Fiat 128
Template:Short description Template:Infobox automobile
The Fiat 128 is a transverse front-engine, front wheel drive small family car manufactured and marketed by Fiat from 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 the Fiat X1/9 sports car.
With engineering by Dante Giacosa and engine design by Aurelio Lampredi,<ref name="lampredi" /> the 128 was noted for its relatively roomy passenger and cargo volume — enabled by a breakthrough innovation to the front-engine, front-drive layout which became the layout "adopted by virtually every other manufacturer in the world" for front-wheel drive.<ref name=Brick01>Template:Cite book</ref> Fiat promoted in its advertising that mechanical features consumed only 20% of the vehicle's volume.<ref name="lampredi" />
Named European Car of the Year in 1970,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> over three million were ultimately manufactured.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In 2012 automotive journalist Jamie Kitman called the 128 a "pioneer of the small cars we drive today."<ref name="ref128">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
DevelopmentEdit
With engineering by Dante Giacosa and engine design by Aurelio Lampredi,<ref name="lampredi" /> the 128 was noted for its relatively roomy passenger and cargo volume — enabled by a breakthrough innovation to the front-engine, front-drive layout which became the layout "adopted by virtually every other manufacturer in the world" for front-wheel drive.<ref name=Brick01/> Giorgetto Giugiaro noted that in 1970, Volkswagen completely dismantled a Fiat 128, recognizing it as the reference for their forthcoming Golf.<ref name="stampa">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Fiat promoted in its advertising that Enzo Ferrari drove a 128 as his personal vehicle."<ref name="lampredi" />
Fiat built an entirely new plant in Rivalta, north-west of Turin, specifically to manufacture the new 128.<ref name="AU71">Template:Citation</ref> In all, 2,776,000 sedans and wagons were built in Italy, plus 330,800 coupés and 3Ps.<ref name=Greats>Template:Citation</ref>
Front drive innovationEdit
Front-wheel drive had previously been introduced to small, inexpensive cars by BMC, firstly with the Mini in 1959 and then with the larger 1100/1300 series in 1962. During the mid-1960s, Fiat set about designing a new car to compete with the latter. The BMC design of Alec Issigonis had 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.<ref name="dante1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Fiat 128's arrangement had numerous differences. As engineered by Dante Giacosa, it featured a transverse-mounted engine with 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, the Primula from its less market-critical subsidiary, Autobianchi.<ref name="AU71.9">Becker, p. 79</ref> 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 potential torque 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<ref name="lampredi" /> and arguably an industry standard.<ref name="octane">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The layout was sufficiently flexible that Fiat reconfigured the 128 drive-train as a mid-engined layout for the Fiat X1/9.
DesignEdit
The all new 1.1 litre Fiat SOHC engine, engineered by noted engine designer Aurelio Lampredi, featured an iron block mated to an aluminum head along with a belt-driven single overhead camshaft.<ref name="lampredi">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
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.<ref name="lampredi" />
Initially, the 128 was available as a two-door or four-door sedan. At the 1970 Turin Motor Show a three-door station wagon model called "Familiare" was added to the line-up.<ref name="AU71" /> On launch, the car was only available with a 1116 cc engine with Template:Cvt, or Template:Cvt in USA.<ref name="ATF96">Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Rp<ref name="lampredi" />
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.<ref name="ATF96" />Template:Rp 1974 saw the launch of the 128 Special, with rectangular headlights, chrome accents, extra equipment, better seats and upholstery, plus availability of a 1290 cc engine, producing Template:Cvt.<ref name="ATF96" />Template:Rp
In 1976, the sedan and stationwagon received a proper facelift with 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" and received a single rear side window of a somewhat smaller area than the earlier split unit.<ref name="ATF96" />Template:Rp
Production of all 128s except that of the base 1,100 cc powered model ended in 1979 after the introduction of the Fiat Ritmo/Strada in 1978. In 1980 production of the small three-door station wagon Panorama was dropped from the range and 128 production finally ended in 1985.<ref name=Greats/>
Road testEdit
The British "Motor" magazine tested a Fiat 128 in April 1970, shortly after its UK launch. The car had a top speed of Template:Convert and accelerated from 0-Template:Convert in 15.5 seconds. An "overall" fuel consumption of Template:Convert was recorded. This put it fractionally behind the contemporary Morris 1300 on maximum speed but usefully ahead on acceleration. The two were closely matched on fuel economy, where both were outrun by the Ford Escort 1300 Super also 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.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The 128 went on sale on the UK market around the same time as the Rootes Group's Hillman Avenger, and shortly before the Vauxhall Viva was transformed from its second generation to its third generation. The market leader in this sector at the time was British Leyland's 1100 and 1300 range. 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 of Datsun, Renault and Volkswagen being particularly successful.
