{"product_id":"fiat-ritmo-75-abarth-alitalia-night-version-n-7-rally-montecarlo-1979-per-eklund-hans-sylvan-184465","title":"Fiat Ritmo 75 Abarth Alitalia No. 7 Per Eklund Hans Sylvan Rally Monte Carlo 1979 Night Version IXO Models 1:43","description":"\u003cblockquote class=\"vr-tldr\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eA \u003cspan class=\"vr-scale\"\u003e1:43\u003c\/span\u003e scale model of the Alitalia-liveried Fiat Ritmo 75 Abarth, car number 7, driven by Per Eklund and Hans Sylvan at the opening round of the 1979 WRC season — reproduced by IXO Models in Night Version trim.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1979 Rally Monte Carlo was the first round of the World Rally Championship season, and among its entries was a Fiat Ritmo 75 Abarth carrying race number 7. Behind the wheel was Swedish driver Per Eklund, navigated by Hans Sylvan — a pairing active across European rally championships throughout the late 1970s and into the 1980s. IXO Models captures that entry in \u003cspan class=\"vr-scale\"\u003e1:43\u003c\/span\u003e, with the Night Version designation pointing to a specific stage configuration that sets it apart from a standard daytime release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"fiat-ritmo-abarth-rally-car\"\u003eThe Fiat Ritmo 75 Abarth as a Competition Machine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduced in 1978, the Fiat Ritmo — sold as the Strada in certain markets — was the basis for an Abarth-developed rally variant. The homologation road car used a 1498 cc four-cylinder engine producing around 75 hp, while competition-prepared versions were significantly uprated. Abarth reinforced the bodywork and drivetrain to withstand the demands of international rallying, creating a credible factory-backed weapon at a time when Fiat was deeply invested in the WRC.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"alitalia-livery-monte-carlo-1979\"\u003eAlitalia Red, Green and White at the 1979 Monte Carlo\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Alitalia sponsorship scheme — red, green and white, drawn from the Italian national airline's identity — was among the most recognisable liveries in rally during the late 1970s. It appeared across Fiat and Lancia works entries of the era, and its presence on number 7 in Monte Carlo 1979 gave Per Eklund's Ritmo Abarth an unmistakable appearance on the stages. The Night Version designation indicates the model represents the car configured for nocturnal stages, a distinct specification within the event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ixo-models-143-construction\"\u003eIXO Models and the RAC Rally Series in 1:43\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIXO Models produces \u003cspan class=\"vr-scale\"\u003e1:43\u003c\/span\u003e scale model cars covering WRC and historical rally subjects through its RAC range. The Ritmo 75 Abarth falls within that catalogue, rendered in diecast metal with plastic components — the standard construction approach IXO applies across its rally car line. The detail work on the Alitalia livery, race number 7 graphic, and Night Version configuration makes this a specific variant rather than a generic casting reissue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"display-cabinet-collector-context\"\u003eWhere This Model Sits in a Rally Collection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis release occupies a precise niche: the Alitalia livery on a Ritmo Abarth is considerably rarer in \u003cspan class=\"vr-scale\"\u003e1:43\u003c\/span\u003e than the same scheme on a Lancia Stratos or Fiat 131 Abarth. Collectors building a complete Alitalia rally livery grouping, a Per Eklund subject collection, or a 1979 Monte Carlo entry set will find this a specific and not easily duplicated addition. It pairs naturally alongside other WRC round-one entries from the 1979 season.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"IXO MODELS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56550069502336,"sku":"RAC445A.22","price":51.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0922\/8828\/7104\/files\/vroomi-rac445a22-front34-v2.jpg?v=1792745463","url":"https:\/\/vroomimodels.com\/de\/products\/fiat-ritmo-75-abarth-alitalia-night-version-n-7-rally-montecarlo-1979-per-eklund-hans-sylvan-184465","provider":"Vroomi","version":"1.0","type":"link"}