Fiat 127 Third series

Manufacturer	Fiat
Type	Motor car
Production	from 1981 - 1987
Series	First (1971–1977)  Second (1977–1981)  Third (1981-1987)
Replaced by	Fiat Uno

The Fiat 127 third series is a car produced by FIAT  1981 to 1987 .

History

The 127's third series debuted in 1981, with big plastic bumper shields, redesigned front and rear (with light clusters covered by plastic frames), new plastic side strips (wider and covering wheel arches in superior fittings), and new interiors, featuring a very spectacular dashboard. The panels do not change, with the exception of a new taller bonnet to correspond with the new headlights, and the ostensibly noticeable cosmetic differences are attributable solely to the extra mouldings.

The set-ups reflect those of the 1980 restyling("Special", "Super" and "Sport"). The engines of 900 and 1050 cm³ remain unchanged, while the "Sport" adopts a 1301 cm³ of 75 HP derived by increase from 1050 cm³. Important news of the third series is finally the possibility of mounting the 5-speed gearbox, which on the first two series had never been available (not even on the Sport) because the shape of the front longitudinal members did not leave enough space. The 5-speed is mounted above all on the 1050 Super version, which for the occasion sports the word "Super 5 Speed" on the tailgate. Even the suspensions are profoundly revised in the settings, and for the first time the front wheels have a negative camber setting. The new body, pretentious and heavy, expresses an attempt to superimpose current stylistic elements on a car body now ten years old. It was not easy for Fiat designers to make the 127 look modern, but the modifications convince buyers that once again give them the first place (albeit only for 1982 ) in sales.

The introduction on the market of the Uno ( 1983 ), does not determine, as was believed, the exit of the "127" which, just that year, is re-styled to become a "low-cost" alternative to the newcomer . The Unified 127 is born , that is a single model for Europe and South America , where it is produced (which then is nothing other than a restyling of the 147, with the consequent definitive production output of the Italian version).

 The Unified has two engines (petrol and diesel 1050 cm³ 1301 cm³), two car bodies ( sedan three-door and station wagon Panorama) and a single set-up, that of the old "Super" model, the new FIAT logo is introduced in the front: the five chrome bars. More convincing than the previous one, especially in the queue (even though the tailgate is slightly smaller than the old version, practically with the same entry threshold as the first 1971 series), this new series must however live in the shadow of the Uno , and its impact on the market is therefore negligible. The European career of the 127 ends in 1987, while in South America the production continues until the mid -nineties .

For a certain period it was produced (with Brazilian-sourced components, but gasoline engines and not with an alcohol-petrol mixture) also in Argentina from the plants of SEVEL argentina (joint-venture with Peugeot ). The Argentine name varied. The first version (147 / Rustica) was called "Brio". Later with the adoption of the front grille with the "five chromed bars" it became "Spazio" (until 1993 ) and then "Vivace" until 1996 , when production ceased also in Argentina.

At the end of production, it is estimated that over 4.5 million units were produced.