In 1976 my father bought a new Fiat coupe just like this one, except it was yellow with black stripes. It was an extremely gorgeous little car, it sounded incredible, and it was addictive to drive. You always felt like you were going faster than you were, so even a trip to get groceries was a blast. This car came ALIVE on all the winding hilly back roads where we lived in rural Connecticut. My father kept the car garaged all winter and avoided driving in the rain too, these cars were famous for rusting even back then. It stayed in the family for 12 years, and since my father was a Fiat and Italian car mechanic, the maintenance was never a problem. Sadly, it got stolen and wrecked beyond repair.
I agree they are great cars with a buzzing free Revving engine, not fast for today’s standards but that’s the appeal! Sorry to hear yours got wrecked. Here’s mine out for a little blast...th-cam.com/video/aAfRuXxR8xQ/w-d-xo.html
Very nice car and it looks like you have done an exelent job with getting it back to the original standard. I bought the same model in 1973. Now I have been able to get hold on one of the very few ones left in Norway. It is under restauration just now.
You have done a lovely job to the Fiat. I owned a red one back in the late 1970s, but rust was a big problem with the body of the car. The engine was faultless and was a great fun car to drive. Those were the days!
A truly beautiful car! the golden era of Fiat's! would be interesting to see the restoration of an early Fiat Uno pre-facelift 5-door version so rare now in the UK! was my first car regret selling it now! Giorgetto Giugiaro design, won the car of the year award in 1984, best-selling Fiat of all-time, etc...
OMG! Thank you for showing this car. I had one whilst living in London back in 1979, and took it to Calais, driving it over 26,000 miles touring Europe and Nth Africa on a 6 month holiday! The car was super reliable, and handled really well with my wife and a full boot of luggage. Can you tell me if yours had that cruise control "knob". It was similar to a choke, as you'd pull it out, and the engine would rev up, but wouldn't run rich..... I used it extensively on the German autobahns (much to the displeasure of the locals as the old Fiat maxxed out at about 70mph..... if the wind was behind her). My only issue was the exhaust manifold would periodically come loose, and I'd have to let it cool down and tighten her up.....once or twice a week!! Great memories!
Hi Mike, thanks for your kind comments. Yes I do have that manual accelerator control knob which is very useful just after you started it using choke and to keep it running better for a minute or two. These cars have a lovely three revving engine and well top 100 mph! It’s extremely rare on these UK roads now I believe there are only a handful left
I bought a 128 SL coupe brand new in 1974, same colour as this one but the 1300 engine, I had rented one from Hertz for a weekend for a trip to Wales with my new girlfriend (now my wife) and we both loved it so I ordered one from a dealership in Birmingham called Colmore Depot, (not sure what happened to them) I had it fitted with a Phillips VHF radio which was amazing compared to the medium wave and long wave radios I was used to. I loved the handling, and the engine was a jewel, unfortunately a Birmingham city bus took a dislike to me and I was sandwiched between the bus and the wall of a museum, so my ownership lasted just over a year as the car was a write off, but I loved every minute of owning and driving it.
It was at the time, but we still have fond memories of it, whenever my wife and I talk about our old cars she always says it was in her top 3 favourites, and since then we have had BMWs, Jaguars, Mercedes , and a Porsche, so I think that tells you how much she liked it :-) Strangely enough after the accident I replaced it with something totally different, a Rover P6 3500 automatic, chalk and cheese.
What an astonishing restoration. I've noticed the doors are from the 3P as they had a ventilation grille and the seat fabric is slightly different but apart from very, very minor details is mint. I had a 1973 1300 SL once too, same colour as that one, Rosso Arancio.
During university summer holidays I used to work at FIAT's HQ in London during the 1970's. This was my favourite car, I just loved the way it looked. For some bizarre reason I reason there was a huge stock of them waiting to be shipped to Dover from where FIAT distributed cars all over the UK. It was a tricky situation as they were the less popular 1100cc model; rumours were going round that they were rusting badly. Never did find out what happened to those cars, wonder where they went?
