The introduction of the FIAT 127 caused a real publicity storm. International car journalists wrote highly about the model. After its entry as “Car of the Year”, production figures rose sharply.
You won't hear a bad word from Paul about the FIAT 127 - and that's not so surprising. After all, he drives the refined Brasil version with a mileage of only 33.000!
FIAT 147 DO BRASIL
The FIAT 127 shares its bodywork with the Brazilian model known there under the type number 147. Within the FIAT series, this was the fourth and last type. With the sloping bonnet and larger rear lights, the car got a more modern look.
The FIAT 127 has proven itself for years as one of the most successful cars in its class. Paul bought the model in 2011 – initially as a second family car. It (after all, Italian cars are feminine?) turned out to be reliable, economical and cheap to maintain.
Brief history of the Fiat 127
Paul: “I was already interested in the small dwarf cars from the 50s, such as the BMW Isetta, Goggo and Messerschmitt. At that time, young Europeans dreamed of their own means of transport. Some could afford a shiny automobile, others had to make do with a moped, scooter or motorcycle. I think that is where my interest in the special models of FIAT originated.
I bought a 500 FIAT 1974 that I modified with some wider tires and a slightly tuned engine. I also bought a FIAT 126 that I kept original. That was in the 80s and 90s – the heyday of two-cylinder engines. After a few cars with three-cylinder engines, the first four-cylinder eventually came into the picture: the FIAT 127.”
Fiat 127 Disappeared from the streets
Paul: “When I bought it, my FIAT 127 was already 25 years old and had almost disappeared from the streets. The mass cars of that time were of course the VW Beetle and the 2CV – the Ugly Duckling. After a technical service, the 127 turned out to drive without any problems and to keep up well in traffic.
The only real problem arose years later: a broken windscreen. New windows were no longer available, and there was no 127 club anymore. But coincidence or luck – I found a window with two brothers who both owned a 127, including spare parts. Talk about luck!”
The Fiat 127 is a nice four-seater
Paul: "It is a small, but extremely fine four-seater. Compact on the outside, exceptionally spacious on the inside. The interior is elegant and the finishing level is high. Our 38-year-old hobby car is only used on summer days, and normally sleeps in the garage under a blanket.
We visit events where we get a lot of comments. When I'm on the road with my wife Simone, the interior still feels pleasant and comfortable. The beautifully upholstered seats provide a lot of support and are still great after hours of driving. And despite its middle age, it is still spirited and fast.
Thumbs up, signaling with the lights and the cheerful honking of fellow road users – it sounds like music to our ears.”
Extremely popular
Would you like to take a trip down memory lane with us? At the back of the parcel shelf are a few things that have long since been forgotten: the crocheted toilet roll hat – handy for blowing your nose, cleaning windows or wiping children's faces. The first aid tin for minor ailments. And of course the dog with the nodding head.
An accessory that has also been forgotten: the photo frame on the dashboard, with the inscription: “Think of me!” The hula-hoop girl on the dashboard is still missing – that would be too distracting in busy traffic these days.
Events
Paul: “At events, our FIAT 127 is regularly captured on mobile phones. The Italian bodywork is still appreciated and now, on days like these, contributes to keeping the mobile past alive.
I admit that I like to pass on history. Presenting is also telling the story behind the car. The proud feeling of ownership – perhaps even a tribute to the creativity of the designers.”
Keeping the hobby alive
Everyone gives their own interpretation to the car hobby. Paul and Simone want to keep the past alive with their beautiful FIAT 127, which they have owned for 14 years. It enriches their hobby life, with the added bonus of the connection with other enthusiasts. Could it be better?
Perhaps also interesting to read?
(The photos continue below.)
The 127 is the successful Italian variant of a collaboration with Citroen to come to a small middle class. The collaboration was already technically very difficult but certainly also at the management level it went wrong. Something with Egos in Paris and Turin. A separation seemed inevitable, both technically and in the life cycle they went their own way.
Cliffhanger: the Fiat 127 was an instant success, the Citroen (?) became (much) later a millstone.
Great fun cars,,s ..I have had several of which the 127 sport was of course the favorite. Experienced many adventures with it including with a folding caravan behind it to Italy in '87. Also this Brazilian version as the last in exactly the same color..'86 if I remember correctly
What a drama that car, the only nice thing about it was the bag on the left door. My wife had driven a used, Italian, 127 with great pleasure and in 1986 it was time for a new one. The misery started with, under warranty, a new clutch and door lock, then rust on the sharp parts such as the top of the doors. Asked the ANWB to measure the thickness of the paint, conclusion on the surfaces just right, so on the edges too thin but I can't measure that so can't prove it so no report. Then, just a year old, the leak came, after every shower the mat was soaking wet. In September '87 the thing was quickly traded in for a Matra Murena 2.2, not exactly a car we were looking for but we had to do something and the trade-in was favorable. But it couldn't have happened better, no more leaks, no rust and apart from the wearing parts only the exhaust replaced once, I still have it.
We had a 127 with the 1100 engine and it ran beautifully, dressed up a bit sporty, etc. We sold it because we could buy a Ford Escort XR3 for a few cents.
The 127 was certainly not the first Fiat with a 4-cylinder engine. The 600 and the 850 also had a water-cooled 4-cylinder. I got my driver's license in the 850 and my first car was a 127 special. New out of the box. In the beginning only available in the colors bronze metallic and silver metallic. Wonderful cars. Only your left leg got stuck because the wheel arch was quite in the way.
Here in Brazil there are still plenty of nice cars driving around, I think
But also here we know about prices, you pay around 5000 real for a poorly maintained copy
well, about the ugliest 127, and the worst.
I only bought the 903 versions, at least the engine was still usable.
In 1983 I test drove a Seat Fura (identical to the 127) at a dealer
In the end I didn't buy this one because the dealer was nagging me that the old-fashioned Fura was going out of production and I could better focus on the new Ibiza that would be introduced soon.
The 127/Fura was a nice model.