Fiat 128 History

The Fiat 128, introduced in 1969 and named European Car of the Year for 1970, was one of the most technically influential cars of the 20th century. Engineered by Dante Giacosa with an engine by Aurelio Lampredi, it was not the first front-wheel-drive car, but its specific layout — transverse engine mounted with the gearbox in-line ahead of the final drive — became the template followed by virtually every mass-market manufacturer in the world.

Available as a two- or four-door saloon, station wagon, and a sporty three-door Coupé SL, the 128 combined genuine interior space with a compact exterior, demonstrating the inherent packaging advantage of its drivetrain. Over three million were built before the 128 was phased out in Italy in 1985, with production in some markets continuing longer.

The 128's engineering DNA was shared across the Fiat group: its engine appeared in the X1/9 mid-engined sports car, and its layout directly influenced the Fiat Ritmo and the 127 supermini.