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

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

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