12 Of Our Favorite Fiat Cars Ever Made – Jalopnik

Beautiful chaos. That could be Fiat in a nutshell. A model infamous for its reliability woes, however one which gave us so many four-wheel wonders, Fiat holds a novel area in automotive historical past. Influenced by manufacturers like Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and even Ferrari, Italy’s largest automaker nonetheless produces vehicles that tickle our fanatic manufacturers. The new, tremendous cute Grande Panda is a shining illustration that proves that time.

But what we have now all the time cherished about Fiat is that it places the driving force in focus. As the model’s former CEO, Gianni Agnelli as soon as mentioned (through Medium): “The chauffeur never drives. I always drive; it’s a habit of mine.” Yet the most effective half is that Fiats have all the time been reasonably priced toys, not merely transportation gadgets. Sort of like Ferrari or Alfa Romeo, however for the lots.

Not shopping for it? Oh, you’ll quickly. As somebody who grew up knee-deep in Eastern European Fiats, I’m fairly certain I can drag you into the cult with me. Not as a result of I’m so good at it, it is simply that Fiat made it too simple. Yup, my colleagues share the identical sentiment — we love low-cost enjoyable machines at Jalopnik. Now, let’s discover a number of the most iconic ones with the Fiat badge!

Based on the super-successful Fiat 600, the 850 TC and 1000 Berlina introduced the distinctive rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive driving dynamics to the lots. Think Porsche 911, however in additional compact, reasonably priced clothes. Not solely that, however they have been homologation specials that Fiat’s racing division produced to compete within the Group 1 Touring Car class. Sorry — to dominate the category.

But what made them so particular? Well, the 850 Turismo Competizione had a stroked 847cc, water-cooled, four-cylinder engine that produced 52 hp. Not a lot, certain, however the 850 TC weighed simply 1,036 kilos (470 kg). One thousand! Oh, and the common Fiat 600 solely had 22 hp. Abarth’s engineers achieved that through the use of a brand new camshaft, the next compression ratio, and a Solex 32PBC carburetor. An oil cooler and an outsized sump ensured higher cooling and lubrication. The outcome: a high pace of 87 mph (140 km/h). The 1000 Berlina took issues to a different degree with a 1.0-liter engine that produced as much as 118 hp at 9,200 rpm within the Fiat-Abarth 1000 Saloon TCR. Top pace: 124 mph (200 km/h).

Still, the affect these vehicles had on the Eastern European tuning tradition made them particular. The Zastava 850 — an inexpensive automobile that I realized how one can drive and work on — was a Yugoslavian 600 produced underneath Fiat license. As you’d think about, many fans tuned the 850s with Abarth components and introduced them to hillclimb occasions. I’ve pushed fairly a number of of those, and belief me, their uncooked, playful nature nonetheless sticks with me.

A surprising, wind-cheating physique. Strong and light-weight tubular chassis. Fully impartial suspension. A narrow-angle V8 engine designed to draw American prospects. Caught you off-guard? Hardly shocking, as Fiat solely produced 114 models on this automobile’s brief, two-year lifespan. But that does not change the truth that the Fiat 8V outdid Alfa Romeo and Ferrari on the time, and stays one of the vital particular Fiat vehicles ever made.

Yes, it was particularly designed with the American market in thoughts. And sure, Fiat may’ve missed the mark by incorporating a small 2.0-liter engine, and the 70-degree financial institution angle is uncommon. Still, it is Fiat’s solely V8 engine ever made, which places it in a class of its personal. Fed by two Weber 36 carburetors, the pushrod V8 produced as much as 115 hp within the second sequence, a really respectable determine for such a small engine throughout its time. Racing variations produced virtually 130 hp, because of high-compression pistons and one further carburetor.

Still, the factor that made it completely different from Fifties American sports activities vehicles was the low, 2,337-pound (1,060 kg) curb weight, which made the 8V playful and agile. Aided by the slippery physique, it allowed a high pace of 119 mph (192 km/h). Not impressed? The first-ever 1953 Chevy Corvette C1 had a 4.0-liter inline-6 engine that produced 150 hp and a high pace of round 100 mph. Heck, it solely got here with a two-speed automated, whereas the 8V had a correct, four-speed handbook.

Wait, wasn’t the Dino made by Ferrari? Don’t fear, your reminiscence serves you properly, because the Dino was Ferrari’s first mid-engine V6 supercar throughout the Sixties. But it was additionally a V6-powered front-engine, RWD grand tourer with the Fiat badge. Confused? Don’t be: they shared the identical engine, and a particular engine, we should add. The 2.0-liter V6 that powered the first-gen Dino, constructed by Fiat, produced 158 hp. Better but, it had a five-speed handbook — in 1966!

