This one owner, 1972 Fiat 128 SL 1300 Coupe was purchased brand new in the San Francisco Bay Area at a Fiat dealer during time which he traded in his 1966 850 Coupe. It was a daily commuter until a move to Southern Oregon in 1975 where it stayed in service until 1996. At that point it was put under cover and on blocks until retirement occurred in 2016 when time became available for minor refurbishment.

Prior to retirement, Star Import Service replaced the lower end Rod Bearings in the engine and the clutch was replaced. After time became available Rick followed up with the minor issues time and storage had caused including having the front seats recovered and replacing minor chrome parts. The brake system was serviced with rebuilt calipers, rebuilt wheel cylinders, pads, shoes and brake lines that needed replacement. The timing belt was replaced approximately nine years ago (despite Rick recalling a more recent time) but still with few miles added to it.

I put the car on the hoist prior to taking it for a drive and was surprised at the lack of corrosion or signs of any damage to the underside. I took a number of images and you can see for yourself. It is true what they say about West Coast cars, they don’t rust!! The left front drive axle looks like it has been serviced or replaced in recent times and checking for leaks, it barely shows anything.

Talking with Rick he mentioned a compression test twenty years ago of 120#’s, 140#’s, 140#’s and 140#’s. He did the same test a couple of months ago and it remains the same. He did add a bit of oil to the low hole and the compression came up to match the others at 140#’s. I noticed the smell of burning oil when we drove the car and a little smoke out of the tail pipe. A safe assumption is that a ring and valve job would not hurt anything. It is can be driven the way it is but it will need attention at some point.

In 1975, the car was involved in a left fender bender. The fender was replaced but the entire car was painted on the left side with paint that is lifting at this time. Rick also refinished the engine hood due to paint issues at home. It did not come out as expected but the paint did stick. In truth, the car needs to be repainted even though it does not have body damage or rust. It is all the same color but with different textures panel to panel.

Driving the car is a joy. I love it! You cannot rush the gearbox but it is smooth and without any whining. The engine idles well after being warmed up and pulls evenly. Brakes do not pull and the car stopped well. The only complaint I have is the most obnoxious buzzer that goes off when a gear is selected and you do not have your safety belt on.


Miles 111,174. The VIN is 128AC0031012. For other interesting bikes and collectible vehicles, visit our web site http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 or come by and see us at Automania LLC, 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526. Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania LLC is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest