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

Making its U.K. debut in the summer of 1967, the Fiat 125 was a spacious five-seater saloon, powered by a twin overhead camshaft 1600 engine. The car had rapid acceleration compared with most family cars of the mid-1960s, and was capable of cruising at high speeds. Included in the mechanical specification were disc brakes on all four wheels – again, unusual for the time.

The Special Saloon was introduced in the spring of 1969, with an uprated version of the 1608cc engine which endowed even more spirited performance. Standard features included a five-speed gearbox, radial tyres and reclining front seats.

Now rarely encountered in Britain, the 125s offer a happy blend of excellent performance and everyday practicality.

A highly significant car for Fiat, the likeable 127 made its UK debut in the autumn of 1971. The neat 127 (effectively replacing the rear-engined 850) provided the Italian with an up to the minute, front-wheel drive compact car which offered lively performance and – especially in hatchback form (from 1973) – versatility. In the summer of 1977 a Brazilian-built overhead camshaft 1050cc engine was introduced (although the overhead valve 903cc unit was still offered) and the range was updated.

The extrovert 127 Sport (identifiable by its matt black grille, air dam and side mouldings) arrived at the end of 1978, and featured an uprated version of the 1050cc power unit. Producing a healthy 70bhp, this propelled the newcomer with vigour, and this ‘semi GTi’ was fun to drive and yet low cost to run.

In 1979, the Limited Edition Palio was launched, featuring alloy wheels, metallic paintwork and a sun roof.

The 127 range was revised in 1981 and again in 1982, now incorporating a new 1300GT version. Sadly rust has decimated the ranks of 127s in Britain, but surviving examples are gaining ground in the classic stakes.

Once a familiar sight on every British road, the 127 is a rare bird even at classic car shows - making the sporting models all the more desirable. The least difficult high powered variant to trace in the UK is the 127 Sport Series 2, which came complete with excellent levels of equipment, a highly potent version of the trusty 1300 engine and rather stylish black coachwork to boot. Sadly it also inherited the notorious corrosion problems of the entire Fiat range of that era. It’s a real blast all the same.

Offering buyers a choice of two or four-door saloon and either a 1.3 or a 1.6-litre overhead valve power units, the new 131 Mirafiori was introduced to Britain in the spring of 1975, with estate car versions following in the summer.

Effectively the newcomer replaced the outgoing 124 with a five-speed gearbox was fitted as standard from mid-1976.

The 1600 Supermirafiori of 1978 was powered by an eager twin-cam 1600 engine, developing 96bhp. The car also featured a luxurious velour-clad cabin.

The two-door, Sport made its U.K. debut in October 1978, and this overtly high performance machine had a front airdam, flared wheel arches and a sporty interior. Not a great looker in the trendy 80s but it was a great performer.

The range was restyled in 1982, and new, overhead camshaft 1.4 and 1.6-litre engines were introduced. The 2000 Supermirafiori was a particularly potent machine for a family car of the time. It was also very well equipped, with central locking, electrically operated windows and many other luxury features.

A roomy ‘Panorama’ estate version was introduced in 1984; all versions were discontinued in the same year.

These boxy but attractive Fiats are already quite rare, but asking prices are usually affordable, and the cars currently represent excellent value.

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!).