Fiat 128 (1969)

Produced starting in 1969, the Fiat 128 is considered one of the most revolutionary cars in automotive history. With this model, Dante Giacosa realized his vision of a transverse engine with front-wheel drive, creating a mechanical architecture that would set the global standard for compact cars.

The powertrain’s compact size created significantly more space in the passenger compartment, not only by eliminating the central tunnel but also by reducing the number of mechanical components—resulting in benefits for both weight and fuel efficiency. Thanks to this solution, the Fiat 128 was chosen as “Car of the Year 1970” and set the standard for the entire European automotive industry. It was produced in the Rivalta plant in Turin between 1969 and 1983 and until the 1990s in South America, Egypt, and Yugoslavia.

• Manufacturer: Fiat (Italy)
• Production Years: 1969–1985 (Italy); later under license until the 2000s
• Class: Small family car / compact car
• Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive (FF layout)
• Designer: Dante Giacosa (engineering); Mario Boano (styling)

Technical Specifications (1969 Fiat 128 Berlina)

• Engine:
  • Inline-4, SOHC, water-cooled
  • Displacement: 1,116 cc (initial version)
  • Power: 49 hp (DIN)
  • Later variants included 1.3L and 1.5L engines
• Transmission: 4-speed manual (some later models had 5-speed)
• Brakes: Front disc, rear drum
• Top Speed: Approx. 140 km/h (87 mph)
• Weight: ~800–850 kg (1,760–1,870 lbs)

The Fiat 128 was revolutionary because it was one of the first production cars with a transversely mounted engine driving the front wheels (a layout that would later become the global standard) The 128 featured rack-and-pinion steering, MacPherson strut suspension, and a light, spacious body. Fiat based the 128’s layout on the stillborn Autobianchi Primula, which served as a testbed.

Body Styles

• 2-door sedan
• 4-door sedan
• 3-door station wagon (Familiare)
• 2-door and 3-door hatchbacks (128 3P, later models)
• Coupes (Sport 128, 128 Rally)