1965 Fiat 124
in-line four-cylinder, 1197 cm³ (73,0 mm * 71,5 mm), crankshaft, 5 bearings, compression ratio, 8,8 : 1, engine control ohv, rocker arm, Solex-downdraught carburettor, cooling pressure circulation, 6 liters, lubrication,
pressure circulation, main flow filter, 3,8 liters, torque, 87 Nm at 3400 rpm, 44 kW (60 hp) at 5600 rpm, front engine with rear drive, four-speed, automatic (option), wheelbase 2.420 mm, turning circle, 11.100 mm, front
suspension: double wishbone, anti-roll bar, rear suspension rigid axle, trailing arm, Panhard rod, stabilizer, coil springs, steering, worm, roller, brakes front/rear, floating caliper, brake force limiter, 6.15 S 13/155 SR 13
(4.5''), length 4,030 mm, width 1,625 mm, height 1,363 mm, drag coefficient, 0.45, trunk, approx. 380 liters, tank capacity, 39 liters, payload, 385 kg, curb weight 855 kg + driver, max. speed, approx. 140 km/h, electrics, 12V/
48 Ah/ 230 W, 1966 - 1975, purchase price, approx. 6,400 DM, station wagon (Familiare), award, European Car of the Year 1966.
The history of the 124 begins in 1963, which, given its release date, once again reflects Fiat's typically very short development time. At the time, Fiat was in fifth place in the world and second in Europe.
The aim was not only to replace the 1100, 1300 and 1500, but also to offer more space and save 100,000 lire (250 €) in production costs. No, they didn't just take over the predecessor's 1300, but the engine was
redesigned by designer Aurelio Lampredi.
Lampredi had once developed the first generation of the twelve-cylinder engine at Ferrari after the war. Here he managed the transition from a three-bearing to a five-bearing crankshaft and managed to make the engine
lighter than the 1300. Typical is the horizontal double carburettor with the unusual position of the air filter.
The departure from the trapezoidal design was good for the body. Only one edge along the entire side at the waist remained. The weight was also astonishing for a conventional design. The later 128 front-wheel drive
model was not lighter, considering its size.
Hardly any other vehicle showed Fiat's capabilities (and weaknesses) better than the 124. It sold almost as well in Germany as a domestic vehicle from the start. There was actually nothing particularly new about it; it was
conventional with a longitudinally mounted 1200 cc engine, four-speed gearbox and a drive on the rear rigid axle. It was derived from the Fiat 1100, which was built further, via a conservative chassis, but was more pleasing
in shape with a higher proportion of glass surfaces.
The 124, together with the later 124 S, replaced the 1300 and 1500. The interior design remained conventional with a separate rear trunk. The wind tunnel had not yet really influenced the design here. The air resistance
was probably almost the same when driving forwards and backwards. It was the art of Italian design that helped this everyday car win international awards.
To be able to evaluate it, you had to drive it. First of all, there was the low beltline with the relatively high seating position. This gave you a very good overview in city traffic, for example. Unfortunately, the seat adjustment was
not sufficient for tall people. It would have been nice to move the pedals further forward. In addition, the engine was not quiet, but despite its only 1200 cc, it was flexible and spirited.
This was achieved by the relatively short gear ratio, which did not have a particularly negative effect on fuel consumption. Admittedly, the handling could not completely conceal the rear rigid axle, but even with relatively tight
damping, the Fiat 124 was not really inferior to the competition, even though some of them already had front-wheel drive. Nevertheless, there was still enough driving comfort. The steering was indeed direct, but a little stiff,
the center gear lever a little bony. A particular weak point was the handbrake, which supposedly acted on the rear disc brakes.
However, if you assume that it was 4 centimeters shorter than the VW Beetle, then its use of space was significantly better. Of course, those sitting in the front had to be a little considerate of the rear passengers, but for
example the luggage compartment was very usable despite the spare wheel on the left and the tank on the right. Unfortunately, the seats were not very breathable because they were made of artificial leather. The backrests
should also have been higher up. They probably didn't want to spoil the look of the low beltline. Or they thought that, together with the reclining seat fittings that are standard in Germany, they would retain the option of a flat
surface.
This was what characterized the Fiats of that time. They were not particularly innovative in terms of technology, but what was available was skilfully executed and made driving fun. It was particularly important that they were
offered at a relatively low price. This indicated efficient production. The Fiat 124 was manufactured in Italy as well as in many other countries. After the model was discontinued, the production facilities were sold to the
USSR, where Ladas were still being produced for decades. They did not have the same engine, but similar chassis characteristics. But they had obviously also inherited the lax rust prevention.
At that time, Fiat was not perceived in Germany as an importer. People were used to solidly built and sometimes somewhat smart small cars from this manufacturer. With the 124, the company achieved sales success
half a class higher for the first time since the 1100. This would continue, especially as a series of sportier cars would be released with the classification number '124'.
| After that, for a long time in this country, the saying was: 'Fiat is best at making small cars'. |
In 1966, a contract was signed between Fiat and the USSR, which was followed by the construction of the huge AutoVaz factory in Togliatti. Ladas, or rather Zhigulis, were built there, but only similar to the Italian Fiat, with a
more robust suspension, metal sheets and OHC engine.
