Check Out These "Three Coins in The Fountain"
This post is going to be an all-Italian affair. More specifically an all-Fiat affair. And so, we look at three more of my favorite Fiat cars, each with their own individuality. Why Italian? Because in the field of design I think they are among the leaders, especially so in the auto industry. Let’s check out these cool “Three Coins in the Fountain.”
Thapson
Fiat 128 (1969-76)
This was the first and only European car we owned. It is the successor to the previous Fiat 1100R. The 1100 denoting the 1116cc size of the 4-cylinder engine in this car. It is available as 2 or 4 door sedan, and as a station wagon. There are other versions too, which I’ll touch on another time. The Fiats from the 60s through the mid-70s are the best looking and practically designed ones. And the 128 falls squarely in that category.
Surprisingly Spacious
It looks small from the outside, but is surprisingly spacious inside. Thanks to the long wheelbase. The seats are designed just right, with a combination of firmness, comfort and durability. Being a front wheel drive, there is no “hump,” thereby increasing the cabin space. The trunk is surprisingly large – the spare tire in the hood helps. I especially liked the size of the steering wheel and short stick shifter which gave it a, dare I say, sports car appearance? The only thing quirky with the car was its windshield washer spray. There was no motor, instead it utilized a “hydraulic” system.
Benzin Annonces / YouTube.com
“The Fiats from the 60s through the mid-70s are the best looking and practically designed ones.”
Personal Experience
We had a strange issue with the Fiat 128 though. The clutch cable would snap every so often. And we were really getting fed up with the car for this reason. But this feeling was unnecessary as it wasn’t the car’s fault at all. Apparently, the bracket through which this cable went through the chassis had been installed wrongly by a previous mechanic. This caused it to break and each successive replacement was being done the same way. Finally, someone caught on and installed it properly. No more broken cable! The 128 was the first car I learnt to drive. Every time I see one, I am surprised how small it appears. Definitely one of the most beautiful cars we owned.
Materiaal46 / YouTube.com
Fiat 131 or Mirafiori (1974-84)
Remember what I said about the decade of beautiful Fiats? The Mirafiori qualifies for a place among those designs. It was designed as a replacement for the highly successful Fiat 124 which I’ve already talked about here. Those were definitely big shoes to fill, but the Fiat 131 Mirafiori rose to the occasion. Fiat utilized all the advantages of the previously spacious 124 and upped it further with this new design.
Specs and Designs
Unmistakably Italian design with great ergonomics and comfort, the Mirafiori initially came in a 1.3- or 1.6-Liter sized engine, rear wheel drive transmission. Eventually there were also 1.8, 2.0-, and 2.5-Liter versions including a Diesel version. It was available as a 2/4 door sedan, or 5 Door station wagon version. However, the Fiat 131 also came in a wide range of other configurations over its 10-year history. Launched in 1974, it underwent a minor upgrade in 1978 and continued being updated until 1984 when it was retired. With so many changes and versions offered at home and internationally, its evolution gets very complex.
Lost the Charm
To me, the 131 Mirafiori loses its uniqueness and charm by the 80s – due to the multiple configurations. The golden years of Italian, especially Fiat designs tend to fade out somewhat at this point. But that’s just my opinion. Things seemed to get more generic. Maybe too many other manufacturers started emulating them, or had Fiat designed their cars too? Who knows? In any case, for some time, I think the Fiat 131 Mirafiori was quite the car on the roads with its unique three box design as it played a fine successor to the much beloved 124.
Osborn Tramain / YouTube.com
Fiat Multipla (1956-60)
Let’s check out another Fiat that starts with “M.” And this is the Fiat Multipla from 1956. Not to be confused with the newer Multipla which is not quite as good looking. The ’56 Multipla is another version of the popular rear-engine Fiat 600. It’s powered by a small 600 cc engine. While the regular 600 was designed as a quick runabout for the average Italian negotiating the busy city streets, the Multipla version was designed for more.
Why Multipla?
Why the Multipla then? The Multipla is designed to be more as a Multi-Purpose Vehicle. Fiat moved the driver’s seat further forward above the front wheels and the vehicle is given more of a “jelly bean” shape for more interior space. The seats can be configured differently to enable more passengers and/or luggage in the firewall. It takes almost the same footprint as a Fiat 600, but offers a roomier interior and is still navigable in the crowded city streets. Not surprisingly, this car is extensively used as a commercial Taxi or Delivery Van. But it is a good fit for a family outing too.
Specs and Design
The ’56 Multipla comes in 700 cc sized engine, and is available as a 4 door. Some modified larger versions are also available, but personally I like the original “mini van” shape the best. While it may appear strange at first, I’m sure anyone will agree, this design is neat and looks ahead of its time. So, few of them are left, it is regarded as a true classic for collectors. The 1956 Multipla is yet another great example of Italian brilliance in automotive design.
Herri Purnomo / YouTube.com
And in case you don’t know Italian, here’s one more clip:
dinomas / YouTube.com
So, there you are, my three attractive Italian automotive “Coins In The Fountain.” Each a classic in its own right. I’m not done with Fiats, and will revisit them again. I’ll be back with another batch of “cars of our lives” soon.
Remember to keep your fluids topped up, respect snowy roads, adjusting your speed accordingly.
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