Fiat 128 - I have fallen in love...again.

In early 1972 I traded in my 1968 Fiat 600D for a new 128. I knew little about Italian cars, nor any other, but I loved driving them fast. The little 600 and fast was an oxymoron unless you had three miles of straight down hill plus a tail wind.

But the 128 was a whole different car...a three box two berlina that was light and agile and would dance with me through the canyons that crisscrossed the Hollywood Hills. This all comes back because one popped up on BaT. I almost bought it, but mechanic who had first hand experience with the specific car warned me away from it. Now I can't get them out of my mind...a wonderful yet simple little car would be a great (and stealth) weekend toy. I've even bought a Haynes Workshop manual.

I was all set to commit to a Maserati Biturbo...but the 128 has stolen the show. Anybody else familiar with these cars? Anyone know of one for sale?

 

I just confessed to my wife what I am up to. At first she buried her face in her hands...then she smiled and kissed me. Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Thanks for the tips...I'm on my way.

 

I'm sure they rusted in certain climates. Never heard of them having issues with head gaskets. Finding a good one in the US is proving hard. But in Europe they can be found for between $6000 and up to $24000...the Rallye model being the most desireable. The magic (as I remember it) was in the driving.

 

Thanks, I just bookmarked them.

 

It sold for $12500. I was tempted but there was also the shipping costs from Italy to Los Angles. I'm driving up to Santa Barbara to see one on Sunday. They have it insanely overpriced at $19900. And it has some tin worm or corrosion issues that I have to see in person. If the best example in the world just sold for $12500, and the car I'm looking at has $5000 in metal issues that would necessitate a whole new paint job, I'd say the car up north is worth $7000. I think the seller will have a heart attack when I break the news to him. I'd go $7750 tops and then I'd walk.

 

It was down to two cars. The seller in the UK accepted my offer first. I'm thrilled with the right hand drive...shades of the Autodelta RHD GTA race cars. No, this Fiat won't be that fast...but it does give the car a special twist. Love the wheels. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

The sale fell apart. The seller suddenly didn't want to work with the complany he listed the car through. It also provides escrow service so funds don't get paid until the buyer acknowledges delivery. I honestly think he had a change of heart about selling and either consciously or subconsciously looked for a way out. I am now reopenning contact with another seller who has my other favorite. The next few days will tell. I have shipping all arranged.

 

Well I guess Europe can't be a market place to buy one of these if I want to register it in California. A stupid litte CA law that only involves importing foreign cars made between 1968 and 2004. My search for a period car in on pause...unless I find one originaly sold in the US.