As we touched on yesterday, the North American automotive players struggled in the 1970s to adapt to changing consumer demands. The Japanese automakers ultimately succeeded in taking on the domestics, but Italian car companies had a similar advantage - rather than shrinking down their offerings and downsizing their powertrains, they were simply loading their current products onto ships and delivering them to the North American market.
The Fiat 128 Coupe is a reasonably sized vehicle for personal use in Italy, where a contemporary Mustang would have met difficulty in navigating narrow and crowded streets. And its 1100cc SOHC 4-cylinder was a continuation of Fiat engineering success, rather than a rework of something from the European division, as was the Mustang's Lima 4-cylinder. Though less appreciated among enthusiasts today, the 128 brought front wheel drive to the market back in 1969, when American cars were roasting their rear tires with power from 800cfm double pumper carbs.
Year: 1973
Model: Fiat 128 Coupe
Engine: 1116cc 4-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 96,000km
Price: 7,500 €
Location: Casarano, Italy
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1973 Fiat 128 Coupe
Auto in perfette condizioni.1100 anno 1973.cerchi specchi marmitta Abarth.no perditempo .prezzo intrattabile 96 mila km originali.
The seller claims perfect condition on this example, and based on the photographs provided we have no reason to doubt that claim. The car shows a tidy engine compartment and an interior worn from use but in great shape. The Abarth muffler is a welcome upgrade that should open up the sound of the 1100cc mill nicely.
Available for sale in Italy, US buyers will need to arrange for shipping, which shouldn't add much more than $2,000 for the entire importation process. US enthusiasts have been very receptive to the Fiat 500 and its variants, and the 128 is a more useable improvement on that vehicle. A little bit more highway stability, some more acceleration and highway speed, and some cool 70s styling.
-Graham