Fiat 128 Original Italian Generation Rally 1290 cc in 1971
The 1971 launch-year record for the two-door Fiat 128 Rally with its 1290 cc single-overhead-camshaft engine.
Scope and parent record
This record covers calendar-year 1971 and the launch specification, rather than an independently documented market-specific model year. Its immediate parent is the Rally 1290 cc SOHC engine, within the original Italian generation.
Geneva debut
The Fiat 128 Rally debuted at Geneva in March 1971 as a sporting two-door saloon. It extended the Fiat 128 range without introducing a new generation. Stellantis identifies Rivalta as the starting location for Italian 128 production, but gives no Rally-specific 1971 production total or assembly dates. Source: Stellantis Heritage.
Initial specification
The single-overhead-camshaft engine displaced 1,290 cc; Stellantis quotes 67 hp without specifying the measurement standard. A brake servo accompanied the upgrade. Distinguishing details included a black honeycomb grille, four round rear lamps, lower-body black stripes and sportier front seats with headrests. Source: Stellantis Heritage.
Position in the 1971 range
The separate Sport Coupé followed at Turin in November 1971. Its 1290 cc engine was quoted at 75 hp: that figure must not be transferred to the Rally. The Rally’s significance was its sporting interpretation of the existing saloon. See the Rally variant and Sport Coupé SL 1290 cc engine. Source: Stellantis Heritage.