FIVE TRIALs

We enjoy the Fiat 125 Special and put it fully to the test

1 DailY DriViNG

Assuming you don’t mind the occasional spot of hard work, there’s little to stop you using a 125 every day. There’s a good-size steering wheel, positioned quite high up but at a nice angle. Steering is generally heavy at manoeuvring speeds but lightens up considerably at speed. The pedals aren’t floor-mounted, sprouting instead from the bulkhead and positioned higher than you’d expect, require heavierthan-usual inputs. The exception is the brakes, which are servo-assisted discs and while very strong offer limited feel. Visibility is excellent as a result of the car’s spindly pillars.

2 iN tHE sErViCE BaY

There’s nothing complicated in the make-up of this Fiat. As already stated, the suspension is conventional, while discs all-round make brake services a doddle. Even the twin-cam engine requires little special treatment; oil and filter changes are recommended annually (6000 miles in the service book) while the gearbox and axle oil should be renewed every three years (18,000 miles). The front-hinged bonnet offers good access, however the distributor is low and not easy to get at. While we’re pointing out niggles, the same applies to the dipstick. None of that changes the fact that the 125 can easily be maintained by the home mechanic.

3 oN tHE sHoW CirCUit

The UK has taken Italian culture (and just as importantly its cars) to heart, so unsurprisingly there are a number of Italian-themed motoring events throughout the year. The Italian Car Day at Brooklands, for example, is coming up next month (5 May). But you’ll be just as welcome at any general car show or evening meeting given just how rare these cars are here – there are more Fiat twin-cam-engined Morgan 4/4s on our roads than Fiat 125s (a paltry seven according to HowManyLeft.co.uk). The likes of the Fiat Motor Club GB organises its own events as well, if you’re keen to meet with like-minded enthusiasts.

4 tHE loNG WEEKEND

This is where the 125 truly shines. The boot is humongous, in part thanks to the spare wheel being under the floor, but also because it begins right behind the back seats. Plus, there’s a generous amount of legroom in the back, so it can carry four people in comfort. Speaking of which, owners can expect an easy 200 miles from a full tank, while a low-level warning light blinks when there’s around three gallons left. The best bit though is that according to period

Autocar and Car magazines, ride and handling are both improved when instead of being unladen, it’s four-up with a full boot.

5 tHE B-roaD Blast

In theory, a Fiat 125 Special, with its sub12-second 0-60mph potential, is capable of keeping up with an MGB GT at full chat. In reality, its handling deficiencies will see Abingdon’s coupé showing Turin’s twin-cam a clean pair of heels the second it’s confronted with anything even vaguely twisty. That’s not to say the 125 can’t be made to take corners tidily – there’s not much body roll – just that taking bends at speed isn’t something which comes to this Fiat naturally. Being brutal and taking the Fiat to its redline in an attempt to close the gap on the straights doesn’t achieve much, either – the power tails right off above 6000rpm.