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Fiat 128

(Redirected fromFiat 128 Coupe)

TheFiat 128is atransverse front-engine, front wheel drivesmall family carmanufactured and marketed byFiatfrom 1969 to 1985 as a two- or four-door sedan, three- or five-door station wagon as well as two- or three-door coupé. The 128 running gear and engine, reconfigured for a mid-engined layout, were used in theFiat X1/9sports car.

Fiat 128
Overview
ManufacturerFiat
Also calledNasr 128 GLS 1300(Egypt)
SEAT 128(Spain)
Zastava 101/128/Skala(Yugoslavia)
Production
  • 1969–1985 (Fiat, Italy)
  • 1971–1990 (Fiat, Argentina)
  • 1976–1980 (3P, SEAT)
  • 1971–2008 (Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro, and Serbia)
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassSmall family car(C)
Body style
  • 2-doorsaloon
  • 4-door saloon
  • 3-doorestate
  • 5-door estate (Argentina only)
  • 2-doorpickup(Serbia and South Africa)[3]
  • 2-doorcoupé(128 Sport Coupé)
  • 3-door coupé (128 3P)
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
RelatedFiat X1/9
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission4-speedmanual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,445 mm (96.3 in)
Length3,850 mm (151.6 in)
Width1,590 mm (62.6 in)
Height1,340 mm (52.8 in)
Kerb weight750–770 kg (1,653–1,698 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorFiat 1100 R
Successor

With engineering byDante Giacosaand engine design byAurelio Lampredi,[4]the 128 was noted for its relatively roomy passenger and cargo volume — enabled by a breakthrough innovation to thefront-engine, front-drive layoutwhich became the layout "adopted by virtually every other manufacturer in the world" for front-wheel drive.[5]Fiat promoted in its advertising that mechanical features consumed only 20% of the vehicle's volume.[4]

NamedEuropean Car of the Yearin 1970,[6]over three million were ultimately manufactured.[7]

In 2012 automotive journalist Jamie Kitman called the 128 a "pioneer of the small cars we drive today."[8]

Development

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With engineering byDante Giacosaand engine design byAurelio Lampredi,[4]the 128 was noted for its relatively roomy passenger and cargo volume — enabled by a breakthrough innovation to thefront-engine, front-drive layoutwhich became the layout "adopted by virtually every other manufacturer in the world" for front-wheel drive.[5]Giorgetto Giugiaronoted that in 1970, Volkswagen completely dismantled a Fiat 128, recognizing it as the reference for their forthcomingGolf.[9]

Fiat promoted in its advertising thatEnzo Ferraridrove a 128 as his personal vehicle. "[4]

Fiat built an entirely new plant in Rivalta, north-west of Turin, specifically to manufacture the new 128.[10]In all, 2,776,000 sedans and wagons were built in Italy, plus 330,800 coupés and 3Ps.[11]

Front drive innovation

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Fiat 128 Special

Front-wheel drive had previously been introduced to small, inexpensive cars byBMC,firstly with theMiniin 1959 and then with the larger1100/1300series in 1962. During the mid-1960s, Fiat set about designing a new car to compete with the latter. The BMC design ofAlec Issigonishad the transmission and engine sharing a single oil sump — despite disparate lubricating requirements — and located the engine's radiator at the side of the engine, away from the flow of fresh air and drawing heated rather than cool air over the engine. The layout often required the engine to be removed to service the clutch.[12]

Fiat 128 Familiare (3-door station wagon)

The Fiat 128's arrangement had numerous differences. As engineered byDante Giacosa,it featured a transverse-mountedenginewith unequal-length drive shafts and an innovative clutch release mechanism — an arrangement which Fiat had strategically tested on a previous production model for a full five years, thePrimulafrom its less market-critical subsidiary,Autobianchi.[13]The layout enabled the engine and gearbox to be located side by side without sharing lubricating fluid while orienting an electrically controlled cooling fan toward fresh air flow. By using the Primula as a test-bed, Fiat was able to sufficiently resolve the layout's disadvantages, including uneven side-to-side power transmission, uneven tire wear and potentialtorque steer,the tendency for the power of the engine alone to steer the car under heavy acceleration.

The compact and efficient layout — a transversely-mounted engine with transmission mounted beside the engine driving the front wheels through an offset final-drive and unequal-length driveshafts — subsequently became common with competitors[4]and arguably an industry standard.[14]

The layout was sufficiently flexible that Fiat reconfigured the 128 drive-train as a mid-engined layout for theFiat X1/9.