It regarded the half, too, with a sublime grand-touring physique, aggressive entrance fascia, and fastback rear finish. Styled by Bertone, the coupe had an American muscle-car vibe to it, however with Italian aptitude. Still, the Pininfarina-styled Dino Spider regarded like an Italian unique. The decrease twin headlights, fluid, curvy physique strains, and excellent proportions gave it a novel look.

The second-gen mannequin, launched in 1969, was upgraded to a 2.4-liter V6 engine, good for 178 hp. The bigger engine propelled the coupe to a decent 127 mph (205 km/h). It was a feast to your ears, too. Fiat additionally gave the second-gen Dino an impartial rear suspension, which considerably improved the dealing with.

To display how particular the Fiat Dino is, a Pininfarina-styled Spider offered for $335,000 at an RM Sotheby’s public sale. But you could find cheaper, mint examples, like this first-gen 1967 Fiat Dino, provided for $53,500 in 2024.

The 8V and Dino have been Fiat at its greatest, however the firm’s first actual foray into the luxurious class arrived in 1971 with the 130 Coupe. Penned by Pininfarina’s designer, Gian Paolo Boano, Fiat’s luxurious grand tourer is a masterclass in proportions. Forget the wheels for a second, and you will solely see rectangles, however expertly put collectively to create one of the vital elegant coupes of its period.

The low-slung physique solely accentuated the sporty credentials, which the 130 Coupe had in spades. Propelled by a 3.2-liter V6 designed by Ferrari’s engine guru, Aurelio Lampredi, the 130 Coupe produced a decent 165 hp. The engine was paired with a three-speed automated, however a five-speed handbook was an possibility. Top pace: 120 mph (193 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 10 seconds. The driving dynamics have been additionally praised by the media.

Still, the 130 Coupe was a luxurious grand tourer first, which was evident inside. The velour seats, wooden ornamentation, electrical home windows, air-con, distant passenger door opening, and adjustable steering wheel gave it an edge over its competitors. Speaking of which, the 130 Coupe competed with the legendary BMW 3.0 CSi, and the German grand tourer ended up being extra profitable. So, yeah, it is uncommon. However, it is also comparatively reasonably priced for such a shocking basic, with costs ranging between €10,000 and €25,000 in Europe.

Mid-engine sports activities vehicles weren’t widespread throughout the Sixties, not to mention reasonably priced. This modified with the X1/9, Fiat’s accessible mid-engine sports activities automobile, which provided budget-constrained patrons a style of Ferrari drugs. It regarded fairly hanging, too. The wedge form, penned by Bertone, was futuristic and aged like high-quality wine. Bertone additionally confirmed its prowess with some considerate options, notably the targa roof, which might be simply eliminated and positioned underneath the bonnet.

Underneath, the X1/9 was primarily based on Fiat’s small household automobile on the time: the 128. While the engine was repositioned within the center, it was the identical 1.3-liter unit with 75 hp, 0-62 mph in 12.7 seconds, and a high pace of 106 mph (170 km/h). In 1979, the X1/9 acquired a stronger 1.5-liter unit with 85 hp, which introduced the acceleration determine right down to 10.4 seconds. Top pace: 112 mph (180 km/h).

Not impressed? The X1/9 wasn’t constructed for straight-line pace, anyway. It was about having enjoyable within the twisties, however on a funds. Thanks to the mid-engine configuration and low curb weight (1,940 to 2,030 kilos), the dealing with was poised and balanced. Meanwhile, the usual four-speed handbook stored you engaged always. The better part is that it is nonetheless low-cost immediately: In 2024, a 1980 Fiat X1/5 was provided for $12,000 on Craigslist.

The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth is a implausible roadster, however its Mazda MX-5 Miata underpinnings denied it the suitable to be featured on this record. But do not you are concerned Fiat followers, we did not neglect in regards to the authentic. Stylish and enjoyable to drive, the 124 Sport Spider was a Fiat via and thru. Heck, when it arrived in 1966, the MX-5 Miata wasn’t even in Mazda’s wildest desires.

