1967 Fiat 125

Fiat 125 (Saloon), 1967-1972

The Fiat 125 was in production from 1967 until 1972. Designed by Oscar Montabone, it is a front- engine, rear wheel drive saloon car seating five people.

The 125 replaced the Fiat 1500 saloon, and was a practical exercise in cost cutting akin to cars like the Austin Maxi. Except where that used the 1800's doors, the 125 used the entire centre section of the body of the new 124, mated it to the floorpan and suspension of the outgoing 1500 model, and created its new large family car from a hybrid of parts. The drivetrain was taken from the 124 Sport - a 1608cc twin cam four cylinder petrol unit offering near sports car performance.

Those wanting a sportier experience still could opt for the 125S; a sports derivative with 100bhp available courtesy of a new Solex carburettor, modified cylinder head, new camshafts and manifolds. A five speed gearbox, servo assisted dual circuit brakes, and magnesium alloy wheels completed the look, while such modern toys as intermittent wipers were made available in one of the automotive industry's first applications. A number of coachbuilders created specials based on the 125, including the Bertone 125 Executive, the Moretti 125GS, and the Vignale Samantha.

The 125 was discontinued in 1972, and replaced by the all new 132-series. 603,877 were built. However, production of the Fiat 125 continued in other markets. Poland produced the Polski-Fiat 125p until 1991, while Nasr produced the 125 in Egypt until 1983. The FSO Polonez, a restyled 125, lasted until 2003.

It's more refined than a 124, though the inherent sportiness of 1960s Italian saloons shines through. The engines are revvy, the ride is good, and the roadholding is significantly better than the majority of British equivalents of the period. It's roomier than the 124, especially in the rear given the seat's mounted further back in the shell, and it's overall a softer experience courtesy of the longer wheelbase. By the standards of the 1960s, it feels advanced and fluid.

Panels are mostly shared with the Polski-Fiat 125P, while doors are shared with the 124 and early Ladas. This means that the former Eastern Bloc is your best bet for spare panels, and any Fiat Twin Cam specialist can look after the mechanical side. As with the Eastern equivalents, the Fiat 125 can rust, so check the sills, arches and floorpans thoroughly for any sign of corrosion, and make sure the door bottoms are straight and intact.

There are so few 125s left that you can't really afford to be too picky, but a good 125S can attract a 20% premium over the equivalent standard example, and originality is the key to high values for good condition examples. Coachbuilt derivatives such as the Vignale Samantha fetch higher values, but should be viewed as separate entities rather than members of the Fiat 125 family. The best value entry point would be to source a Polski-Fiat 125, built in Poland but using Fiat designed parts.

If you want a similar experience, the Fiat 1500 offers the same chassis under a more traditional shell. Likewise, the 124 range offers similar looks and engines, with more up to date running gear. A Polski-Fiat or FSO 125p might give you the same overall experience, while a Polonez adds hatchback practicality into the mix. If you want a 60s sharp suited Italian, the Lancia Flavia and Alfa Romeo Giulia are both well worth a second look, though neither is quite so pretty as the Fiat. The Lancia 2000ie is, but is more valuable.