Design

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The all new 1.1 litreFiat SOHCengine, engineered by noted engine designerAurelio Lampredi,featured an iron block mated to an aluminum head along with a belt-driven single overhead camshaft.[4]

The 128 was styled similarly to the 124 and 125 and featured rack-and-pinion steering, Pirelli 145R13 Cinturato or 145R13 Michelin ZX radial tyres, front disc brakes, independent rear suspension with a transverse leaf spring, and a strut-type front suspension with integral anti-roll bar.[4]

Second series (1976) Fiat 128 with new rectangular headlights

Initially, the 128 was available as a two-door or four-door sedan. At the 1970Turin Motor Showa three-doorstation wagonmodel called "Familiare" was added to the line-up.[10]On launch, the car was only available with a 1116 cc engine with 55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp), or 49 hp (37 kW) in USA.[15]: 486 [4]

The 128 sedan and estate underwent a small refresh in 1972, featuring revisions on the grille, bumpers, dashboard and steering wheel plus addition of a brake servo.[15]: 540 1974 saw the launch of the 128 Special, with rectangularheadlights,chrome accents, extra equipment, better seats and upholstery, plus availability of a 1290 cc engine, producing 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp).[15]: 556 In 1976, the sedan and stationwagon received a properfaceliftwith a new front and rectangular headlights for all versions, new bumpers with incorporated indicators, redesigned tail lights for the sedan and a new dashboard, as well as modifications to the engines and gearbox in order to reduce the fuel consumption. At this time, the wagon was renamed "Panorama".[15]: 576 

Production of all 128s except that of the base 1,100 cc powered model ended in 1979 after the introduction of theFiat Ritmo/Stradain 1978. In 1980 production of the small three-door station wagon Panorama was dropped from the range and 128 production finally ended in 1985.[11]

Road test

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The British "Motor"magazine tested a Fiat 128 in April 1970, shortly after its UK launch. The car had a top speed of 85.4 mph (137.4 km/h) and accelerated from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 15.5 seconds. An" overall "fuel consumption of 27.5 miles per imperial gallon (10.3 L/100 km; 22.9 mpg‑US) was recorded. This put it fractionally behind the contemporaryMorris 1300on maximum speed but usefully ahead on acceleration. The two were closely matched on fuel economy, where both were outrun by theFord Escort 1300 Superalso included in the comparison, here in its four-door version. The Fiat's £876 manufacturer's recommended price was not too far above the Morris 1300's £830 and the Escort's £838. The testers commended the Fiat's interior space and excellent performance. Wind and road noise were low, but engine noise was not.[16]The 128 went on sale on the UK market around the same time as theRootes Group'sHillman Avenger,and shortly before theVauxhall Vivawas transformed from its second generation to its third generation. The market leader in this sector at the time wasBritish Leyland's1100 and 1300range. Sales of imported cars in the UK were in the first stages of a sharp rise in their market share at the beginning of the 1970s, with Fiat and likes ofDatsun,RenaultandVolkswagenbeing particularly successful.

Variants

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128 Rally

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Fiat 128 Rally
1972 Fiat 128 Rally
Overview
Production1971–1974
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,448 mm (96.4 in)[17]
Length3,876 mm (152.6 in)[17]
Width1,590 mm (62.6 in)[17]
Height1,390 mm (54.7 in)[17]
Kerb weight820 kg (1,808 lb)[17]

TheFiat 128 Rallywas a sporty, 1.3-litre-engined version of the 128 two-door saloon, introduced at the 41stGeneva Motor Showin March 1971[18]and produced up to 1974.[19]

Compared to the regular 128's 1,116 cc four-cylinder engine, the Rally's type128 ARengine had been bored out 6 mm to 86 mm—while keeping the 55.5 mm stroke—for a total displacement of 1,290 cc (79 cu in).[18]There was also a twin-chokeWeber32 DMTRcarburettor,revised valve timing and a slightly higher 8.9:1compression ratio.Engine output was now 67DIN-rated metric horsepower (49 kW; 66 hp) at 6,200 rpm and 88 DIN-rated newton-metres (65 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm.[17] Other mechanical improvements were the addition of avacuum servo,an engine protection plate, better tyres, new gear ratios for the 4-speed transmission, a higher capacity battery and analternatorin place of thedynamo).[17]

Quadruple round tail lamps were a peculiarity of the 128 Rally. This car is equipped with the factory-optionalloy wheels.

