1976 Fiat 128 3P Coupé

Background:

Fiat’s 128 range was introduced in 1969 and was manufactured until 1985, a remarkable lifespan for a simple, front-engined family saloon. Praised for its roomy interior as well as nimble handling and enthusiastic engines, the pretty saloon was voted European Car Of The Year for 1970 and almost 3,000,000 examples found happy owners.

With a 1,116cc rev-happy and eager four-cylinder engine designed by the legendary Aurelio Lampredi, the 128 fell easily into the Italian car cliché – even Enzo Ferrari drove one, according to Fiat’s period advertising – it also set standards to which others aspired - Volkswagen bought and disassembled a 128 in the process of formulating the original Golf.

Initially offered as a two or four-door saloon, a three-door estate soon followed, with sporty models hot in their wheel tracks, from 1971. The coupé was short-lived, struggling to sell against the X/1-9 (which shared much of the 128’s running gear, placed behind the driver). The 3P (for 3-porte – three doors) was conversely quite a hit with buyers looking for sporty, versatile family transport as it featured a body shape that was increasingly popular - the fastback - with two doors, a low roofline and angled rear hatch, all based on a shortened 128 chassis.

The 1,293cc engine, equipped with a twin-choke Weber and two-piece exhaust manifold, was good for 75bhp at 6,000rpm and boasted a top speed that just edged into three figures. With all-independent suspension and front discs, it lived up to its looks as an eager performer.

The car:

This now rare survivor has lived something of a cossetted life, with just 59,000 miles recorded over its near half-century lifespan. Clearly, it has never fallen into the hands of an impoverished young owner – as was the fate of so many – nor succumbed to the rust bug (which saw off many more.)

The vendor is a professional mechanic who has gone through the car thoroughly from stem to stern over that last five years, returning it to near-new condition with a significant input of new parts to ensure it drives as it looks. Included in the parts fitted are a brand new Weber carb, a new battery and a new radiator. To ensure that the braking system is absolutely in top shape, new front calipers, discs and pads have been fitted along with rear drum shoes and a new master cylinder.

This delightful Italian charmer also features a new interior with Momo steering wheel and still had a superb headlining. It sits on new Revolution alloys, shod with Yokohama rubber. While there is some bubbling of its generally very good paintwork, it is completely solid underneath and is really in very good condition for a 48 year old Italian. This 3P comes with an extensive history file and is ready to go.

Location: Warwickshire

Seller: Private

Photographs: Professional