Fiat 124

Wednesday 14 October 2009
The Fiat 124 is a mid-sized family car produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat between 1966 and 1974. It was the replacement of the Fiat 1300 and Fiat 1500. Today it is also known as the car used as the basis for the Russian-built Lada. Thanks in part to the ubiquity of the Lada version of the car in Eastern Europe, the 124 has achieved iconic status, and is one of the biggest selling cars of all time with an estimated 15 million units sold. The 124 was introduced by being dropped by parachute from a plane and instantly won critical acclaim, including that year's European Car of the Year award. It was praised for its spacious interior, advanced coil spring rear suspension, disc brakes on all wheels and lightweight construction.
The car was unusual in the extent to which Oscar Montabone, the chief engineer responsible for its development, was able to start with a clean sheet. Only the all-synchromesh gear box came from an existing model, the Fiat 1500.

Technical data:
- engine: 4 cylinders
- capacity: 1438 cc
- horsepower: 70 HP
- gearbox: 4+1
- top speed: 165 km/h