6 Fiat 128 Coupé Shopping

Fiat’s 128 berlina, launched in 1969, was a veritable revolution. Not only was it Fiat’s first front-engined, front-drive car, but it was also impressive for the amount of passenger and luggage space despite the car’s compact length.

The saloon’s three-box styling, however, was downright boring. Marcello Gandini’s reworking of the 128 was an early instance of cab-forward design, the base of the windscreen moved to just short of the front wheels, and set at a rakish angle. Unveiled in November 1969 at the Turin Motor Show, the 128 Shopping also predicted the ‘origami’ look, five years before the idea was popularised by the Volkswagen Golf. As well as brilliant packaging, the saloon-based concept boasted an innovative shopping trolley that slotted into the rear of the car.

Anorak fact The 128 saloon’s innovations led to it being named 1970 European Car of The Year