Tag Archives: 128

1974 Fiat 128

Just because it's Italian doesn't mean it has to break the bank, and for every Ferrari ever imagined, designed and sold, it was cars like the Fiat 128 that were paying the bills. Sure, they're not particularly glamorous and many have stories about their less than stellar reliability, but perhaps in large part because of the nature of the 128, few remain in great condition today - especially in the U.S. Today's 1974 bucks that tradition, though:

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Year: 1974
Model: 128
Engine: 1.3 liter inline-4
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 11,827 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1974 Fiat 128

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THIS FIAT WAS PURCHASED ON EBAY FROM AN ESTATE SALE IN ARIZONA. THE ORIGINAL OWNER DROVE THE CAR FOR 10 YEARS BEFORE HE PASSED AWAY. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE CAR WAS PUT INTO COVERED STORAGE FOR THE NEXT 28 YEARS UNTIL IT WAS PURCHASED. AS A RESULT THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE A SPECK OF RUST ON IT. TOTALLY RUST FREE! TO SAY THAT ABOUT A VINTAGE FIAT IS REMARKABLE.

THE ONLY THINGS TO REALLY TAKE A BEATING FROM SUCH LONG STORAGE IN DRY DESERT AIR WAS THE INTERIOR....THE SEATING, CARPET, PANELING, AND SOME UNUSED COMPONENTS OF .THE ENGINE, SUCH AS THE CARBURETOR, DISTRIBUTOR, AND WIRING. FOR THIS REASON NUMEROUS ITEMS WERE REPLACED OR RENEWED.

THE LIST INCLUDES: NEW SEATS, NEW CARPETS, NEW PANELING, NEW EXTERIOR PAINT JOB, NEW CARBURETOR, NEW DISTRIBUTOR, NEW BATTERY, NEW ENGINE WIRING, NEW STARTER MOTOR, NEW FUEL PUMP, NEW BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, NEW BRAKE CALIPERS, NEW STEERING RACK, NEW AXLE BOOTS OUTER AND INNER, NEW ALIGNMENT, NEW HORNS, NEW SPARK PLUGS, PLUG WIRES, AIR FILTER, AND OIL FILTER TO MAKE FOR A NEAT PERFECT RESTORATION.

THIS CAR IS MEANT FOR THE SERIOUS FIAT 128 ENTHUSIAST ONLY. HAPPY BIDDING!

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Certainly, this is the best condition 128 we've seen in some time; with a restoration it looks great and ready to roll. I love the color combination, and while certainly this isn't the most desirable Fiat it's admirable that it is in this condition. While the supercars get the headlines, I've found that often enthusiasts get excited to see a mint condition economy car from back in the day. This is an affordable way to get into classic Italian motoring, and I bet more people would love to see you roll up to a show in this than a Ferrari 348!

-Carter

1970 Fiat 128

The Fiat 128 was the car that pioneered front-wheel drive at Fiat. Voted European car of the year in 1970, the 128 pioneered unequal length driveshafts and was praised in the motoring press for it's handling and braking performance. It wasn't a very fast car, but the Aurelio Lampredi designed 1.1 liter, SOHC four cylinder was a rather advanced engine for the day, with an aluminum head and rubber timing belt. Over three million 128s were manufactured until production was halted in 1985, after which, the 128 lived on under license by a multitude of companies. The last company to produce a 128 derivative was Zastava, which ceased production in 2001. Like many Italian cars of the era, rust was a constant issue. This 128 for sale in Florida has recently been imported from Europe and was recently repainted, with rust issues being addressed, which included the rustproofing of the undercarriage.

1970 Fiat 128

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1970 Fiat 128. One owner original european car. Original 89,400km (ca 56,400 miles). I bought it myself in Europe from the first owner (retired high school teacher). I have the original european registration which shows it is a one owner vehicle. When I bought the car it still had the original paint with some small rust spots. The car was garaged her entire life. The pictures 15 & 18 shows the car original ad. Everything was original. It is a very rare unmolested car.

We just repaired the rust spots, replaced the sill panels and painted the car, using the original color code. Some pictures show this process. We dissambled the car for professional painting. Doors, hood, lid, trims, moldings, door handles were removed before the painting. The underbody was also cleaned, repaired and rustproofed. Interior is all original except the floor carpet. The original rubber cannot be fixed. Now has carpeted floor.

The seats, door panels, headlinerare original. Engine compartment still has the original factory paint (and stickers). Very hard to find a 42 year old Fiat (or any italian car) in this original condition, Most of them are rusted or modified during years. This car isn't fully restored, because not required. It is original (except the listed jobs plus, timing belt, and maintance items). In 1970 the Fiat 128 was the car of the year (1966 was another Fiat, the 124).

It has a 1.1 liter OHC engine, paired with a 4 speed manual transmission. Power is 55hp net (measured by DIN norm). Top speed is 135 km/h (85mph). It has just arrived last week to the USA. The custom held the container for 2 weeks for inspection and they charged $1,200 for inspection and storage. Now she has clear Florida title, but I still have the original European registration, copy of the European title (original must be submitted to DMV), copy of the custom clearance and Seaway bill. I'm selling with a reasonable reserve (just the shipping and custom cost more then $2,000).

If you would like to own a piece of Italian car history this is your chance. I believe it is very hard to find another original 42 years Fiat. Once again this not a fully restored car. It is a well kept, well maintained car, with a new professional paint job, but it is still more then a 40 years old vehicle. I tried to keep the car in original and we just did the necessary works to be nice original Fiat for another 40 years. Beside this one I brought some more cars from Europe (1970 Alfa Giulia 1300Ti, 1985 Alfasud Sprint, maybe the only one in USA), which ones will be listed soon. Later I'll bring a 1982 Lancia Gamma Coupe Pininfarina and a 1975 Alfa GT 1300 Junior. If you looking for cars from Europe I can help to find and ship to USA.

For a car of the people, $7,500 certainly isn't a bargain, but the amount of bodywork that has gone into this car is heartening, not to mention it costs a decent bit of cash to import a vehicle to the US. Realistically, $5,000 to $6,000 is more along the lines of what this car might bring, as the closer you inch towards the $10,000 mark another classic Italian sedan comes into view: the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Hopefully this 128 finds an appreciating new owner, as this is one of the cars that brought motoring freedom to millions of Europeans over several decades.

-Paul