I’ve driven countless kilometres pedalling one of these in a Fiat 128 Bello. The un-bustable 128 engine was one feature that made an old design (‘60s tech that was in production till the late 70s) a pleasure to drive. While there was which was dated by the end of the 128’s long life – with little real development - the engine was still a strength. It outlived the 128 with production in to the current century.
Some might have called it noisy but it was a sound I liked. It was willing to rev and rewarded you doing that with a sporty yowl and reasonable progress. Compare it to the powertrains the likes of Ford, Leyland and GM offered in small cars and you can see why it lasted! While the body of my 128 eventually succumbed to corrosion it’s heart was still strong.
Engine Of The Day: Fiat SOHC - Fiat - Jalopnik
Production of this engine ran from 1969 to 2005.