Tamiya 20069 - 1:20 Fiat 131 Abarth Rally Olio Fiat

1:20 scale plastic model kit of the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally in Olio Fiat colours

The Fiat 131 Abarth Rally was among the most successful rally cars of its era, bringing Fiat three manufacturers’ world championships. Tamiya 20069 reproduces the car in 1:20 scale. The kit uses tooling from 1979, and this 2020 release comes with new decals printed by Cartograf.

The model depicts the number 3 car of Markku Alén and Ilkka Kivimäki in the 1977 Olio Fiat colours. The 2.0 l engine, the suspension, the interior with its roll cage and the boot interior are all reproduced. Two figures — driver and co-driver — are included, allowing the car to be displayed as if on a special stage.

What’s in the box:

• Plastic sprues
• Synthetic rubber tyres
• Two figures: driver and co-driver
• Cartograf waterslide decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:20
• Product number: 20069
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model size: 208 × 98 mm
• Marking option: #3 Markku Alén / Ilkka Kivimäki, Olio Fiat colours (1977)
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

This kit is approachable even for those just starting out with car models — the parts fit well and the illustrated instructions guide the build. The roll cage, the interior and the engine are best painted before the body is closed up, as access to those areas becomes limited afterwards. The two crew figures are easiest to paint separately after assembly, using smaller brushes.

Paint codes for the Olio Fiat livery are given in the instructions. Much of the car’s colourful appearance comes from the decals — for the best result, applying them over a gloss coat is recommended, as it reduces the risk of decal silvering, then sealing everything with varnish. The Cartograf decals are thin and settle well; decal setting solution can help. The model can also be finished with subtle weathering — dust and mud from a special stage — using washes and pigments.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Gloss varnish for the decal base coat and the body finish
• Decal setting solution
• Optional: washes and pigments for dust and mud effects

About the car – Fiat 131 Abarth Rally:

The Fiat 131 Abarth Rally was a rally car built by Abarth on the basis of the production Fiat 131 Mirafiori. It received a 2.0 l engine producing around 215 hp, and its body was strengthened and lightened using glass-fibre reinforced plastic and aluminium panels.

The car made its debut in 1976 and quickly became a mainstay of the World Rally Championship. Fiat took the manufacturers’ world title in 1977, 1978 and 1980. One of the most recognisable drivers of this rally car was Markku Alén, whose Olio Fiat-liveried machine is reproduced by Tamiya 20069.

Original car specifications (Fiat 131 Abarth Rally):

• Basis: production Fiat 131 Mirafiori, rebuilt by Abarth
• Engine: 2.0 l
• Power output: approx. 215 hp
• Body: glass-fibre reinforced plastic and aluminium panels
• Debut: 1976
• Achievements: manufacturers’ world titles in 1977, 1978 and 1980

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the heart of the Japanese model industry. The business initially traded in timber and produced wooden models, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. The brand is known for precise injection moulds and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The 1:20 racing car kits form the Grand Prix Collection, covering Formula 1 machines and racing cars from successive eras. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.