Info für Besucher ohne Javascript

Premium

Fiat 128 in the (historic) test - The second impression

This article was auto-translated. We apologize if some words are confusing or simply amusing. Would you like to help us improve?

Created on March 7, 1970

Text:

Engelbert Männer

Photos:

Fiat / FCA Group / Werk

3

Archiv

22

Fiat / FCA Group / Werk

3

Archiv

22

Fiat 128 (1969) - Pre-series car during test drives near the equator

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - available as a two- and four-door model

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - space for four people and luggage at only 3.85 m in length

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - Two-door model with fixed rear side windows

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - Stubby rear with large trunk but small load opening

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - front-wheel drive is an advantage not only on snow, but also on desert sand

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - good winter properties thanks to front-wheel drive and radial tires

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1969) - Pre-production model in a cold test north of the Arctic Circle

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - A light edge replaces the side trim strip

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 Familiare (1970) - most important combination novelty at the Salon - Geneva Motor Show 1970

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - Dashboard with four swivel air vents and timid wood inlay

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - space for four people, leatherette upholstery for an extra charge

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - Compact drive unit comprising engine, gearbox and front axle

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - longitudinal section of the engine

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - longitudinal section and side view of the four-speed gearbox

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - The front suspension

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - The rear suspension

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - The brakes: discs at the front, drums at the rear

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - The rack-and-pinion steering with safety steering column

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - longitudinal section

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - Interior dimensions

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - Exterior dimensions

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - Ventilation and heating of the passenger compartment

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - was often ordered in red

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 128 (1970) - also pretty in yellow

You have only

1 out of 25

images seen in high resolution

Summary

The Fiat 128 was launched on the West German market in the fall of 1969 as a half-finished clunker. Gross manufacturing defects and glaring technical weaknesses quickly ruined the reputation of the small saloon that had been so hopefully anticipated. Fiat quickly made improvements. How did the "disappointment of the year" of 1969 fare around six months later? This historical test report reveals the answer.

This article contains the following chapters

Defects in quality and workmanship
Overall good winter experience
Safe winter driving
Other minor annoyances
mot overall verdict
Plus points
Minus points

Estimated reading time: 9min

Preview (beginning of the article)

The Fiat 128 has been built since April 1969 and sold in Germany since September/October 1969. The Italian labor unrest in the summer/autumn of 1969 considerably hampered the start of sales and at times severely impaired quality. Around 12,000 cars have been delivered since the start of sales of the Fiat 128 in Germany. Many more were planned, but the labor unrest in Italy intervened. The 128 has only been delivered more quickly since December. Around 60,000 cars are to be sold in Germany in 1970, and every third Fiat is to be a 128 in future. It has a chance. Many buyers are focusing on it. See also our preview article "Agony of choice for a sophisticated little car" in issue 16/69. But it also raises strong doubts.

Welcome to Zwischengas!

Continue reading this article for free?

Images of this article

Source: