Car timeline

1967

Based on the floorpan of the 1300/1500, with body panels of the 124 (released the previous year), the 125 makes its debut in May. UK deliveries in RHD begin towards the end of the year, following the Earls Court Motor Show.

1968

The 125 Special makes its debut at the Turin Motor Show; modifications to manifolding, timing and carburation result in a hike in power from 90bhp to 100bhp. The 125S also benefits from a four-speed overdrive ‘box.

1970

A facelifted version of the 125S is revealed and becomes available the following year. Changes are cosmetic for the most part; revised bumpers, grille and lighting all feature. GM threespeed automatic transmission is also added as an optional extra.

1972

At the end of the year, production of the 125 draws to a close as its replacement, the 132, comes on stream. In spite of its lukewarm reception, it enjoyed a long production run, being renamed the Argenta in 1982.

1991

The 125, however, enjoyed an even longer life as the Polski Fiat 125p. Production commenced in Poland during the same year as the Fiat 125, but the Polski car made do with the engines and mechanicals of the retired 1300/1500. Although theoretically replaced in 1978 by the FSO Polonez, the 125p (under various names) would endure for an impressive 24 years.