Marque: Fiat - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand

Fiat’s replacement for the muchloved 500 took the form of the 126, featuring much more angular body styling; the car was introduced in Britain during the summer of 1973. As with the outgoing 500, the newcomer was powered a rear-mounted, air-cooled twin-cylinder engine, but the revised unit had larger cylinder bore dimensions and better breathing (including cylinder head modifications), and was much more powerful.

A sunroof was an optional fitting; opening rear windows and reclining seats were standard equipment on the De Luxe versions.

Running gear improvements were applied in late 1976, and at this time a new ‘De Ville’ variant was introduced, with velour trim, full carpeting and many other refinements.

In 1977 the engine capacity was increased from 594cc to 652cc, improving power and torque and making the latest versions of the little car more pleasant to drive and live with.

The 126 Bis of 1987 had three-door hatchback bodywork, and a revised interior which incorporated folding rear seats. This new variant of the 126 was fitted with a more powerful, water-cooled 704cc engine.

The long-running 126 continued the Fiat tradition of building highly effective and economical to operate small cars. These attractive machines are gaining ground in classic status - slowly.

The boxy128 saloon was launched in Britain in 1969, replacing the previous 1100 series. The newcomer featured a transverse, overhead cam fourcylinder 1.1-litre engine, driving the front wheels and endowing sprightly performance for its time. The mechanical specification incorporated all-round independent suspension and twin circuit front disc/rear drum brakes. The standard spec included many modern safety features we take for granted.

An estate car joined the two and four door saloons in 1971, as well as a twodoor, 1.3-litre Rallye saloon which was a particularly impressive performer (a sort of Escort Mexico). The summer of 1972 saw the arrival of fastback versions of the 128, powered by 1.1 and 1.3-litre engines. These coupés employed a shorter version of the saloon’s floorpan. Early in 1976 a new, attractive model was launched in the U.K. The new 128 3P Berlinetta featured three doors and hatchback versatility, and was powered by uprated versions of the already well-proven, rev happy engines.

The 128 range was revised late in 1976; the cars were still on sale in Britain in the early 1980s. A significant version was the Berlinetta Special Coupé of 1978 (with upmarket trim). The 128s were competent and enjoyable, especially the more powerful versions. The model was made in countries other than Italy, including Yugoslavia (where it was built under the Zastava name). Surviving cars are fairly scarce but often relatively cheap; rust is the issue on neglected examples.

The deliberately lavishly equipped and luxuriously-furnished 130 saloon was introduced to Britain in the spring of 1972 providing effortless performance and relaxing high speed cruising from its sweet V6 lump.

The car featured disc brakes on all wheels, cast aluminium alloy wheels, power-assisted steering, electrically operated windows, cloth upholstery, and a host of other luxury items.

The summer of 1972 saw the arrival in the U.K. of a sleek coupé. Standard equipment included a stereo system and air conditioning. As with the saloon, the specification included three-speed automatic transmission, but the customer could optionally specify a fivespeed manual. A limited slip differential was installed to harness that 163bhp.

Two years after Uno made its debut Fiat launched the flagship Turbo i.e. With a price tag of £6889 the Uno Turbo was an expensive prospect for 1985 but as Fiat’s rival for the 205GTi it featured a 1.3-litre turbo 105bhp engine, complete with intercooler designed to lower the inlet charge temperature, combined with a close ratio gearbox. Equal length drive shafts to the front wheels assisted with reducing torque-steer. Alas its high level of equipment often lead to iffy electric windows and central locking systems in later life but a good one is well worth keeping, as fans regard it as the most under-rated hot hatchback of its era.

The diminutive but bighearted Fiat 500 had endeared itself to thousands of motorists in pre-War days (notably in its home country of Italy), and in 1948 a revised version emerged.

Designated 500B, the new ‘Topolino’ featured an overhead valve, 570cc four-cylinder engine (previous versions had been powered by side-valve units) that delivered excellent economy and much more energetic performance than a sub-600cc unit might be expected to produce! In 1949 the 500C featured frontal restyling and the addition of a useful luggage compartment. A Belvedere estate car version was offered from 1953. The original style 500 was discontinued in 1955.

Survivors are rare and much soughtafter today. These compact classics are full of character and always attract interest at events.

Making its U.K. debut in 1955, the Fiat 600 was a rear-engined, four-seater two door saloon. Powering the car was an in-line, overhead valve four cylinder engine, driving the rear wheels through a four speed gearbox, with integral final drive assembly.

Multipla estates (effectively ‘people carriers’ in miniature) arrived in 1956, with up to six seats. By comparison with the normal 600, the Multipla had a longer wheelbase, also coil spring/wishbone type front suspension.

Another newcomer in 1956 was the Convertible 600. The De Luxe (600D) of 1960 featured a more powerful 767cc engine and taller gear ratios. As the 1960s progressed, the 600 evolved. Notable production changes included the fitting of reclining front seats in 1962, and the installation of front-hinged doors in 1964 (they were previously hinged at the rear, as on the smaller 500).

Imports of 600s were discontinued in 1969, and survivors are comparatively rarely encountered in Britain. They feel considerably more powerful than the better known 500.

The scarce Multiplas are interesting. These days the 600s are fascinating and competent alternatives to the 500, and to classic small models from other car manufacturers.

Fiat’s Strada range of family hatchbacks arrived in Britain in 1979, and was enlivened in 1982 by the introduction of the sporty 105TC version. Under the bonnet of this quirky looking new three-door variant was a twin-cam 1600cc engine, driving the front wheels via a five-speed gearbox..

Faster still was the Strada Abarth 130TC, which reached U.K. shores in the summer of 1984. Driving this beast was Fiat’s twin-cam two-litre engine, with twin side draught carburettors and digital ignition. A closer ratio five-speed ZF gearbox, uprated suspension (incorporating a ‘floating’ anti-roll bar) and ventilated front disc brakes also featured.

Although deliberately sporty in nature, both these fast Fiats remain practical for family motoring, with good accommodation for passengers and luggage. Still comparatively young (and still relatively affordable), the future status of these models in classic car terms is pretty assured. Buy now and enjoy – even with that dreadful ride!

With neat, wedge-shaped styling by Bertone, mid-engined, disc brakes on all four wheels and fully independent suspension, Fiat’s X1/9 was a state of the art sports car when introduced in 1972 (although it was not introduced in Britain until 1977).

The first examples were powered by Fiat’s already proven 1290cc overhead cam engine (from the 128 Rallye), producing 75bhp and providing adequate, if not scintillating performance. Standard features on the innovative newcomer included retractable headlamps, a removable Targa top, and some good looking alloy road wheels.

The call for more power (the X1/9 always yearned for it) was answered in January 1979 when the new 1500 was introduced, employing the 1.5 -litre Ritmo/Strada engine. An additional 10bhp was available, and the extra performance thus offered was optimised by the adoption of a five-speed gearbox.

From early in 1982 the model was built by Bertone. The summer of 1983 saw the introduction in Britain of the ‘VS 1500’ variant, featuring leather upholstery, electrically operated windows and two tone paintwork.

In the spring of 1989 the ‘Gran Finale’ special edition was launched to commemorate the ending of X1/9 production. Standard kit included spoked aluminium alloy wheels, Mica paint, a rear spoiler and special Alcantara trim. X1/9s are highly enjoyable to drive, especially on twisty roads where their handling prowess shows through. The cars make interesting alternatives to more conventional classics. Good examples can still be obtained for relatively little outlay (although extreme caution is required when buying; rust can be rampant to put it mildly!).