The Fiat 127 appeared in 1971 as the successor to the Fiat 850. A true revolution compared to the front-wheel drive 127, especially in hatchback form. Today, however, we focus on the evolution, which occurred in 1977 and 1982. A later variant even appeared in a roundabout way.
For the first six years after its introduction, the Fiat 127 had a quiet life. The car was available as a two-door ‘sedan’ (with the shape of a hatchback) and from 1972 also as a real hatchback, with a so-called third door (In the Wild). Under the hood was at all times a fairly minimal four-cylinder with a capacity of a small liter, which many Italians dragged through life with a cheerful rumble. Or other world resident, by the way, because the Fiat 127 turned out to be a travel-loving type. In Brazil, for example, the model was quickly used and derivatives of the car were built there for a long time.
In Europe, the first real news for the 127 came in 1977, when the second series was launched. This car is clearly distinguishable from the original thanks to a completely new front. From ’77, the headlights and grille are optically one. The chrome bumpers were replaced by larger, higher, plastic ones with integrated turn signals.
1977
At the back, if possible, even more changed. In addition to a new tailgate that extends further downwards that forced the taillights to a different place, Fiat also came up with a new design for the rear screen. From 1977, the rear side window therefore has a clearly different shape than before that year.
In 1982 Fiat thought it was time for a second major update. Once again, the front has been completely overhauled, with significantly more modern-looking headlamps being fitted. The turn signals were no longer in the bumper, but were placed on the corners and the whole thing was encased in a gray plastic frame that we couldn’t get enough of in the 1980s.
1982
That is probably also why even the rear light section, with the number plate recess in between, was provided with a similar ‘frame’. After this metamorphosis, the 127 was suddenly a typical child of the 80s. With this edition it was officially ready for the European edition of the 127, but that was not the case for his European career. From 1983, however, Fiat brought the South American version of the model to Europe, which would last until 1987. How do you recognize this car? Right: by the unique nose and butt.
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