A number of exterior features set the Rally apart from other 128s. At the front there was a black radiator grille, carrying the round Fiat emblem typical of the marque's sports cars; split bumpers joined by a tubular steel bar; andhalogenheadlamps and bumper-mounted auxiliary lamps. At the rear dual round tail lamps replaced the square ones found on the regular two-door 128. "Rally" badging on the bonnet and boot lid and stripes along the side sills completed the sporty look. The interior was upholstered in black leatherette, and the dashboard housed upgraded instrumentation: a tachometer was standard equipment, and water temperature and oil pressure gauges took the place of the ashtray, relocated to the centre console. Front sports seats with headrests and a two-spoke sports steering wheel replaced the standard items.[20]

At the October 1972 update of the 128 model range, the Rally received new upholstery (leatherette with cloth seat centres) and a black plastic protection to the front bumper tube.[19]

128 Coupé and 3P

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Fiat 128 Coupé
Fiat 128 3P
1972 Fiat 128 Coupé SL 1100
Overview
Production1971–1975
Body and chassis
Body style2-doorcoupé
3-doorhatchbackcoupé (128 3P)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,223 mm (87.5 in)[21]
Length3,808 mm (149.9 in)[21]
Width1,560 mm (61.4 in)[21]
Height1,310 mm (51.6 in)[21]
Kerb weight810–820 kg (1,786–1,808 lb)[21]

At the 53rdTurin Motor Showof November 1971 Fiat introduced the 128 Coupé, also called 128 Sport, a 2-door, 4-seat coupé designed in-house and based on a shortened 128 chassis.[22]It was produced until 1975, but in latter years sales were dropping off considerably in favor of the mid-enginedX1/9.Since Fiat had to pay a commission to Bertone for every X1/9, it was decided to provide some internal competition in the form of the updated hatchback coupé 128 3P.[11]"3P" stands forTre Porte,or "Three Doors" in Italian. Designed by Paolo Boano of Fiat Centro Stile, the 128 3P used the existing design back to the B-pillar, with some detail modifications to the grille and headlights.

The Coupé version was available with two different engines (1100 and 1300) and in two different trim levels (S and SL) for a total of four variants.[22] In its base "S" trim, the coupé had single rectangular front headlamps, and wheels and hubcaps from the saloon. The pricier "SL" (for Sport Lusso) was distinguished by quadruple round headlamps, a specific grille, steel sport wheels without hubcaps, chromed window surround trim, door handles and fuel cap, and black decorative striping along the sills and across the tail panel. Inside it gained a leatherette-wrapped steering wheels, perforated leatherette upholstery, extended four-gauge instrumentation, loop pile carpeting and black headlining.

The two engines were developed from the units found in the 128 saloon and 128 Rally respectively, and both were fitted with twin-choke carburettors and a two-pieceexhaust manifold.The 1100 (1,116 cc) produced 64 PSDIN(47 kW; 63 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 81 N⋅m (60 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm, while the 1300 (1,290 cc) produced 75 PSDIN(55 kW; 74 hp) at 6,600 rpm and 92 N⋅m (68 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm.[21]Top speed was over 150 km/h (93 mph) and 160 km/h (99 mph) respectively.[21]The 128 3P was also assembled by SEAT in Spain as theSEAT 128,Spanish cars were fitted with engines from the 124.

Compared with the 128 saloon, the coupé had a 23 cm (9.1 in) shorterwheelbase(at 2,223 mm or 87.5 in),[22]andtracks20 mm wider at the front and 45 mm narrower at the rear.[23] Suspension was the familiar all-independent 128 layout—save for the front anti-roll bar, which had been replaced byradius rods.[23]The braking system consisted ofdiscsat the front anddrumsat the rear; it was made more efficient by fitting smaller diameter front discs and the front and thevacuum servofirst used on the 128 Rally.[22]

  • Fiat 128 Coupé SL
  • Fiat 128 3P
  • Fiat 128 3P "Berlinetta" (3-door coupé)

Licensed production

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Argentina

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In Argentina, the 128 was produced from 1971 to 1990 bySevel Argentinaas a four-door sedan or five-door wagon, theFiat 128 Rural,the latter unique to Argentina.[24]Several trims and versions were available, including the IAVA sport series. In 1983 the car received a facelift with new headlamps, tail lamps and front grille, which was marketed as theFiat Super Europa.

  • Fiat 128 Rural 5-door
  • Fiat 128 Super Europa
  • Rear view of 1988 Fiat Super Europa 1.3

Colombia

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In Colombia, the Fiat 128 was produced by "Compañía Colombiana Automotriz" in Bogota between 1973 and 1980. It was only built as a 4-door sedan. Between 1973 and 1978, it was marketed asFiat 128 L,with a 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine. Starting in 1978, a version with a 1.1-liter engine called theFiat 128 San Remowas also offered[citation needed].

