The Legendary Fiat 131 Racing Miracle In the 1970s, Fiat found racing success with an unlikely challenger – the everday Fiat 131 family sedan. Through innovation, passion and determination, Fiat engineers transformed this humble car into a rally giant killer, going head to head with the likes of Porsche, Mercedes and Lancia. The rear-wheel-drive 131…
Fiat X1/9 – The Affordable Mid-Engine Roadster The Fiat X1/9 delivered a unique combination of nimble mid-engine handling and affordability when it debuted in 1972. Styled by Bertone and engineered by Fiat, the petite X1/9 roadster introduced a new platform combining a mid-mounted powertrain with a lightweight body. Costing under $3,000 new, it brought the…
Take a drive down the bustling boardwalks of Nice or Capri during the height of summer and one car instantly draws smiles from the crowds – the cheery Fiat 500 Jolly, better known as the “Spiaggina.” Instantly recognizable thanks to its stripped-down exterior and woven chairs. This happy Fiat variant first arrived in 1958 as…
The Fiat 125 Rally car, during the legendary 1960s and 70s era that pioneered European rally racing as we know it, Italy’s Fiat succeeded against more advanced opposition with the unassuming Fiat 125 sedan. Lacking the technology of rivals, the 125 made up ground where it counted most – inspired driving. Let’s explore how Fiat…
The Fiat 500 rally car economy car seems an unlikely choice for the extreme demands of rallying. But the tiny 500 built an impressive competition resume in the late 1960s and 1970s, improbably defeating more advanced rally machinery. Let’s explore how the honest underdog Fiat 500 could punch above its weight class. Thanks to skilled…