Thanks buddy for your lovely comments, they did rust terribly, mine was restored but the rust would come out again if the car got wet! These cars can only be kept in the dry
Just seen an orange one with a T reg in Strathaven Scotland today which made me look this up, was a 1300 Abarth it said on the back, can't find much info on that version though
Had a green one in the late 70s, but unfortunately the rust had already set in rotting the sills and doors. Loved the car though. Went on to get an X1/9 a few years later.
This was my very first car. I loved it and pampered it. But sadly it was completely worn out after six years. Main reason Rust. I constantly repaired holes in the body, but I couldn't keep up with it. Rust everywhere: the body, the calipers, suspension, etc. etc. Rust in peace
Thanks for sharing this Italian beauty! I used to own one when I was in high school for a short time and I really enjoyed it! It brings back so many memories! What is the value on this car if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks
Had one from new in Bermuda 1974, I think, to about 1983. Red also. One sexy little car. Good looks are still valid in 2022. Sort of a mini Mustang look about it. With 1100cc performance was nothing special. In typical Italian fashion it rusted way too soon, even being garage kept. A cracked cylinder wall eventually did it in.
Era hermoso paresia un mini cupe de los 70 jejeje 🙈 y traia frenos de cector mecanico y motor con cámara de aluminio era poderoso y económico 👍 buen fiat ya lo descontinuaron de las plantas pero rl fiat uno tanvien fue un guerrero de la via
Hi, a guy in ITALY called Emanuele, he can be found on Google, Company Name: GI.PO. di Emanuele Giasi & C. s.a.s. Address: Via delle Fiere, 5 - 75100 Matera - ITALIA
The car is pretty. But I had one, a 1974 in Blue that I bought new. Absolute worst piece of garbage I have ever owned. let me count the problems. Hoses all leaked after a couple of years, and they were covered in a braid that hid the leak when the car wasn't running. Engine was grounded out by the clutch cable. After the 3rd replacement the guy in the parts store told me to ground the engine with a bit cable. Wheel bearings wear out in 18K miles, and have to be replaced because they are sealed bearings. Engine fan will come on after every time the car is shut down so the head does not warp. Ate 3 batteries in 4 years. Timing belt jumped at 30k miles. Seats came apart at the seams since the thread used to stich them together failed. Took it on a 200 mile trip to Baltimore while it was still in warranty and it lost 1st and 2nd gear. Lucky 3rd and 4th still worked so we got home. At the dealer for a month waiting on parts. There was a reason FIAT stopped importing cars into the US in the 70's, this was a perfect example. Very fun car to drive, but I would keep it out of the weather and just drive it to the shows.
In my younger days I also had one and what a car it was!
Wish I still had it
This one is a stunning one, 👍🏻
Yes they are still great cars! Thanks for watching my video and glad it bought back memories
In 1976 my father bought a new Fiat coupe just like this one, except it was yellow with black stripes. It was an extremely gorgeous little car, it sounded incredible, and it was addictive to drive. You always felt like you were going faster than you were, so even a trip to get groceries was a blast. This car came ALIVE on all the winding hilly back roads where we lived in rural Connecticut. My father kept the car garaged all winter and avoided driving in the rain too, these cars were famous for rusting even back then. It stayed in the family for 12 years, and since my father was a Fiat and Italian car mechanic, the maintenance was never a problem. Sadly, it got stolen and wrecked beyond repair.
I agree they are great cars with a buzzing free Revving engine, not fast for today’s standards but that’s the appeal! Sorry to hear yours got wrecked. Here’s mine out for a little blast...th-cam.com/video/aAfRuXxR8xQ/w-d-xo.html
Stunning!
Thanks
That's a really beautiful old classic car. Nice painting. I own one from 72, 1.300cc 😉👌
carlostui21 thankyou, yes this really is a lovely little car and I’ve always admired its stylish looks!
Very nice car and it looks like you have done an exelent job with getting it back to the original standard.
