1994 Fiat Uno Turbo: The Espresso Shot
Bring back mechanical turbo flutter! We drive the iconic ‘90s cult car classic in and about the back roads of Woodstock, a fitting scene for this pound-for-pound street fighter.
Written by Brent vd Schyff
During the 80’s the Italians had a thing for turbo charging cars…from the early Ferrari 288 to the Lancia Delta Integrale to the ultimate which was the Ferrari F40, which we all had posters of in our rooms. Blatantly brutal cars, and to be honest these cars were unrefined and rather dumb compared to modern marques that have all the fancy gadgets that prevent you from killing yourself.
Many of these cars never found their way through to the South African market and quite honestly from an affordability perspective, were out of reach to the every day working class hero. It is to be said then that the Uno Filled an important gap. That gap that existed between the haves and the have nots with its affordability and performance aspects packaged together.
First introduced in its MK1 form, in 1984 to engage in combat in hot hatch segment, bayonets were drawn, going up against the Renault 5 Turbo, which the South African market never saw, it was the dominant 2-liter class consisting of the Mk II Golf GTI and Opel GSi Superboss class that got a loud bang on the door form this little Italian menace.
From a historical stand point the Uno Turbo lives deep within the urban fabric as being one of the ultimate classic cult cars …Many succumbing to the war of attrition, it is with no surprise that seeing one in pristine condition is sure to tantalize the senses and evoke that old emotional connection…as petrol heads we’ve all either had an opinion about them one way or the other…Too dangerous…coffin on wheels…paper thin car…you’ve probably heard them all and regardless of opinions it was, for its time, blistering quick, knocking on the doors of much faster more expensive vehicles.
The Uno Turbo entering production car racing in the 90’s, leaving class C in the dust in ’91 & ‘92 and then moving onto class B, only to be pulled out by the agent, Nissan, for contravening the rules the MSA had set banning turbo charged cars from production car racing. Nissan then opting for the Sentra STi’s instead.
Perhaps my own experience was, in comparison to the rich racing history, rather innocent…I had learnt how to drive in an Uno…not a turbo but an Uno 1100…it did however have the Momo steering wheel fitted which added an additional 10 BHP if we’re going by street rules. Years later I recall how my mother, who had the patience to endure the painstaking process of driver education, showed me how the clutch, fuel and gear lever worked together to give me my first driving experience. You can call it the virgin manual cherry pop.
Fast forward to the year 2018 in the gentrified area of Woodstock, Cape Town, and we stand in front this piece of motoring history with the back drop of Table Mountain and the contrasting array of street art well known for the area. The Uno Turbo draws a rare sense of awe and appreciation, tugging on the emotional drawstring. One can only imagine what it must have been like when first introduced to the market all those years back…
This model has miraculously withstood the slippery slope of the tuner drug. It stands unrestored and in original paint, OEM 13 inch wheels and everything still in the right place. Still clothed in original paint, moonstone metalli, I am told that there were only 31 built in this colour and this car, possibly the last one in such condition. Jason is the owner and a friend of mine, who’s a quiet soul at first introduction but a deep personality with an unearthing love for motor cars, fondly recalling how the car was found in the sleepy town of Oudtshoorn, just outside Cape Town on a Friday afternoon, followed by a frantic call to close the deal.
In terms of performance the power in those days was anything but wanting…this car being second series version and weighing in at 825kgs with the 1372cc engine delivering 85kw. This display of power to weight display resulted in a 0-100Km dash around the 7.7 second mark and a top speed of 205km/h. Even by today’s standards this is respectable and might make stock Gti owners develop itchy brows and forehead sweat as it won’t be disappearing out of the peripherals too quickly.
What is equally amazing is the original engine bay stickers are still in tact on the car as well as the dealer sticker and OEM radio cassette player. I Couldn’t verify what was playing but I’m going for Boys to Men.
Cars are meant to be fun and activate the senses and this little car does just that whilst also maintaining a certain mystique. As being the espresso shot to the South African street racing scene, the Uno Turbo firmly cements its place on the list of the classic car cults, earning that rank through sheer urban legend and who’s stories will last long after for years to come.
Ci Rivediamo, Uno!
