Miguel Sánchez
Few cars have been as global and massive as the FIAT 124. Logical continuation in the motorization of the new middle classes after the success of the 600, this car with a front engine and rear drive has been manufactured in quantities marked by tens of millions. Something unusual in the world of motorsports, but possible thanks to the multitude of companies that manufactured it under patent throughout the world. We know this well enough in Spain, where SEAT began to manufacture it in 1968 to reach around 1.100.000 units, adding those of the 1430 model.
A case of success that nevertheless pales when compared with the figures thrown by the Lada Zhiguli. The Soviet version of the FIAT 124, of which up to 17 million units were produced. In addition, we find versions as exotic as the one assembled in Casablanca by the Moroccan SOMACA. Or even the ones that KIA made from 1970 to 1973 in South Korea. And that's not to mention the Turkish TOFAS or the Indian Premier. A panoply of versions manufactured under patent that make the FIAT 124 one of the most successful cars of all time. Also with sports derivatives such as the Sport Coupé / Spider.
In addition, although it was born as a family vehicle, its clear robustness gave it a special success in the world of rallying. Something that national pilots like Salvador Canellas know well, but that others have taken to unsuspected limits with marathon journeys through the desert. Case of the Italians Uberto Bossi, Amadeo de Saboya, Roberto Vivarello, Constantino Respoli and Ricardo Presotto. Members of the expedition that in the summer of 1970 traveled 40.000 kilometers from South Africa to the North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe.
FROM CAPE TO CAPE. AN ADVENTURE SUPPORTED BY FIAT
Crossing the African vastness has always been an attractive challenge to test the reliability of any vehicle. And it is that, from the already centennial Citroën crossings to the R12 Break 4 × 4 Sinpar any manufacturer has had a place in African races to show off their robustness. In fact, Nissan took advantage of the participation of its Datsun 240Zs in the Safari a lot, just as any alfista can get chest with the feat of Jethro bronner and the reliability of your Giulia Sprint.
However, what happened in this raid goes beyond all that. Not only for covering the 40.000 kilometers in little more than six weeks. But also for doing it without technical assistance, putting these FIAT 124s to the test with hardly any modifications compared to their standard status. An idea conceived in the sphere of the Italian nobility, as it was the young sportsman and adventurer Amadeo de Savoya who convinced the FIAT of the Agnelli to sponsor this challenge. Also obtaining financing from Fondiana Assicurazzioni as well as the Cinzano liquor company. Something that was completed with the media support of the influential Quattroporte magazine.
Thus, the protagonists of this end-to-end raid left the Mirafiori factory at the beginning of the summer of 1970, arriving at the starting point on June 24 after skirting Africa by boat. The point chosen was Cape Town. The southernmost place in all of South Africa, from where you should cover a journey that would end up taking you to the North Cape. The northernmost point of continental Europe, separated from the first by a multitude of deserts, mountain ranges and countries such as Iran or Turkey.
FIAT 124 SPECIALISSIMA. RAID READY
Beyond the adventure itself, the most special thing about this raid was putting the unique reliability of the FIAT 124 on the table. Even more so when the three used, far from having the proper preparation of a car for rallies, were they were almost in series condition. Regarding the mechanics, the most important modification was the suspension. Adapting it to a longer route to be able to face the potholes and unforeseen events of the African trails. Nevertheless, the engine did not receive any changes. In fact, the only changed component associated with it is the air filter.
For the rest, of these FIAT 124 Specialissima there are only additions to the standard units such as the headlights. And, of course, others related to safety, among which we find an anti-roll bar and a plate to reinforce the underbody. Regarding the gasoline tank, it remained the same, although Enough jugs were placed on the roof rack for each car to carry tens of liters of extra gasoline.
Enough to complete the longest stages. Rides without any mechanical novelty although circulation. What the run over of a cheetah or the collision of an eagle with the windshield of one of the FIAT 124 Specialissima. Undoubtedly facts that can be exotic to any asphalt driver, but that in an African raid are possible elements to take into account.
Photographs: FCA Heritage