I bought the same model in 1973. Now I have been able to get hold on one of the very few ones left in Norway. It is under restauration just now.
Thanks buddy for watching my video, yes the car took a long time to restore, but it’s now lovely!
You have done a lovely job to the Fiat. I owned a red one back in the late 1970s, but rust was a big problem with the body of the car. The engine was faultless and was a great fun car to drive. Those were the days!
Thanks buddy for watching my video
Un petit bijoux !
A truly beautiful car! the golden era of Fiat's! would be interesting to see the restoration of an early Fiat Uno pre-facelift 5-door version so rare now in the UK! was my first car regret selling it now! Giorgetto Giugiaro design, won the car of the year award in 1984, best-selling Fiat of all-time, etc...
Beautiful Cars!! Best Italy!!🤗
The best!
Wow Robert... this is awesome!!! I love it!! And the square rear plate suits perfectly!
Thanks for your kind comments
My grandpa had one of these and I plan on finding one in the future
Stunning
Thanks
OMG! Thank you for showing this car. I had one whilst living in London back in 1979, and took it to Calais, driving it over 26,000 miles touring Europe and Nth Africa on a 6 month holiday! The car was super reliable, and handled really well with my wife and a full boot of luggage. Can you tell me if yours had that cruise control "knob". It was similar to a choke, as you'd pull it out, and the engine would rev up, but wouldn't run rich..... I used it extensively on the German autobahns (much to the displeasure of the locals as the old Fiat maxxed out at about 70mph..... if the wind was behind her). My only issue was the exhaust manifold would periodically come loose, and I'd have to let it cool down and tighten her up.....once or twice a week!! Great memories!
Hi Mike, thanks for your kind comments. Yes I do have that manual accelerator control knob which is very useful just after you started it using choke and to keep it running better for a minute or two. These cars have a lovely three revving engine and well top 100 mph! It’s extremely rare on these UK roads now I believe there are only a handful left
Video here
I bought a 128 SL coupe brand new in 1974, same colour as this one but the 1300 engine, I had rented one from Hertz for a weekend for a trip to Wales with my new girlfriend (now my wife) and we both loved it so I ordered one from a dealership in Birmingham called Colmore Depot, (not sure what happened to them) I had it fitted with a Phillips VHF radio which was amazing compared to the medium wave and long wave radios I was used to. I loved the handling, and the engine was a jewel, unfortunately a Birmingham city bus took a dislike to me and I was sandwiched between the bus and the wall of a museum, so my ownership lasted just over a year as the car was a write off, but I loved every minute of owning and driving it.
Thanks for watching my video. It's sad that your car was written off. it must have been heartbreaking 💔 Rob
It was at the time, but we still have fond memories of it, whenever my wife and I talk about our old cars she always says it was in her top 3 favourites, and since then we have had BMWs, Jaguars, Mercedes , and a Porsche, so I think that tells you how much she liked it :-) Strangely enough after the accident I replaced it with something totally different, a Rover P6 3500 automatic, chalk and cheese.
What an astonishing restoration. I've noticed the doors are from the 3P as they had a ventilation grille and the seat fabric is slightly different but apart from very, very minor details is mint. I had a 1973 1300 SL once too, same colour as that one, Rosso Arancio.
Thanks for your kind comments, these cares are very rare now
Gorgeous !!
Thank you! Cheers!
During university summer holidays I used to work at FIAT's HQ in London during the 1970's. This was my favourite car, I just loved the way it looked. For some bizarre reason I reason there was a huge stock of them waiting to be shipped to Dover from where FIAT distributed cars all over the UK. It was a tricky situation as they were the less popular 1100cc model; rumours were going round that they were rusting badly. Never did find out what happened to those cars, wonder where they went?
Thanks buddy for your lovely comments, they did rust terribly, mine was restored but the rust would come out again if the car got wet!
These cars can only be kept in the dry
Just seen an orange one with a T reg in Strathaven Scotland today which made me look this up, was a 1300 Abarth it said on the back, can't find much info on that version though
Perfetta !!!