VariantsEdit
128 RallyEdit
Template:Infobox automobile The Fiat 128 Rally was a sporty, 1.3-litre-engined version of the 128 two-door saloon, introduced at the 41st Geneva Motor Show in March 1971<ref name="Autosprint Rally">Template:Cite journal</ref> and produced up to 1974.Template:Sfn However, the model, uniquely in the 4-door body style, was introduced to the South African market from 1974 onward, as a locally-built model until its replacement in 1978 with the updated "South Africa-only" Rally model based on the 128 second series sedan. The 1978 South African update was based on the 4-door "Comfort" model (2nd series) but equipped with a twin choke carburettor and a redesigned inlet manifold to give it more power than the standard models, recording 53.4 KW (73 HP) power. In the interior, the model featured "sporty" bucket front seats with head restraints. Color-coordinated stripping accentuated the front seats as part of the "sporty" flair. Externally, the model came with three-color "waistline" stripes on either side of the vehicle, rectangular halogen spotlights fitted on the front bumper, front and boot spoilers, wider tires (165/70 SR3), and in three body colors, namely, bright red, yellow, and white.
Compared to the regular 128's 1,116 cc four-cylinder engine, the Rally's type 128 AR engine had been bored out 6 mm to 86 mm—while keeping the 55.5 mm stroke—for a total displacement of Template:Convert.<ref name="Autosprint Rally" /> There was also a twin-choke Weber 32 DMTR carburettor, revised valve timing and a slightly higher 8.9:1 compression ratio. Engine output was now Template:Convert at 6,200 rpm and Template:Convert of torque at 4,000 rpm.Template:Sfn Other mechanical improvements were the addition of a vacuum servo, an engine protection plate, better tyres, new gear ratios for the 4-speed transmission, a higher capacity battery and an alternator in place of the dynamo).Template:Sfn
,_Dutch_licence_registration_AL-01-63_pic4.JPG){kind=link}
Several 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; and halogen headlamps and bumper-mounted auxiliary lamps. A curious feature of the 128 Rally for the South African market was that it was based on the four-door sedan rather than the two-door. Otherwise, it was identical in appearance to overseas model. At the rear of the 128 Rally, dual round tail lamps replaced the square ones found on the regular two-door 128. As part of the sporty look, stripes adorned the side sills, while "Rally" badging ornamented the front bonnet and boot lid.
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.<ref name="lastampa rally">Template:Cite news</ref>
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.Template:Sfn
Template:Anchor128 Coupé and 3PEdit
Template:Infobox automobile At the 53rd Turin Motor Show of 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.<ref name="lastampa coupé october" /> It was produced until 1975, but in latter years sales were dropping off considerably in favor of the mid-engined X1/9. 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.<ref name=Greats/> "3P" stands for Tre 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.<ref name="lastampa coupé october" /> 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-piece exhaust manifold. The 1100 (1,116 cc) produced Template:Convert at 6,000 rpm and Template:Convert at 3,800 rpm, while the 1300 (1,290 cc) produced Template:Convert at 6,600 rpm and Template:Convert at 3,800 rpm.<ref name="lastampa coupé november" /> Top speed was over Template:Convert and Template:Convert respectively.<ref name="lastampa coupé november" /> The 128 3P was also assembled by SEAT in Spain as the SEAT 128, Spanish cars were fitted with engines from the 124.
Compared with the 128 saloon, the coupé had a Template:Convert shorter wheelbase (at Template:Convert),<ref name="lastampa coupé october">Template:Cite news</ref> and tracks 20 mm wider at the front and 45 mm narrower at the rear.<ref name="Autosprint coupé">Template:Cite journal</ref> Suspension was the familiar all-independent 128 layout—save for the front anti-roll bar, which had been replaced by radius rods.<ref name="Autosprint coupé" /> The braking system consisted of discs at the front and drums at the rear; it was made more efficient by fitting smaller diameter front discs and the front and the vacuum servo first used on the 128 Rally.<ref name="lastampa coupé october" />
- Fiat 128 Coupe.jpg
Fiat 128 Coupé SL
- Fiat 128 3p - Auto Italia Brooklands May 2009 (3497007414).jpg
Fiat 128 3P
- Fiat 128 ar.jpg
Fiat 128 3P "Berlinetta" (3-door coupé)
Licensed productionEdit
ArgentinaEdit
In Argentina, the 128 was produced from 1971 to 1990 by Sevel Argentina as a four-door sedan or five-door wagon, the Fiat 128 Rural, the latter unique to Argentina.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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 the Fiat Super Europa.
- Fiat 128 Rural.jpg
Fiat 128 Rural 5-door
- Fiat Super Europa CL 1990.JPG
Fiat 128 Super Europa
- 1988 Fiat Super Europa 1.3.jpg
Rear view of 1988 Fiat Super Europa 1.3
ColombiaEdit
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 as Fiat 128 L, with a 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine. Starting in 1978, a version with a 1.1-liter engine called the Fiat 128 San Remo was also offeredTemplate:Citation needed.
