tyres (standard were Pirelli P Zeros) have the car a more trustworthy balance, that would banish understeer if on less grippy rubber. In standard turbo-guise, the engine was very torquey, with little to no turbo lag, and a great 5 cylinder sound. Loved my brother’s car. Wish he’d kept it

  • @550panerai5
    @550panerai5 Před 3 lety +1

    I loved my yellow one from the late 90's. With its Pininfarina design, and the distinctive design touches I managed to convince myself I was driving a baby Ferrari! The brighter colours were best, because then you had the full impact on the interior. It also had the performance to match those looks, and one of the journos at the time said, "in a line of traffic, it wasn't a case of whether I could overtake, more a case of how many I was going to overtake"! It was the closest I ever thought I'd get to a Ferrari......until I bought my 550 a couple of years ago.

  • @zahimiibrahim3602
    @zahimiibrahim3602 Před 2 lety +1

    Nice review. My weekend drive today is a Golf R32 but I still think of the Coupe 20vT as the best sounding car I ever owned. It had amazing power for the time but handling was mediocre even back in the day with loads of understeer mixed with sudden lift-off oversteer that scared me a couple of times and made me drive it in a more deliberate way round corners. The exterior was love/hate but the interior gorgeous no matter how you look at it. You're right about the wheels looking small, I put 17" rims on mine which looked much better and it didn't effect comfort at all but installing Eibach lowering springs was too much for the already limited travel suspension so I reverted back to the original springs. I still see some rare nice ones on the road and they look cooler than ever. Wish they still made that beautiful sounding engine.

  • @jamesseaton7033
    @jamesseaton7033 Před 2 lety +2

    the BEST looking attainable(20k ish) new car back in the 90s.. yellow is the colour, then the bugatti blue Jay mentions, has to be the 5 cylinder 20v Turbo too, what a sound!

    • @cylturbskie
      @cylturbskie Před 2 lety

      Its called sprint blue. Its not quite Bugatti blue. Thats a somewhat lighter shadeI believe….

  • @jamesreynolds4811
    @jamesreynolds4811 Před rokem +1

    I had a 20v turbo Plus for 4 years. It had a Fiat fitted warranty new engine on 10k in a car with 50k ish at 10 years old. Chipped to 280 hp it was very fast but a mare to drive. Took the chip out to discover that people who design cars know what they are doing. Let’s be reasonable, 220 hp is enough for any sane person through front wheel drive. In this standard configuration it was completely forgiving in normal driving and fun when pushed. As the video suggests, if you set it up and keep it balanced it’s a surprisingly good car at speeds in most situations through corners. If your speed exceeds your your talent it’ll bite you in the ass and it serves you right.
    I loved it and would have another in a heartbeat. Well built, lovely to drive and be in. The 5 cylinder engine is a lovely thing. I might even go for the non turbo, as whilst the turbo is fun fun fun for a shunt in the back, I wonder if the progressive power on offer in the normally aspirated version might be more rewarding to drive .

  • @markbrill5391
    @markbrill5391 Před 3 lety +3

    As a long term owner, I would highly recommend them. Sadly rust is beginning to take its toll, so fewer a fewer about, increasing their rarity. As Jay says they sound great, have interesting looks, go well, and are perhaps only really let down by the brakes not being up to modern standards. The Fiat Coupe UK car club is a must for any new owners, with lots of advice. access to spares etc. Capable too of 150k plus mileage.

  • @Modge17
    @Modge17 Před 3 lety

    Always liked the look of these growing up!

  • @mambomurphy
    @mambomurphy Před 3 lety +3

    Sold mine 6 years ago and still regret it. Was sprayed Cadburys purple with giant exhaust, loved it.

  • @alexairconditioning1581
    @alexairconditioning1581 Před 3 lety +2

    I love its styling, it looks spectacular

  • @safahmed3557
    @safahmed3557 Před 3 lety +1

    Love the way they look still looks fresh

  • @CathodeRayNipplez
    @CathodeRayNipplez Před 3 lety +1

    That sound! Pretty too.

  • @Easytiger007
    @Easytiger007 Před 3 lety +1

    Definitely interesting car,one of best sounding cars ever with right set up!

  • @stu0508
    @stu0508 Před 3 lety

    Are you kidding me? I asked for the Smart Forfour Brabus & The Fiat Coupe 20vt in one of my previous comments in one of your videos and it's almost as if you have directly responded to my wish! One after the other! Not sure if that is the case but feeling spoilt none the less! Major props to you James!

    • @stu0508
      @stu0508 Před 3 lety

      I agree with your Dad, defo a point and squeeze car- even more so when moded. I have very fond memories of both my 20VT's.

  • @admiralsreserve
    @admiralsreserve Před 3 lety

    Great video James. I have to laugh - in my youth I cooked the brakes on my mothers Alfa 146 on that very road 😀

  • @martinreid7175
    @martinreid7175 Před 3 lety +1

    Lennoxtown and the Campsie Fells. Great scenery James!!

  • @alanconner9335
    @alanconner9335 Před 3 lety +1

    Sweet shirt dude!

  • @malcolmhardwick4258
    @malcolmhardwick4258 Před 3 lety +3

    Gets the thumbs up from me !

  • @r7coo
    @r7coo Před 3 lety +1

    I have always loved these & this one is terrific, I would love it in yellow. Hugely desirable & rare.

  • @earlfenwick
    @earlfenwick Před 3 lety +2

    One of the best looking cars EVER! Sounds good too.

  • @FR00BHUNTER
    @FR00BHUNTER Před 2 lety

    Good video enjoyed it and the sound, what exhaust set up does it have thanks

  • @funkymonkey1198
    @funkymonkey1198 Před 3 lety +2

    I loved this when it was out

  • @HaggisNHorsepower
    @HaggisNHorsepower Před 3 lety +2

    Noticed you where driving on one of my favourite roads in this video Jay. Been up there a ton in my Abarth. Always wanted a Fiat Coupe, my uncle actually had 3 as well.

  • @piotrterpiowski8297
    @piotrterpiowski8297 Před 3 lety

    Yay! Nice little design, kinda distinctive, starting to like it, although when I saw one for the first time, I think irl some years ago, I didn't know what to think either.
    But now I'm starting to like it - maybe because I've got fond memories of Fiats as well, my dad had an 125p and a Uno (the very first car I drove, sitting on my dads' knees 😋) and my very first own car was a Punto mk1 (I didn't spare it much 😋; but I also put a lot of work and energy and thought into it) and also I remember driving a friends' Punto Sporting. All of this plus some more just makes me think that all old Fiats (I mainly mean the 90s) are cool little machines, with a certain character to them, and the Coupe is probably the coolest of the cool, so that to me makes it cool. ;)
    Loving these wheels. Their black color works so well with the silver body. And their shape matches the lines of the car so nicely. Although yeah, maybe they are a bit too small; at the very least a bit too narrow, I would say.

  • @Ricketik65
    @Ricketik65 Před 3 lety +2

    A very good looking car and that noise, wow!