However, the 124 Sport Spider was a 2+2 convertible, not a strict two-seater. Even so, Fiat adorned it with some very superior options for the period. A 1.4-liter twin-cam engine with 90 hp was the preliminary providing, paired to a rare-for-the-time five-speed handbook. Four-wheel disc brakes have been customary, too. In 1969, Fiat launched a 1.6-liter twin-cam engine with 110 hp, 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.7 seconds, and a high pace of 112 mph (180 km/h).

However, in 1972, Abarth took the roadster to an entire new degree with aluminum and fiberglass physique panels, coil springs within the rear, and a 1.8-liter twin-cam engine with 128 hp. As a outcome, the 124 Abarth Rallye sprinted to 62 in simply 8.1 seconds and had a high pace of 118 mph (190 km/h). Unfortunately, tighter emission rules pressured Fiat to detune subsequent variations, with the final 2.0-liter 124 Sport Spider producing simply 102 hp. Still, even that was sufficient to benefit from the balanced and agile rear-wheel-drive chassis.

Remember the Lancia Stratos? You know, the crazy-looking rally legend that obliterated the competitors within the World Rally Championship in 1974, 1975, and 1976? Well, that is the automobile that dethroned Lancia’s legend. With a very completely different, however not any much less sinister, boxy look, the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally Stradale torched the WRC, successful the development title in 1977, 1978, and 1980, when it additionally gained the driving force’s championship with legend Walter Röhrl behind the wheel.

Of course, competing within the championship on the time meant producers wanted to provide a road-going homologation automobile. Fiat produced 400 samples of this RWD racing machine; 350 completed on the road, whereas the opposite 50 have been used for racing. Yup, this implies they have been largely the identical. The road-going 131 Abarth Rally Stradale had a watered-down model of the two.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, although, rated at 140 hp; the racing model produced as much as 240 hp.

Yes, 140 hp would not appear a lot in immediately’s age. Still, the 131 Abarth Rally Stradale was a featherlight piece of equipment. The panels have been comprised of aluminum, plastic, or Plexiglas, resulting in a curb weight of simply 2,250 kilos. The visceral racecar-like expertise was solely amplified with the straight-cut, close-ratio five-speed handbook. According to Röhrl, the 131 Abarth Rally Stradale was unimaginable to drive within the corners, which helped him beat the extra highly effective, 280-hp Ford Escort RS1800.

Forget the Land Rover Defender: It was the Fiat Panda 4×4 that democratized off-road driving for everybody in Europe. Cheap to purchase, low-cost to personal, and capable of sneak via tight metropolis streets but additionally play within the mud, the Panda 4×4 was cherished by farmers, adventurers, and magnificence hunters. Heck, even the rich crowd used these vehicles to go snowboarding in St. Moritz, together with Gianni Agnelli himself.

What made the Panda 4×4 particular, although, wasn’t the superior off-road {hardware}. The first-gen mannequin, launched in 1983, had selectable 4WD designed by Steyr-Puch, however and not using a middle differential. Instead of low-range gearing, the Panda 4×4 was additionally geared up with a five-speed handbook with a brief drive ratio. The relaxation was dealt with by the low curb weight (1,631 kilos or 740 kg) and brief wheelbase (85 inches), which, as I can attest, turned the Panda 4×4 right into a goat on mountainous terrains.

Initially, the Panda 4×4 was geared up with a 965cc, 48-hp engine, and was later upgraded to a 1,108cc engine. After discontinuing the rugged Panda in 1992, Fiat revived the mannequin in 2003, primarily based on a brand-new platform. The third-gen mannequin arrived in 2012, powered by a cost-effective 875cc two-cylinder engine with 84 hp and a 1,248cc four-cylinder turbodiesel with 74 hp. Sadly, Fiat discontinued the tiny off-roader in 2023.

The VW Golf GTI has been the de facto customary for warm hatches in Western Europe for nearly 5 a long time now. In Eastern Europe, although, individuals have been lusting over the Fiat Ritmo Abarth. Like its VW counterpart, the Ritmo Abarth was primarily based on a front-wheel-drive hatchback economic system automobile, however in fact, with a extra Italian wedge form. In our eyes, it was the best-looking low-cost hatchback of the late Seventies. The enticing, Bertone-designed physique was additionally extremely slippery, boasting an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.3 Cd.

The Ritmo – Strada within the U.Ok., U.S., and Canada — was a reasonably profitable household automobile in its house market, although it by no means matched the Golf’s total success. The first-gen Abarth 125 TC was greater than aggressive with the GTI, although. Powered by a carbureted 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 125 hp, the new Ritmo was considerably stronger than the refreshed Golf GTI Mk1, which had a 1.8-liter with 112 hp. Yup, it was faster, nevertheless it wasn’t nearly straight-line pace. The Abarth 125 TC additionally had a particular five-speed handbook transmission, larger brakes, and stiffer springs.

