Fiat 127 Diesel
The Fiat 127 was a supermini produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat between 1971 and 1983. It was introduced to replace the Fiat 850, and was initially only available as a two-door saloon. The following year, a three-door hatchback version was launched, which Fiat claimed was its first in the class. The 127 employed the 903cc overhead valve engine that had powered many earlier Fiat cars, and featured the state-of-the-art transverse engine and front wheel drive layout that had been used in the Fiat 128. It also boasted a unique transverse leaf spring suspension at the rear.
Praised for maximising interior space (around 80 percent of the car was dedicated to passengers and luggage) and its outstanding road handling, the 127 quickly gained popularity and was rewarded with the European Car of the Year award in 1972. For some years, the car became one of the top-selling models in Europe.
When the Series 2 127 was released in 1977, it introduced a restyled front and rear, revised dashboard, larger rear glass area and a new 1049cc engine option. Not long after, a five-door derivative was made available in certain countries. The Mark 3, released in 1982, freshened up the front and back styling, and included an additional 1301cc engine option.
The 127 also had a high-cube panel van version that was called 'Fiorino' and based on the Series 2 bodyshell. This model was produced until 1984, when a newer Uno-based Fiorino was launched.
The 127 experienced severe body corrosion and was known for using recycled steel and inadequate undersealing. While many examples of the car are still in existence in Mediterranean countries today, those in Northern Europe were greatly affected by damp weather and salty roads. This, alongside similar issues with other Italian cars of the 1970s, resulted in Italian car-makers having a tainted reputation until the beginning of the 90s. Production of the 127 came to an end in 1983 when the Fiat Uno was introduced.
International variants of the Fiat 127 included the SEAT 127 and SEAT Fura Dos. The SEAT 127 was manufactured in Spain and some parts from it were used in the Ibiza mark 1. SEAT produced more than 1.5 million units of the 127 from 1972 to 1984. Other products based on the 127's underpinnings were the Yugo 45 (Zastava Koral) from Yugoslovian Zastava company and the Fiat 147 of Brazil.
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