Egypt

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Until 2009,CKDkits from Zastava were manufactured by Egypt'sNasrcar company as theNasr 128.[1]

Poland

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The Yugoslav-exclusive hatchback variant (known as the Zastava 101) of the 128 was manufactured with CKD kits from Zastava in Poland and marketed as theZastava 1100pbyFSObetween 1971 and 1976[citation needed].

  • Zastava 1100p

Serbia

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Main article:Zastava Skala

The 128 formed the basis of theZastava 128(four-door sedan) andZastava 101(three-door and five-door hatchbacks) ranges of cars manufactured by the "Zastava Automobili"company inSerbia.The 128-based Zastavas were available throughout Europe in the '70s. In Britain, three variants were offered: a three-door hatchback (Zastava Yugo 311/313), four-door saloon (Zastava Yugo 411/413) and a five-door hatchback (Zastava Yugo 511/513). The car was until the end of its production still very popular and was the Serbian automaker's most affordable model.

Production ended in November 2008 after Fiat purchased the Zastava factory in Kragujevac, however production of the pick up variantZastava Polycontinued in very limited numbers at theZastava Special Automobilesfactory (156 cars built in the last year) until December 2010.[25]

  • Zastava 101
  • Zastava 128
  • Zastava Yugo Skala 55 (known as 311/313 in GB)
  • Zastava Skala Pick-Up marketed as "Zastava Poly"

South Africa

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For South Africa only, a pickup version was also developed by Fiat in Italy to contest that country's popular "bakkie" category. It entered production in 1978.[3]It could handle a payload of 500 kg (1,100 lb) and was based on the station wagon model. As per dealer demands, the fuel tank was enlarged to 52 L (13.7 US gal).[26]

Spain

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Main article:SEAT 128

In Spain,SEATmanufactured the 3P coupé as theSEAT 128 3P.It was available with two engine options from the124 engine family,the 1.2-litre and the more powerful and well-known 1430 engine from theSEAT 1430.Was marketed as "Three Times SEAT" in order to underline its triple combination of sportiness, versatility, and design. The SEAT 128 never enjoyed great commercial success, however. 31,893 128s were made between 1976 and 1980.

  • SEAT 128 3P
  • SEAT 128 3P

Sri Lanka

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In Sri Lanka, the Fiat 128 was manufactured by theUpali Motor Companyuntil 1978[citation needed].This car was commonly known as theUpali Fiatin Sri Lanka.

Cars developed from FIAT 128

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Fiat X1/9

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Main article:Fiat X1/9

TheFiat X1/9is a two-seatermid-enginedsports cardesigned byBertoneand manufactured byFiatfrom 1972 to 1982 and subsequently by Bertone from 1982 to 1989.

Designed around theFiat SOHC engineand transmission from thefront wheel driveFiat 128, the X1/9 relocated the transverse drive train and suspension assembly from the front of the 128 to the rear of the passenger cabin, directly in front of the rear axle, giving amid-engined layout.With a transverse engine and gearbox in amid-mounted, rear-wheel drive configuration,the X1/9 was noted for its balanced handling.

  • 1978 Fiat X1/9 (Europe)
  • 1978 Fiat X1/9 (US market)

Moretti 128

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TheMoretti Motor CompanyofTurin,Italyproduced the Fiat 128-basedMoretti 128in coupé and cabriolet versions.[27]

Built in the plants of viaMonginevroin a semi-handmade way (these custom-built cars were not assembled in a chain) and in a very limited number (less than a hundred), it cost about 1,500,000 lire in 1969. The interior was very neat and could be customized with many accessories (sports steering wheel, electric windows, leather upholstery...). In 1975, the two models underwent a slight restyling (new black bumpers, wider) and equipped with the 1290 cm3 - 60 HP engine of the contemporary Special sedan.[28]

  • Moretti 128 Coupé
  • Moretti 128 Targa

Sears XDH-1

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Main article:Sears XDH-1

Sears XDH-1is an experimentalelectric carbuilt for Sears, Roebuck and Company by their DieHard battery supplier Johnson Controls (Globe Union) in 1977 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its DieHard brand of car batteries. The car was a Fiat 128 Coupé equipped with 20 DieHard (12-inch deep cycle marine) batteries, and anelectric motor.[29]

Fiat ESV 2000

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TheESV 2000is anExperimental Safety Vehiclethat Fiat developed in 1972 based on its 128 model. It had a totally new 5-door hatchback design, with an extra strong passenger cell, but used the mechanicals of the standard 128 with 1290 cm3 engine. TheESV 2000's weight was 360 kg (794 lbs) higher than that of the original 128.[30]