Grazie
Had a 73 same color, cool car.
They are fun, slow now though lol! The rust is the biggest problem as it does creep back, shit steel!
Had a green one in the late 70s, but unfortunately the rust had already set in rotting the sills and doors. Loved the car though. Went on to get an X1/9 a few years later.
Great cars but they did rot!
This was my very first car. I loved it and pampered it. But sadly it was completely worn out after six years. Main reason Rust. I constantly repaired holes in the body, but I couldn't keep up with it.
Rust everywhere: the body, the calipers, suspension, etc. etc. Rust in peace
Totally agree with you and understand! I've sold it on now, but God, I miss that shape!
When you fire that up I can almost smell it, only issue I'd have is the boot shut lines
I agree, i will get the shut line sorted, it's either the new boot rubber or lock position
Thanks for sharing this Italian beauty! I used to own one when I was in high school for a short time and I really enjoyed it! It brings back so many memories! What is the value on this car if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks
I would say around £15k to £20k because of the limited vehicles available, but they must be in this condition.
A tatty one for around the £6K mark.
@@robertmenghini.Lambomad Thank you
Beauty
Bellissima
Grazie
Had one from new in Bermuda 1974, I think, to about 1983. Red also. One sexy little car. Good looks are still valid in 2022. Sort of a mini Mustang look about it. With 1100cc performance was nothing special. In typical Italian fashion it rusted way too soon, even being garage kept. A cracked cylinder wall eventually did it in.
Yes I always have loved the “mini Mustang” look, they need to be restored and waxed heavily due to the very poor quality steel!
Era hermoso paresia un mini cupe de los 70 jejeje 🙈 y traia frenos de cector mecanico y motor con cámara de aluminio era poderoso y económico 👍 buen fiat ya lo descontinuaron de las plantas pero rl fiat uno tanvien fue un guerrero de la via
Stunning looking cars, the coupe is perfection!
Where did you get the new chrome from? Plus sport exhaust?
All came from Italy, NOS. great guy called Emanuele Giasi, he’s on Facebook
Where did you get the chrome work from in Italy?
Hi, a guy in ITALY called Emanuele, he can be found on Google, Company Name: GI.PO. di Emanuele Giasi & C. s.a.s.
Address: Via delle Fiere, 5 - 75100 Matera - ITALIA
@@robertmenghini.Lambomad would you have an email address?
Yes, info@giposas.com
I wanna buy this car. How much is it?
Hi, £15k
I had a Fiat 128 sport coupe back in 1982, I think it was an M reg, 1974, and it was rotten as a pear although the engine was great
They all rotted away, thats what makes them so special now and very rare indeed. The engines were always superb and free Revving!
Emm... Looks like a new model by FIAT. :)
Looks fresh and new but it’s from the 70’s!
The 3porte is much nicer!!!
The 3p isn’t as cute!
@@robertmenghini.Lambomad
I think you're wrong!!!
The car is pretty. But I had one, a 1974 in Blue that I bought new. Absolute worst piece of garbage I have ever owned. let me count the problems. Hoses all leaked after a couple of years, and they were covered in a braid that hid the leak when the car wasn't running. Engine was grounded out by the clutch cable. After the 3rd replacement the guy in the parts store told me to ground the engine with a bit cable. Wheel bearings wear out in 18K miles, and have to be replaced because they are sealed bearings. Engine fan will come on after every time the car is shut down so the head does not warp. Ate 3 batteries in 4 years. Timing belt jumped at 30k miles. Seats came apart at the seams since the thread used to stich them together failed. Took it on a 200 mile trip to Baltimore while it was still in warranty and it lost 1st and 2nd gear. Lucky 3rd and 4th still worked so we got home. At the dealer for a month waiting on parts. There was a reason FIAT stopped importing cars into the US in the 70's, this was a perfect example.
Very fun car to drive, but I would keep it out of the weather and just drive it to the shows.
Wow, you were very unlucky but I have to agree, they are just old cars from that era!