Fiat 128 coupe, which inspired the creators of the VW Golf

Given the separation of the socialist countries of Europe in many respects, one had to learn about automotive innovations from specialized magazines. True, some models were luckier. Soviet car enthusiasts learned approximately what a Fiat 124 or 125 looked like from the models of the Volzhsky plant.


But such a car as the Fiat 128 was known in Eastern Europe during the period of stagnation thanks to a Yugoslav copy sold under the Zastava brand. But it is worth noting that the original still had more to offer. After all, no one will argue about the high level of the Italian automobile industry of those times.


In 1969, the aging Fiat 1100 was in desperate need of a replacement. Fortunately, Type 128 appeared, which still looks quite good today. The body, with one or two pairs of doors, was designed directly by the company's chief designer, Dante Giacosa. Its main advantages were simple things at first glance:

✅ space with compact dimensions
✅ simplicity of the design itself
✅ practicality

Nevertheless, this was enough to win the hearts of future users. And not only them. In 1970, this modest development was awarded the high title of “European Car of the Year”. To build on the success, less than a year later the Italians introduced a sports version of the model, which we will describe in more detail below. For now, let’s return to the basic one, which had a number of know-how:

✅ first front-wheel drive Fiat
✅ independent McPherson suspension
✅ coil springs at the front
✅ front disc brakes

This element was able to easily tame a small and light machine. True, the trunk volume had low parameters - only 370 liters. And the transverse leaf shock absorbers continued to remain at the rear.

Technical equipment and successful modifications

The new product, in fact, in terms of its performance, did not capture the stars from the sky at all. But its authority can best be judged by one historical fact. Volkswagen has carefully considered the details of its design, taking inspiration from the design of the first generation Golf. The Fiat 128 engine performance also looked very modest:

✅ four-speed gearbox
✅ working volume - 1,1 l
✅ power - 55 liters. With

The maximum speed was a decent 140 km/h, and consumption was good even by today's standards - around 6 liters per 100 km. But the power reserve can hardly be called optimal, because the tank volume was only 38 liters.


It is not surprising that very soon Fiat expanded its offer with the Familiare three-door station wagon. It turned out to be slightly shorter than the sedan and 5 kg heavier. But the trunk has increased in volume by 30 liters. In addition, folding the rear seats made it three times larger. Taking into account the specifics of the layout, the modification was equipped with stiffer rear shock absorbers.

But the most interesting offer came from the Fiat 128 rally. It can be easily distinguished by its black mask, additional fog lights and alloy wheels. In the cabin, the crew received headrests, and a sports steering wheel was located in front of the driver. The performance of the power unit also increased: a 1,3-liter engine with 67 “horses” under the hood could accelerate the sedan to a very respectable 150 km/h.



Its higher performance was confirmed by the use of disc brakes and a spacious 50-liter fuel tank. The sports version existed in several configuration options. They could differ in a number of design elements:

✅ headlight shape
✅ radiator grille
✅ chrome body parts
✅ wheel design
✅ upholstery materials

At that time, friendship was already developing between the Italian concern and the Soviet Union or Poland. Both socialist states began producing licensed equipment, joining Yugoslavia, which had already been doing this. Therefore, the car was able to officially enter the Eastern European market. Here it was offered in a special network (analogous to the Soviet currency “Beryozka”) and was very expensive.


The price reached 40 monthly salaries of a Czechoslovakian or GDR worker. Therefore, it is clear that the Fiat 128 coupe was bought by representatives of the elite from the diplomatic or other environment with access to the West. After all, the car was sold for special vouchers or bonds, akin to our foreign currency rubles.

Interior and powertrain

The interior of the car turned out to be truly luxurious for that time, and it also radiated a youthful spirit. Nicely shaped seats, a sporty steering wheel, ample power, precise steering and chassis were all included with the Fiat 128 coupe.

The padded dashboard was dominated by two round, deeply recessed instruments with heavily angled and curved privacy glass. This prevented them from being mirrored. A great gadget for that time. On the sides were smaller sensors and fuel level indicators. The engine was installed in front, transversely to the right of the gearbox and had the following characteristics:

✅ inline four-cylinder
✅ with liquid cooling
✅ working volume – 1,1 (1,3) l
✅ power - 64 (75) l. With

The Fiat 128 was a popular sporty variant that could be modified. For example, for car racing uphill. In addition, the Italian engine with OHC distribution (that is, a cam located in the head) from Ferrari designer Aurelio Lampredi was the optimal solution.

The rear axle had wheels with independent suspension on short trapezoidal arms and vertically guided shock absorbers. A transverse leaf spring then provided a stabilizing effect. The driveshafts were given different lengths, each with two parallel joints. The rack and pinion steering mechanism was located behind the axle. Double-circuit brakes: front disc, rear drum with limiter. This whole concept turned out to be so successful that it even served as a prototype for the development of German technology.

Various car modifications

Since 1972, a modernized version of the base model has appeared on the market with a different grille, bumpers and headlights. According to the automaker, even such a small car deserved an additional brake booster.


From 1974, Fiat offered the 128 Special with a revised front end, marking the end of production of the sharper 128 Rally version. Another modernization occurred in 1978, as a result of which the bumpers and dashboard changed. A minor change was the renaming of the station wagon to Panorama.

In the same year, its successor, Ritmo, entered the market. Nevertheless, the type 128 proposal continued until 1985. The most famous owner of the Fiat 128 was Enzo Ferrari. During production, several attempts were made to further expand the range of sold versions. Fiat presented the aerodynamic coupe 128 Pulsar, Moretti presented the partially open 128 Roadster.

Pininfarina also had its own creation in the form of a boxy coupe. Ultimately, mass production of these products never took place. Despite this, Fiat produced more than 3 million cars and traditionally sold licenses to other countries - Spain, Portugal, Ireland, South America, Asia, Africa and New Zealand.


Returning to the Fiat 128 coupe, it is worth noting that the demand for them has not fallen even today. Such cars are offered at prices ranging from 2 to 20 thousand euros (depending on the level of restoration work). But the investment will definitely pay off in terms of driving pleasure. After all, this car with half a century of experience can still compete with modern “classmates”.