IAVA Berlinetta Coupe - by the Abarth of Argentina

Posted by John Mellberg September 21, 2020

IAVA Berlinetta Coupe - by the Abarth of Argentina

IAVA's 1977 Berlinetta Coupe.

The beginning of the 1970s would mark a milestone in the history of sports vehicles in Argentina, the Argentine Advanced Vehicles Industry (I.A.V.A.), was a company created by the Fiat dealer group in the Argentine Republic. Established in Fondo de la Legua at 2200, in the town of Martínez -of the Province of Buenos Aires- and with the engineer Juan Carlos Fisanotti as technical manager, the objective of the concept was to provide the Argentine industry with a vehicle of higher performance and more powerful than the Fiat 128 produced so far. Thus, IAVA offered in addition to the innovations of power, more comfort, sporting elegance, and even aerodynamic accessories. They could be thought of as Argentina's version of the Italian tuner, Abarth.

One of IAVA's most attractive designs was a prototype for a 2 seat, mid-engine, sport coupe called simply, the "Berlinetta". It featured styling cues of much more expensive cars of the era like the Lancia Monte Carlo and Ferrari BB512 Berlinetta Boxer.

The Berlinetta used a transversely mounted 1300cc motor, mated to a four speed transmission mounted on a box section steel, tubular frame, with a body done in fiberglass. It had a large clamshell at the rear providing excellent engine access and the capacity to fit 2 full size spare tires.

The interior was quite spacious for such a small car and took advantage of a number of FIAT parts. It had a very professional design and looked as good as any of its mass produced contemporaries. It caused quite a stir when it was introduced in 1977.

However, despite being very handsome and finely finished, only three examples of the car were made.

It should be noted that IAVA also made its versions on the Fiat 147 which it named Fiat 147 Sorpasso, as well as versions of the Fiat 133, the 133 IAVA and 133 Top. There was a dune buggy called Kikito Buggy of which less than 25 units were made, a boat engine on an SSB structure, and a striking prototype for the Mara firm (which will be covered in a future post). In addition, IAVA made an engine to equip an Argentine formula racing car.

Sadly in 1985 IAVA filed its formal bankruptcy.

IAVA Berlinetta Coupe Specifications: