Fiat 128. Revolution and eternal love

In 1969, Fiat showed the fruits of the completed Project X1 / 1. The Fiat 128 was ready, and made an overwhelming impression with the press. Not much later, the Italian was also crowned Car of the Year. The technology, the handy space layout (20% technology / 80% for the passengers and their luggage), the impressive driving characteristics and the elegant manner of sedan design were a hit. The front-wheel drive concept with a transverse engine and adjacent gearbox was masterful, as well as the chassis construction. The then VW boss Lotz was shocked and immediately indicated that Volkswagen had a lot to fear from the Fiat group. According to the Wolfsburger boss, that had taken a barely indispensable lead over the rest of the European car industry.

Fiat was probably also shocked by the car, which would cause a wave. Because the 128 could not be dragged on, it became extremely popular inside and outside of Italy. Fiat struggled to meet the 128 demand. There was also another reason that the 128 embarrassed Fiat. In relation to the 128, the law of the inhibiting lead meant that countless quality issues came to light. The electrical system, the poor build quality and rust were the main issues in the car, which quickly became Europe's best-selling.

Component supply

In addition, complaints of various kinds accumulated, including at a technical level. The first series, with the honeycomb grille, became a symbol of malheur. Despite the transversely placed lightweight engine with aluminum head and overhead camshaft, the first SOHC power source from Fiat. Despite the camshaft belt drive. Or thanks to. Because these matters also did not play into reliability. And then it turned out that the parts supply was substandard, and there were waiting times with regard to (sometimes expensive) repairs. Fiats priority was on time delivery of new cars. They were not sold to Fiat 128 riders of the first hour, because many people returned to the Beetle and the Kadett.

Renewed enthusiasm

Fiat tackled the problems of the first series, also introduced 1300 versions, expanded the model range with the rally, with the Coupé versions, and with the Special. That was necessary too, because water-cooled Volkswagen was eager to make use of the gap in Fiats' not fully fulfilled promise. Passat, Scirocco, Golf and Polo arrived. You know how it went. Fiat also sold quite a few 128 models, but it did not change the decision to let the five-door 128 shoot (an estimation error at the time). He continued to roll under license as Zastava. In 1976 a new improved 128 (the Nuova, you know it, that of the plastic bumpers, modified grille and interior, and substantially improved rust prevention) was presented.

No 128, but a GS

It was in that year that my parents decided to close the Fiat period. We had an 127 at home, and before that an earlier 127, an 850 and an 600 served as envoys from the Fiat era in the Van Putten home. The 128 was the next step for me, I was obsessed with that car. Small Ko Sturm, the neighbor, had one. The Polistil 128 rally adorned my cupboard. The ashtray of Fiat dealer Ellens in Emmeloord carried an image of a red two-door 128, first series. And the 128 was my seventies motor travel by peoples, the step from the 127 to the 128 was logical. It became a GS, van Citroën, and I have long after my father. I was sick of it, I pretended that Citroën was a Fiat. Comfort thought. Later everything was fine, my Citroën love took root, but I never forgot the 128. I longed for what I didn't ride for years to come. So my Rivette bike was my 128 for a few years. A rally, because it had something magical about it. Up to the present day. Yet always top ten.

First time in 128.

I drove a few times with the real 128. That first time, beginning of 1990, had something magical. I felt why I loved the 128 dearly. And now that I write this I feel it again. The sound, the driving dynamics, that extremely elegant design, that atmospheric interior, just as Italians can make an interior attractive. The space, the specific seating, the large glass surface, the sensuous feeling of the brochure I received from Ellens. The top of the rear window that was higher than the top of the side windows. It came loose. That first 128 ride freed me from chains, poor hair stood upright. That speedy 1100 block that was in the white two-door coach from 1973, I felt love forever. And I still feel it, the weakness is deep. Someday I want one.

Revolution and Wave

The 128. It is a miracle if you come across one in the street scene. But he's still there. Nurtured, preserved and well maintained by the true enthusiast, who finds himself in a very select group of other adepts. The 128. Despite the bad credentials of the first years, he lived on. A brilliant concept, a design that no one can find unsympathetic, not only a basis for various Italian cars, but also for the automotive industry inside and outside Europe. And he did not know how quickly she had to adopt the constructive principles of the 128. The Fiat 128 caused a wave blow that was unparalleled. He deserves respect, forever.