The Fiat 124

By Peter Jones

The Geneva Motor Show in March 1966 saw the introduction of the 124 Saloon which replaced the 1300/1500  a range that had been in production since 1961.  The 124 had an all-new body and a four-cylinder 1200cc engine, also new.  The saloon model was followed by a station wagon in November, 1966 at the Turin Show. At the same show the 124 Spider made its début.  The body was designed by Pininfarina and the engine was a 1438cc four-cylinder with a toothed belt to drive the twin overhead camshafts.  It also had a five speed gearbox.  There are some that describe this car as the Italian M.G.  I personally regard it as much more, it had a maximum speed in excess of 100 mph for a start.  The most notable thing to point out as far as Great Britain is concerned is that, as far as I know, not one was ever sold in this country new, and yet there are a great many running about, personal imports, which only goes to show this was a missed marketing opportunity by Fiat.

The 124 Sport Spider

The 124 Sports Coupe was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1967.  The body was designed by the  Fiat Styling Centre and Fiat built the car themselves.  1968 saw the introduction of the 124 Special, an addition to the range.  It had the 1438cc engine, four headlamps and body modifications.  In 1969 both Coupe and Spider were slightly revised with body modifications and the engine size raised to 1608cc.

1970 saw the update of the 124 Special and Special T, the “T” standing for Twin Cam.  It was powered by the 1438cc engine and had substantial body changes.  This form of the saloon was able to reach 100mph, which although it doesn’t sound much now, in 1970 was terrific.

124 Special (1968 – 1970)

124 Special & Special T (1970 – 1972)

In 1972 the whole 124 Saloon range underwent a facelift with minor engine changes and upgrades producing better performance.  In l972 the Sport Coupe was also face lifted with again, more engine tweaks and upgrades.  The largest available now being 1800cc.  The Spider remained unchanged except for the availability of the 1800cc engine.

124 Coupe (1972 – 1975)

Pininfarina in 1972 exhibited a prototype competitor version of the 124 Sport Spider then introduced the car  as the 124 Abarth Rally.  This car lived up to it’s name for it was rallied with notable success.  1975 saw the end of the Abarth Rally series and 1982 the end of the 124 Spider.  If they put it back into production today with latest manufacturing materials, I would buy one – if I could afford it.

This however, is not the end of the 124 Story.  For all the manufacturing presses, equipment etc. were then sold to Russia where the Lada based on the 124 was produced for even more years to come but then that’s another story!

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