When I was a lad, one of my most prized possessions was a 1:24 scale diecast model of a Fiat 128 Rally Car. It featured big wheels, simulated mud splatters, and I could swap the normal wheels and tires for the studded mud tires mounted on its roof rack. Therefore, I have always held a fond affection for the 128. This 1974 example was imported from Belgium to its current location two years ago, and while it has been converted into a Race Car, it has only faced the green flag once. It presents well and is ready for action with a new owner behind the wheel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Araknid78 for spotting the Fiat listed here on eBay in Caldwell, New Jersey. The auction opened at $10,000, but there have been no bids as it heads into its final hours.
Launched in 1969, the Fiat 128 represented another example of a European manufacturer producing a very small car with impressive interior space. Like the legendary Mini, the 128 featured a transverse four-cylinder engine driving the front wheel, with enough interior room to accommodate four adults. This 1974 example arrived from Belgium in 2024, and it presents beautifully. The seller has invested a considerable sum into this classic, and it shows. The dazzling red paint is excellent, cloaking panels that are as straight as an arrow. The seller supplies a couple of underside shots, confirming that this Fiat is rock-solid. Enormous fender flares cover significantly larger wheels and tires, while the trim and glass are spotless.
Fiat wasn’t the first manufacturer to produce a car with a transverse engine sending its power to the front wheels. It is now a widely adopted industry standard, improving packaging efficiency and increasing interior space. This car would have left the line with a 1,290cc powerplant under the hood, and if the exterior “Rally” badges are accurate, the motor delivered 66hp and 65 ft/lbs of torque. The listing indicates that the motor’s capacity is now 1.5-liters, and that means that this four could have started life in an X1/9. If so, that would provide an immediate power boost to 89hp, although with the obvious upgrades to carburetors and other components, I think we can aim much higher. The power and torque will probably still be quite modest, but with the featherweight 128 tipping the scales at around 1,800 lbs, it should provide entertaining performance. It is unclear whether the car features a four-speed or a five-speed manual transmission, but either would work effectively with this engine. The seller confirms that this Fiat is a racer, but has only had one start. It appears it is a turnkey proposition, and the upgrades and modifications are verified via receipts and invoices.
This Fiat’s interior reflects its competition leanings. There are body-hugging bucket seats, racing harnesses, a sturdy roll bar, a suede-wrapped wheel, and no carpet, sound deadening, or upholstery. The dash is devoid of luxury features, with every spare spot occupied by gauges monitoring the car’s mechanical health. It would be noisy when the driver cranks the motor into life, but since their focus would be on maximizing performance, the builder shed every excess ounce to help the car’s cause. The overall presentation is tidy, and if the buyer elected to return this Fiat to our roads, fitting carpet and sound deadener would make it more civilized. Otherwise, this gem is ready for track action.
This 1974 Fiat 128 is a sweet Italian classic with many strengths. Perhaps its greatest isn’t the performance gains from the mechanical modifications, but its rust-free status. It would be a rewarding Track Day car, but returning it to active service on our roads should be relatively straightforward. It has generated moderate interest since it hit the market, and I’m surprised it hasn’t received any bids. Perhaps people are waiting until the final minutes before making their move. Do you think that could be the case?
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