1974 Fiat 132 1.8 TC petrol

Summary:

Wonderful car in itself, shame about the build quality

Faults:

Main issue was structural rust, I didn't bother fixing it, simply too much work and even fixed this car had almost zero value

Electric simply a nightmare. Wiring loom and connections poorly made and laid out and subject to moisture and corroded connections. Or connections would simply get loose. I'd say almost 100% of the electric components failed on this car or were already defective. Only focused on the fundamentals, like overhauled the starter and made the ignition work properly

Interior very cool and interesting, but build quality not near BMW or any other German or Swedish car. Was simply falling apart.

General Comments:

Mechanically this was a solid car. Engine and transmission were well built and the suspension could easily absorb abuse without failure.

Very nice to drive and comfortable. When it ran without problems, it easily outmatched a entry level BMW 5-series, like the 518 or even early 520ies.

This car had a lot of promise, but the quality of central components let it down. No wonder Fiat took a nosedive in the 80ies sales wise when they sold cars like this.

Rusted badly like many other cars from the 70ies.

These cars could be picked up for almost no money used, but I guess there were good reasons for that.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th June, 2026