In 1983, Fiat launched the second-gen Ritmo, and together with it, the Abarth 130TC. Thanks to its twin carburetors, the brand new mannequin produced 130 hp and sprinted to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. It regarded a bit extra sedate, although.

Fiat did not simply have a Golf GTI competitor within the Eighties; the Italian marquee additionally introduced its massive weapons to struggle the smaller Peugeot 205 GTi with the Uno Turbo i.e. (with the “i.e.” standing for digital injection). This scorching hatch, nevertheless, felt much more attainable after we have been youngsters. Cooler, too. Have a have a look at its non-obligatory Nippon-Seiki digital dashboard and inform us it is not one of many coolest you’ve got ever seen. Come on, it additionally had ‘Turbo’ within the title!

Of course, there was additionally a turbocharger and intercooler combo accompanying the small 1.3-liter engine underneath the hood. As a outcome, it produced 105 hp, sufficient to propel the featherlight, 1,863-pound (845 kg) Uno Turbo i.e. to 62 mph (100 km/h) in simply 8.3 seconds. In 1991, Fiat upgraded the Uno Turbo i.e. to a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with a brand new Garrett T2 turbocharger to achieve 116 hp and 0-62 mph in 7.7 seconds. In the Nineteen Nineties, this was what we referred to as a rocket.

The Uno Turbo i.e. was additionally good to drive within the corners. But, in fact, it additionally had a large turbo lag and, in true Fiat vogue, it wasn’t very dependable. And, sure, the physique is vulnerable to rust. Still, the Uno Turbo i.e. made many younger fans dream of proudly owning a efficiency automobile someday, incomes it legendary standing.

Back within the Nineteen Nineties, the Coupe 20V Turbo was the (comparatively) reasonably priced coupe that turned heads on the streets. With unique appears to be like penned by notorious designer Chris Bangle and a sweet-sounding, 2.0-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine with 217 hp, Fiat’s enjoyable coupe gave off supercar vibes.

Yes, the Coupe 20V Turbo will not do donuts because it’s front-wheel drive, and it is primarily based on the Fiat Tipo, a compact household hatchback. Still, it was one of many quickest sports activities vehicles in its day, able to 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 6.5 seconds and a high pace of 155 mph (250 km/h). Its massive rival, the Corrado VR6, had a 2.9-liter VR6 engine with 190 hp, sufficient for a 6.9-second dash and a 146-mph (235-km/h) high pace. Even the Integra Type R DC2 was slower to 62 mph (6.7 seconds) and on the high finish fell brief at 145 mph.

Oh, and it is not like Fiat simply threw in a robust engine and referred to as it a day. The automaker employed a low-inertia Garrett turbocharger to efficiently decrease lag and a limited-slip differential to struggle torque steer. The brakes have been from Brembo, whereas the suspension was additionally tightened for higher dealing with. Fiat additionally solely provided it with a five-speed, or later, a six-speed handbook.

Modern sports activities vehicles are stupendously quick, however additionally they are usually massive, heavy, and cumbersome in tight European city streets. Push them tougher, and so they turn out to be a sloppy mess. But the Fiat 500 Abarth would not cope with sloppiness. In this Italian masterpiece, every thing — the steering, throttle response, and brakes – reacts with zero hesitation. As a outcome, the Fiat 500 Abarth makes even probably the most boring of journeys enjoyable. It’s equally pleasurable on a twisty highway and a grocery store parking zone. Yes, it is not the most effective driver’s automobile on the market. Heck, most different scorching hatches beat it in virtually each parameter. It’s additionally comically small inside and never very comfy on lengthy journeys. But as a pure grownup toy? It’s unbeatable.

The Fiat 500 Abarth is well one of the vital pleasurable vehicles to drive, and I’ve pushed three completely different variations. The Abarth 695, particularly, is hilariously enjoyable on any highway, because of the 180-hp, 1.4-liter turbo engine, entrance limited-slip differential, and six-speed handbook transmission. Trust me; few, if any, vehicles will likely be sooner than you in an city surroundings. The diminutive dimensions certain play an enormous function right here; you’ll be able to place this automobile anyplace you need on the highway. Not to say, 17 years because the first mannequin was launched, the five hundred Abarth stays one of the vital good-looking scorching hatches on the market.