From the same guy who perfected front-wheel drive in compact cars, and that other guy who built several of Ferrari’s F1 V12 engines, came the Fiat 128. Dante Giacosa and Aurelio Lampredi conspired to upstage BMC’s Mini with a new family-oriented compact. Development kicked off in the mid-1960s, and the result was launched in 1969 as a two- or four-door sedan. An estate followed, then the coupé in 1972. More than 3 million 128s were made all over the world, until the last of its kind rolled out of a Serbian factory in 2010. Here on craigslist is this 1977 Fiat 128, in what the seller terms “excellent” condition. The price is $17,995, and the car is located in Wilmington, Delaware. Thanks to Tony Primo for the great tip!
The Lampredi-designed 1290 cc inline four is mounted transversely forward of the front axle; the four-speed manual sits right beside it and drives the front wheels. This arrangement gave Fiat bragging rights: its ads stated that only 20% of the car’s space was absorbed by its mechanical bits, while 80% was left for occupants and luggage. The little engine generated at least 70 hp, with more to be had by changing carburetors. Top speed hovered around 98 mph. The seller notes that this Fiat’s fuel pump, lines, and tank have been replaced. As an asterisk to the claim of “excellent condition”, I’d want to know what the fluff is in the lower left of this photo. I’ve seen an awful lot of rodent nests that look suspiciously similar.
The interior photos show nearly every inch of the interior – except a full view of the driver’s seat. Clever! Meanwhile, what we do see could be dramatically improved by a thorough cleaning. The passenger’s side inside door handle is damaged, and finding a replacement could be tricky: while 128 performance parts are plentiful, trim bits are rare. Speaking of parts, this Fiat comes with a few boxes of extras.
The paint is decent, the views we are given show a straight body, and the color combination is attractive. But Fiats started rusting on their way off the factory floor, and I think I see corrosion along the lower edge of the passenger’s side rocker. Then there’s the matter of price, which is “holy cow” high. This beautiful coupé – sans mouse nest – sold just a couple of months ago for $5900. As much as I like downmarket Italian cars (X1/9, 124, all 850s), and this car’s rarity is in its favor, I’d find it hard to justify a trip to check on the rocker rust, if I couldn’t first negotiate a lower price. What do you think?
When I was a kid visiting family in Italy most summers, these adorable little cars were everywhere. They were considered a more serious daily driver than the cartoonishly cute Fiat 500 that looked like a toy. They were fairly quick and fun to drive for short money back then..so sad to see then disappearing
Back in the 70s my Cousin she had a blue one. A where she lived in Mt. Kisco NY there were some serious back roads. That 128 would make a Mini Cooper cry!! 😂. She would be shifting those gears going around turns that read 20 mph we were doing 50 plus. That little Fiat kick butt on those roads. I was really impressed how well it handled without tipping over. But with all Fiats back then the tin worm ate it!! We should of undercoat the little guy. Maybe it would of lasted longer. This is in great shape and is fun to drive. Best thing is great on gas. You can get 100hp if you know what to do. That would be plenty in this 128. I remember when I was young these were in Ralley races. The price may seem a little high. But if you know ,about Fiats its worth it. Good luck to the next owner. 🇺🇸🐻
My Dad stopped daily driving his 1974 Buick Electra 225 in 1975 for one of these in olive (avocado??) green. His was a two door hatchback, and he loved it’s peppiness. He wasn’t a small man, and yet there was plenty of room inside for him (although he looked a lot like Mr. Incredible driving his little commuter car – stuffed inside of it. The mpg was all the reason in the world to drive it instead of that big 455ci. Sacrificed ride for better mileage was the mantra in those days!
Ridiculous price for an econo-squat box. The reason that they’re so rare today is that they dissolve with rust. Funnily enough, I still have the box of shims and 2 different tools to swap them for the 128s and 124s.
They just did not last long on Toronto roads back in the day in the winter,they got eaten fast and few if any survived.A car designed for a milder Europe stood no chance in a harsh Canada.My mother had a 124 Spider and it lasted only 2 years before it started to rot away.Salt is not an Italian cars friend..lol
Another little foreign car that I thought was cool when I was growing up. Wonder if I could keep the pedals straight with my 15Es? Ah, fun to try.
My girlfriend at the time bought a brand new turquoise 1977 Fiat 128 . Fun car to drive . Fairly quick for such a tiny engine. Small gas tank , great gas mileage compared to my V8 powered Buick. It spent many days at the Fiat dealer waiting for warranty repairs . Clutch died before it reached 6000 miles.
They gave her a loaner car , another Fiat 128 while waiting for parts. She went off the road and totaled that car. They gave her a Fiat 124 loaner car. That car started making funny noises . The dealer used a brand new car off the lot for parts to fix hers. They were so sorry to have sold her a Fiat 128. Fun times.
I had a friend who had one that he gave to me because he got so fed up with the problems, electrical and mechanical.
His last straw was when the motor fell out going over a bump.
I gave him 500 bucks for it, beefed up the rear motor mount, cleaned all the fuses and replaced all of the relays, and it was a happy little camper after that.
If it had A/C, I would have kept it.