FIAT SALES ON THE RISE
Auctions are dominated by the 500, but other models are proving popular
One of the world’s longestestablished and most prolific car manufacturers, Fiat has the added kudos of being firmly entrenched in its homeland’s culture. Like Citroën in France, Fiat was part of the national identity – especially with its Topolino and, later, the 500 models.
While it’s the 500 that’s proving most popular with UK buyers, auctions are reporting increased popularity for some of Turin’s other classic offerings.
Among them is the Fiat 128, which was launched in 1969 and is regarded by many with an engineering background as a highly significant model – noted journalist Leonard Setright said: ‘In the numerous new standards it set, the Fiat 128 was quite exceptional. Like so many noteworthy Fiats, it was also utterly commonplace. That is part of the paradox that has made Fiat from time-to-time one of the greatest names in the industry.’ That may be the case, but far too few Fiat models, other than the now sale-cliché 500, make it to auction. From the pre-war period medium-sized saloons such as the 1500, the 124 and the 125 – along with the highly competent Mirafiori and first-generation Panda – are seldom-seen. The luxury 130 Coupe brings glamour to any sale while its saloon sibling is very much a rarity.
Fortunately the Fiat name is kept alive in classic sales not only with the 500, but with more sporting models including the X1/9 and latterly the Barchetta, which offers a viable MGF alternative.
A look back at September’s sales shows that around half the Fiats sold at auction were 500s, but thanks to Brightwells offering several other models from a collection, for once there was some Fiat variety, which the market responded to favourably.
Among Brightwells’ offerings was a very good 1974 Fiat 124 Special that was first-class in body and interior, and charmed its way with punters enough to make £4400 – a bargain compared to prices paid for same-order Escort four-doors. Also away was a 1981 127 that needed some completion but was wellpresented and worthy of finishing off. It made £1100.
For the more hands-on owner a 1964 1500 saloon made a rewarding project at £1210.
At the more sophisticated end of the market Historics’ 1973 130 Coupe made £7616 – a relatively shallow price for a car combining such subtlety and elegance.