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The Fiat 128 was introduced in 1969 as successor to the 1100 model, stayed in production until 1985 and was succeeded by the Fiat Ritmo.
With its predecessor it shared the same engine displacement of about 1100, 1116 cc to be exact. Specific feature of the motor was its single overhead camshaft driven by a toothed belt. The engine was mounted transversly in the front-wheel-drive model, making it the first Fiat with this configuration, similar to the Autobianchi Primula. The engine was mated with a 4-speed gearbox. With this powertrain, the 128 reached a top speed of 135 km/h and consumed round about 8 litres per 100 km.
At its launch, the Fiat 128 was marketed with 2, 3 and 4-door versions. In 1971, at the Turin Motor Show, a 128 Sports Coupé was introduced, which replaced the sports coupé variants of the 850 model.
In 1972, Fiat presented reviewed versions of the 128 saloon, estate and Rally variants at the Turin Motor Show. New for the standard versions was the introduction of servo assisted braking, a new grille and bumpers as well as new upholstery and a different steering wheel. The Rally variant saw the same interior updates but only received a plastic cover for the fog lamp on the exterior. No changes in terms of performance were made.
The next addition to the range came in 1975 with the 128 Coupé 3P. It was a reviewed version of the coupé introduced in 1971, adding a rear hatch door. Other new features were a different front grille with four round headlamps, larger rear windows, bumpers with rubber, new tail-lights and a updated interior. The engine also saw some changes, as it had to comply now with emissions regulations introduced in 1975. The output was increased to 65 bhp at 6000 rpm for the 1100 cc motor, and the 1300 cc unit saw its power decreased to 73 bhp.
1976 Facelift
In May 1976, the Fiat 128 was facelifted and re-launced as New 128. Until that moment, nearly 2.5 million units of the model had been produced.
New features included exterior updates as a new front grille with integrated and larger, rectangular headlamps. dark rsin bumpers with inlet direction lights and new rear lights. On the interior, a new dashboard, instruments and steering wheel, were added. The New 128, was offered in three interior trims: basic, comfort (C) and comfort deluxe (CL).
The engines remained 1100 cc and 1300 cc units, but saw updates as compared to 1975: The power output was now 55 bhp and 60 bhp respectively. This allowed for top speeds of 140 km/h and 145 km/h at an average fuel consumption per 100 km of 6.7 and 7.2 liters.
End of Production
With the introduction of the Ritmo model in 1978, the Fiat 128 was phased out. First, production was limited to the 1100 variants, and in 1980, the only body type available was the saloon.
topThe Rally Edition of the Fiat 128 was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1971. It was based on the 2-door salon varian and was equipped with a stronger engine with a displacement of 1300 cc making a higher output of 67 bhp at 6200 rpm and a top speed of 150 km/h.
It also featured different gear box ratios, a servo-assisted braking system and new tyres to account for the increased performance.
Also the styling was modified, showing a different grille, supplementary lights, a broken-line bumper and twin rear lamps.
In 1974, Fiat introduced the Special variants to the 128 line-up. These versions came with a higher finish on the bodywork and were mounted with a new 1300 cc engine, which was ased on the unit powering the Rally edition. It delivered 60 bhp at 6000 rpm and reached a top speed of 145 km/h.
On the exterior, the Special versions were distinguished by a new front grille with integrated, rectangular, headlamps, a larger bumper with rubber, side rubbing strips and new hub caps. On interior, the dashboard and steering wheel were re-designed and higher-quality upholstery became available.
At the 1978 Turin Motor Show, a 128 Coupé 3P Special Series was presented. The car had already been marketed as GXL outside of Italy and is significant, as it marks the beginning of body modifications. These changes included a rear spoiler, a special stripe design and a window wiper.
topFiat
The Fiat 4 HP automobile was the company’s first model; Fiat’s first truck would be come out in 1903. Then, in 1908, Fiat built its first aircraft engine and began exporting its cars to the United States. By that time, you could also find many Fiat cars as taxis, which became popular all around Europe. By 1910, Fiat was already the most important car company in Italy and it remained that way ever since. ... more
