Old Fiats have become awfully uncommon in the past couple of decades, but if like me, you miss seeing them around, this fun 128 Familiare should brighten your day. Uploaded at the CC Cohort by J.C., this “Rally” Familiare is still trotting the roads of California, the natural place for it to have avoided the worst ravages of rust.
I know that, depending on personal experience, impressions about these Fiats are varied. Partly the result of iffy dealer networks and well, rust-prone body parts. Then again, many others do have pleasant memories of the cars as they were well-engineered, entertaining runabouts, with space-efficient interiors. And I’ve read quite a few anecdotes when a rusty one, back in the day, was an easy way into first car ownership that was fun to drive –while it lasted.
Personal experiences aside, what can’t be argued is that the 128 was the model that made the front-engine, traverse-layout, an acceptable proposition to many. Not the first to have it, but one that spread the format’s benefits across many nations. A space-efficient interior on a small car? True that. Add Fiat’s rev-happy OHC engine, and well-sorted handling, and it’s no wonder the cars have fans to this day. The Fiat we must remember, as a previous CC post named it. Even if only a few have remained around to keep that legacy alive.
Related CC Reading
Curbside Classic: 1969-1985 Fiat 128 – The Fiat We Must Remember
With european bumpers, it’s probably one that wasn’t sold in the US.
It has the US-spec sidemarker lights (heavily faded) so it could be an early model that predates big bumpers.
Thanks Rich ! Just two weeks ago I was tempted to buy one of these, a Familiare no less. The mechanically good but cosmetically needy project car sold for $ 4,900 on BAT, which seems like an ok deal, as it included a new 1498 cc block and head with Euro 10:1 compression pistons. The original engine, which appeared to run well, displaces 1290 cc. With the Euro 1498 cc engine the little wagon would certainly haul. I didn’t bid, as my “Fiat whisperer” isn’t in a position to take on this project. But I would have been willing to drive it from California home to Calgary.
In the late 1970s I contemplated buying a new 128 sedan, asked to test drive one at the dealer in Cleveland. The salesman must have perceived that I wasn’t in a position to buy, as he took me on a drive, but wouldn’t let me behind the wheel. Some months later, I found and bought a used 124 sedan, which served me well for several years. Finally bought another Fiat just two years ago, a fine 1986 X1/9 with the fuel injected 1498 cc engine.
My car! Right down to the colour. I would rock that today like I did in 1983. It was so handy with the 3 door. And fun to drive like not much else has been since.
I think it still looks great today. But I am very biased
They began evaporating early but definitely fun to drive with FWD handling.
Fiats are like old British cars : if you know how to tend them they’re reliable and super fun to drive plus excellent fuel economy even when you’re letting it out .
-Nate
Loved my ‘78 128 Rallye, wish I still had it.
This is the car VW copied for the Golf/Rabbit, except they substituted that twist beam rear axle that’s become the scourge of all small cars since.
VW also sliced off the rear overhang and stuck it on the nose, improving engine access and crash protection along the way.
The 128’s handling was a bit understeery compared to the 127 (they really were an updated Mini!) but the quiet refinement was extraordinary for its time. At least for a few minutes until the GS and Alfasud arrived.
Seeing one today, it’s incredible how the interior space looks compared to the external tininess. Was Dante Giacosa a time lord from Gallifrey or something?