1985 Fiat 127

Initially only available as a two-door saloon, a three-door hatchback using an identical body profile was launched the following year — Fiat's first in the class. The 127 used the tried and trusted 903 cc overhead valve engine that had powered many earlier generations of Fiat cars, in conjunction with the state-of-the-art transverse engine and front wheel drive layout which had been pioneered in the Autobianchi Primula (Autobianchi was a Fiat subsidiary) and the Fiat 128, and also featured a unique transverse leaf spring suspension at the rear. The car was one of the first of the modern superminis, and won praise for its utilisation of space (80 percent of the floor space was available for passengers and luggage) as well as its road-holding. The 127 was an instant success, winning the European Car of the Year award in 1972, and quickly became one of the best-selling cars in Europe for several years.

The Series 2 version of the 127 debuted in 1977. It featured a restyled front and rear, a revised dashboard, larger rear glass area and a new 1049 cc engine option. This aluminium headed, overhead cam engine was unique to the 127 range. At the same time a 5-door derivative became available in certain countries. The final revision of the 127 came in 1982 with the Mark 3. Once again the front and end styling was freshened up, and a new 1301 cc engine option was introduced. The interior was redesigned and made more modern looking.