The Fiat 128 lays a creditable claim for setting the template for the modern family car. Its boxy styling contained a spacious and versatile interior and was powered by a series of eager FWD layout engines. It instantly found an appreciative public over its 14-year production, selling almost 2,800,000 examples in the process.
It was the brand best selling UK import during the 1970s but rust destroyed the 130,000 or so examples sold in the UK to leave survivors in the single figures. The 128 was launched in 1969, this 1977 example in CL trim represents the 128’s final incarnation.
Remarkable as it may be to see one these days, its story is just as interesting. Purchased by Simon Hucknall’s father when new, the car was given a head start by its infrequent use, regular cleaning and dry storage. It remained in the family garage until 2020 when Simon decided to get the car back on the road. The 20 or so years of lack of use took its toll on the engine and brakes and incredibly it didn’t need much in terms of metalwork. Once back on the road, Simon has wisely decided not to add much to the 4,000 or so recorded mileage and understandably only takes it out on special occasions.