EgyptEdit
Until 2009, CKD kits from Zastava were manufactured by Egypt's Nasr car company as the Nasr 128.<ref name="italiaspeed" />
- Nasr Fiat128 Auto1.JPG
Nasr 128
- Mosque of sultan al zahir baybars.jpg
A couple of Nasr 128 in front of the Mosque of sultan al zahir baybars, El Cairo
PolandEdit
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 the Zastava 1100p by FSO between 1971 and 1976Template:Citation needed.
- Zastava1100p.jpg
Zastava 1100p
Template:Anchor Yugoslavia/SerbiaEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The 128 formed the basis of the Zastava 128 (four-door sedan) and Zastava 101 (three-door and five-door hatchbacks) ranges of cars manufactured by the "Zastava Automobili" company in Yugoslavia (later Serbia). 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 remained popular until the end of production and was the Yugoslav automaker's most affordable model.
Regular production ended in November 2008 after Fiat purchased the Zastava factory in Kragujevac, however production of the pick up variant Zastava Poly continued in very limited numbers at the Zastava Special Automobiles factory (156 cars built in the last year) until December 2010.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- FCC Poděbrady 2017 29a. Zastava 1100 (cropped).jpg
Zastava 101 (early model, front)
- FCC Poděbrady 2017 29b. Zastava 1100.jpg
Zastava 101 (early model, rear)
- Zastava 128 Skala 55 in Kladovo, front view.jpg
Zastava 128 (later model, front)
- Zastava 128 Skala 55 in Kladovo, rear view.jpg
Zastava 128 (later model, rear)
- Zastava Yugo 311 1116cc.jpg
Zastava Yugo Skala 55 (known as 311/313 in the United Kingdom)
- Zastava Skala Poly 01.jpg
Zastava Skala Pick-Up marketed as "Zastava Poly", made in Sombor
South AfricaEdit
The idea of a pickup version of the Fiat 128 first came to fruition on the recommendation of Fiat's local manufacturing operation in South Africa. The model was intended to be a "South Africa-only" model, but it soon inspired similar but distinct models overseas, like the Zastava variant in Yugoslavia. By Dr. Mario Barbieri's account, then managing director of Fiat South Africa, "Fiat South Africa put forward suggestions for the pick-up to Turin head-office, and development work began according to local specifications. The first prototype was ready in September 1977. During a recent visit to Italy, South African Fiat dealers examined this vehicle and contributed some ideas to its suitability for our market, such as a fuel tank capacity of over 50 liters."<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
The pickup was derived from the 128 station wagon and was rated for a payload of Template:Cvt. As per dealer demands, the fuel tank was enlarged to Template:Cvt.<ref name=CarZA778>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
SpainEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} In Spain, SEAT manufactured the 3P coupé as the SEAT 128 3P. It was available with two engine options from the 124 engine family, the 1.2-litre and the more powerful and well-known 1430 engine from the SEAT 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.
- Seat128 EHUn.jpg
SEAT 128 3P
- Seat128 Algortan.jpg
SEAT 128 3P
Sri LankaEdit
In Sri Lanka, the Fiat 128 was manufactured by the Upali Motor Company until 1978Template:Citation needed. This car was commonly known as the Upali Fiat in Sri Lanka.
Cars developed from FIAT 128Edit
Fiat X1/9Edit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The Fiat X1/9 is a two-seater mid-engined sports car designed by Bertone and manufactured by Fiat from 1972 to 1982 and subsequently by Bertone from 1982 to 1989.
Designed around the Fiat SOHC engine and transmission from the front wheel drive Fiat 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 a mid-engined layout. With a transverse engine and gearbox in a mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive configuration, the X1/9 was noted for its balanced handling.
- Nationale oldtimerdag Zandvoort 2010, 1978 FIAT X1-9, 51-VV-18 pic2.JPG
1978 Fiat X1/9 (Europe)
- 1978 Fiat X1.9 in white, rear left.jpg
1978 Fiat X1/9 (US market)
Moretti 128Edit
The Moretti Motor Company of Turin, Italy produced the Fiat 128-based Moretti 128 in coupé and cabriolet versions.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Built in the plants of via Monginevro in 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.<ref>(Italian WP entry)</ref>
- Moretti128Roadster.jpg
Moretti 128 Coupé
- Moretti 1971 schräg.JPG
Moretti 128 Targa
Sears XDH-1Edit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Sears XDH-1 is an experimental electric car built 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 an electric motor.<ref>http://www.trombinoscar.com/concept/se770100.jpg Template:Bare URL image</ref>
Fiat ESV 2000Edit
The ESV 2000 is an Experimental Safety Vehicle that 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. The ESV 2000's weight was 360 kg (794 lbs) higher than that of the original 128.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Fiat ESV 2000.jpg
ESV 2000
ReferencesEdit
NotesEdit
BibliographyEdit
External linksEdit
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