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When Fiat launched their 124 saloon in 1966, few observers would have been surprised to learn that they were planning a two-door high-performance version. However, when the 124 Sport Coupe made its bow in 1967, it immediately became an object of desire. In the UK, the new Fiat seemed far removed from half-day closing on a Wednesday and Z-Cars in the evening.

One reason for the popularity of the original “ac” series was the delicately elegant coachwork devised by Mario Bonao and the 1,438cc plant with a toothed belt; a “first” for a twin-cam production engine. Five-speed transmission became available in 1967, and many drivers found it to be a very worthwhile extra. In Italy, the original “ac” series Fiat was perfect for the up-&-coming young executive who might have otherwise looked at the Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior or the Lancia Fulvia Coupe.

Motor thought the 124 a ‘multi-purpose sports car’, and Autocar believed the ‘Handling and roadholding set new standards for conventional suspension’. In October 1968 Car evaluated the Fiat opposite its nearest British rival, the Rapier “Arrow” and concluded the 124 was ‘primarily a handling car; it has few equals in this price class’. In other words, the Fiat represented excellent value for £1,298 9s 10d, especially if you invested a further £30 in the five-speed gearbox.

In the following year, the facelifted “bc” gained quad headlamps -

- and the very welcome option of a 1,608cc power plant. Meanwhile, spending a few more lire on tinted glass and Cromodora alloy wheels was essential for any owner whose role models were Vittorio Gassman or Monica Vitti. In May 1969 Motor Sport raved:

This Fiat personifies the Italian scene — it is fun, it is smart, it is sporting, modern and beautifully made. It provides quick transport for two or four persons, being more spacious than some so-called 2+2s, and it is competitive in price.

In other words, the 124 Coupe was ‘a car which should cause many discerning drivers with £1,478 to spend to crumple up their short-list and throw it away’. Of course, 51 years ago this represented no small sum; by comparison, Ford offered Capri 1600 GT XLR for just £1,130 6s 10d. However, a car of the Fiat’s distinction was surely worth every shilling.

1972 saw the launch of the cc with a modified grille and a choice of 1,592cc or 1,756cc power plants. Car and Driver of September 1974 summarised the appeal of the final generation of 124 Coupe as ‘fun to drive, easy to look at and an efficient device for A-to-B transportation. By this versatility alone, the Fiat becomes a bold nonconformist, a design worthy of esteem’.

Production ended in 1975, and any surviving example is guaranteed to draw attention. When testing a late-model for Classic Cars magazine back in 2015, several passers-by were convinced the Fiat parked on the Sussex seafront was a miniature Ferrari.  As the 1968 advertisements put it:

There are three types of GT’s. The ones that are little more than ordinary saloon cars, nicely packaged. The ones that are hot, but leave you cold aesthetically. And the ones that are real stoppers to look at – real goers when you get behind the wheel.

 The 124 Sport Coupe definitely belonged in the final category.

Why choose Lancaster Insurance?

Here at Lancaster, we love classic cars as much as you do and we understand what it takes to protect them for future generations.

We have links with some of the top classic car clubs around the country and some of our policies even offer discounts of up to 25% for club members.

Other benefits of classic car insurance through Lancaster can include:

• Historic rally cover
• Static show cover
• Limited mileage discounts
• Choice of repairer
• 24-hour claims helpline

Give your classic the protection it deserves and get a quote for your Fiat today.