Fiat 125

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'FIAT 125'

Year 1967 saw the introduction of the new 125. The chassis was based on that of the outgoing model, the 1300/1500, the body was a further (lengthened) development of the 124, whilst the engine was derived from that in the 124, a 1608cc dohc with 90bhp. In the following year the 125S (Special) was added to the range, with 100bhp (from a modified cylinder head, camshaft and inlet manifold) and a five speed gearbox. A variety of other improvements were made including improved trim and styling.

The Fiat 125 was a sedan-type automobile. It was produced from 1967 to 1973, when the Fiat 132 replaced it. It was renowned at the time for its handling, and general dynamic brilliance, due to its 1608 ccm OHC and DOHC engines giving 90 to 100hp.

The ‘Special’ was facelifted in 1970 when a more cosmetic rework improved trim and some styling details. A three-speed automatic transmission also became available as an option.

Production ceased in 1972 when the 132 was introduced, a total of 603,877 cars having been built. Elsewhere around the globe the 125 continued to be produced. These included South America, where production continued until the 1980’s and included estate and coupe versions, Poland (under the FSO name were developed also estate and pick-up versions and later a five door coupe, the Polonez) and Egypt.

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Poland

A similar model was also produced in Poland as Polski Fiat (or FSO 125p). In name and looks it was similar to the Fiat 125, but was in fact based on the simpler Fiat 124. Unlike the Fiat 125, this model was also available as a station wagon and a pickup. Its mechanicals were sourced from the 1960 Fiat 1500 range.

This Polish version was produced (from 1979 as an FSO) until 1991, by which time the design was 24 years old and its mechanicals were 30 years old. Not even bargain basement pricing could disguise the grinding engines and outdated suspension.

This model was also produced in Argentina up to 1982 including a coupe.

An interesting variant was made by dealers in New Zealand for motorsport which had larger valves, two twin 40DHLA carburettors, different camshafts and a higher compression ratio to produce about 125bhp. Unfortunately only 84 were modified before Fiat headquaters found out and stopped this venture. Other versions were built by Moretti, who made the 125GS 1.6 with styling similar to the Fiat Dino Spider, Zagato, the 125Z, Savio, who produced a 125 Coupe and Station Wagon, Pininfarina, who designed a 125 Executive and Vignale who produced the Samantha, a two door coupe with pop-up headlights.

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