Fiat 124: history, 60 years, engines, production, Soviet Union

In 1966, two events of particular importance occurred for Fiat. Vittorio Valletta (pictured) leaves the presidency but a car born under his guidance, the Fiat 124. Which is not just a model intended for Italy but becomes a global car for the world of the time: in its various local variations, for example, it was built in Spain, with the Seat brand, in Soviet Union with the name of Lada 2101 called Žiguli, or in Türkiye from Tofaş with the name of 124 Murat. The public history of this model begins 60 years ago, on 31 March 1966, with the presentation to Giuseppe Saragat, President of the Republic, in an Italy that is finishing the consolidation of the results of the economic boom and which will then face the much more difficult 1970s. “President Saragat – reports the Corriere della Sera of 1 April – he spoke at length with the Fiat managers”. Furthermore “he was keenly interested in the details of the «124» and finally expressed his satisfaction to Doctor Agnelli”. Meaning Gianni Agnelli who in 1966 will take the reins of the company in place of Valletta who for 45 years, except for the interlude in 1945, was a manager of the Turin company in various roles. On 30 March 1966 on Information Courier an article comes out describing a “first contact” with the 124 signed by Marco Matteucci, an extravagant test on the roof of Mirafiori while the test drivers speed around on other 124s. The aspect that most strikes the journalist is the large size of the car, the large glass and that only a thousand and two are driving all this. “We can really say that the «124» starts off well” writes Matteucci.