Fiat

In 1966 the Fiat 124 was introduced as the successor to the Fiat 1300. As a clean-sheet design by Oscar Montabone, the chief engineer responsible for its development, the 124 used only the all-synchromesh gear box from the Fiat 1500. It featured a spacious interior and lightweight construction and was fitted with a 1,197 cc engine. In November 1966, a five-door station wagon as well as the 124 sport spider debuted at the 48th Salone dell'Automobile di Torino. A few months later, at the March 1967 Geneva Motor Show, the 124 sport coupé completed the range. The two sport models were powered by an all-new 1,438 cc dual overhead camshaft engine producing 90 hp. In October 1968, Fiat launched the 124 special; like Fiat's other special models, it was an upmarket, better appointed and higher performance variant of the standard saloon. The Russian-built Lada was based on the Fiat 124 and is the best known of the many licensed variants of the 124 manufactured around the world. The Lada constitutes the vast majority of 124 production and makes it the fifth best selling automotive platform in history.

See also: Lada 1200, 1300, 1500 / Seat 124, 1430 

1966

1967

1968

At the November 1970 Salone dell'Automobile di Torino, Fiat introduced a round of updates for the entire saloon and estate range, as well as a new model variant, the 124 Special T. All models had gained air outlets added to the C-pillar for better ventilation and a split brake circuit; while some features previously exclusive to the 124 special such as servo-assisted brakes, were made standard across the range. The saloon and Familiare both had a new grille with alternated chrome and black horizontal bars and larger bumper over-riders. Additionally the saloon had large, nearly square tail lamps made up by two stacked rectangular elements. The renewed special sported a completely redesigned front end. A black, square-mesh radiator grille was crossed by a horizontal bright bar joining the dual headlamps; each of the four round lamps was set in its own square, bright-edged housing. Inside there was a new dashboard with imitation wood inserts, carpets instead of rubber mats, and cloth upholstery. The "T" in 124 special T stood for twin cam, hinting at the car's 1,438 cc dual overhead camshaft engine, derived from the sport coupé and spider but in a milder state of tune.

1970

1972

1973