  • ESV 2000

References

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Notes

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  1. ^ab"El Nasr closure spells end to long running assembly of Fiat 128 and 131 in Egypt".italiaspeed.Retrieved21 May2009.
  2. ^"Historique de la SOMACA".Somaca Casablanca. Archived fromthe originalon 20 May 2015.Retrieved25 April2010.
  3. ^abWilkins, Gordon (September 1978). "Fiat: Italy's industrial giant".CAR (South Africa).Vol. 22, no. 8. Ramsay, Son & Parker (Pty) ltd. p. 67.
  4. ^abcdefgh"Collectible Classic: 1971-1979 Fiat 128".Automobile Magazine, August 2012. Archived fromthe originalon 2012-09-20.Retrieved2012-12-31.
  5. ^abBrick by Brick: The Biography of the Man Who Really Made the Mini, Martyn Nutland, p. 237.Authorhouse, Bloomington, IN, 2012. 8 October 2012.ISBN9781477203170.
  6. ^"Previous Cars".Caroftheyear.org. Archived fromthe originalon 13 December 2007.Retrieved29 January2008.
  7. ^"Fiat 128: quarant'anni di trazione anteriore"(in Italian). Autoblog.it. 2 May 2009.Retrieved1 June2012.
  8. ^Kitman, Jamie (15 August 2012)."Collectible Classic: 1971–1979 Fiat 128".Automobile Magazine.
  9. ^"Fiat 128, the car that inspired the birth of the Golf".La Stampa. March 30, 2017.
  10. ^abBecker, Clauspeter (1971), Logoz, Arthur (ed.), "Fiat 128",Auto-Universum 1971(in German),XIV,Zürich, Switzerland: Verlag Internationale Automobil-Parade AG: 88
  11. ^abcWard, Phil (June 2007),Great Small Fiats,Veloce Press, pp. 58–59,ISBN978-1-845841-33-1
  12. ^"Dante Giacosa".Fiat 500 USA.
  13. ^Becker,p. 79
  14. ^"1969-1984 FIAT 128 Saloon".Classic and Performance Car. Archived fromthe originalon 2014-04-08.It's the recipe for technical orthodoxy that has since been adopted by the entire industry.
  15. ^abcdAll the Fiats(5 ed.). Rozzano: EditorialeDomus. 1996.
  16. ^"Fiat 128" Once more a winner "".The Motor:23–28. 4 April 1970.
  17. ^abcdefgFiat—Tutti i modelli del Novecento,pp. 26–27.
  18. ^ab"La 128 Rally".Autosprint(in Italian).XI(9): 44. 1 March 1971.
  19. ^abFiat—Tutti i modelli del Novecento,pp. 56.
  20. ^"Per una guida giovane la" 128 "versione rally"[For the young drivers, the "128" rally].Stampa Sera(in Italian). 10 March 1971. p. 8.Retrieved9 March2017.
  21. ^abcdefg"I nuovi Coupé Fiat 128 veloci, economici, sicuri".La Stampa(in Italian). 6 November 1971. p. 20.Retrieved8 February2016.
  22. ^abcdBernabò, Ferruccio (10 October 1971)."II nuovo Coupé Fiat 128 Sport"[The new Fiat 128 Sport Coupé].La Stampa(in Italian). p. 11.Retrieved8 February2016.
  23. ^ab"Da sbalordire le 128" esse ""[The astonishing 128" S "].Autosprint(in Italian).XI(48): 41. 26 November 1971.
  24. ^"Coche Argentino - Fiat_128".
  25. ^Vasiljević, Zlata (2015-11-29)."Poslednja „zastava" odlazi iz Sombora "[The last Zastava leaves Sombor].Blic(in Serbian). Archived fromthe originalon 2024-05-25.
  26. ^Wright, Cedric, ed. (August 1978). "Fiat 128-1300 half-ton pick-up".CAR (South Africa).Vol. 22, no. 7. Ramsay, Son & Parker (Pty) ltd. p. 55.
  27. ^"The Marketplace: Moretti 128 Cabriolet".theretromobilist.Archived fromthe originalon 29 June 2015.Retrieved27 June2015.
  28. ^(Italian WP entry)
  29. ^http:// trombinoscar /concept/se770100.jpg[bare URL image file]
  30. ^All the Fiats.EditorialeDomus. 1996. p. 552.

Bibliography

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  • Fiat—Tutti i modelli del Novecento.Vol. II. Editoriale Domus. 2010.
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