Miguel Sánchez
The XNUMXs were not easy for Lamborghini. And it is that, despite having to its credit such emblematic models as the Miura or the Espada, the truth is that the brand's accounting did not go through its best moments. In fact, In 1972, Ferruccio Lamborghini himself sold his shares to a consortium chaired by two French investors. Also, the new Magpie it did not become the successful four-seater access model that would save the brand from closing. Thus the things, the thrust came when in 1973 the Oil Crisis broke out. Suddenly, the perfect storm seemed to have been conjured for the closing of the Sant'Agata Bolognese.
However, the managers had faith in the development of the Countach. The vehicle that would come to redeem Lamborghini's accounting, whose prototype designed by Marcello Gandini had already been presented at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. With the project of this supercar in hand, it only remained to resist feeding the accounts as it was, which is why Lamborghini embarked during this decade on various unexpected projects. While the first of these was to collaborate with BMW in the development of the M1, the second consisted of submitting in 1977 to a contest of the American army for the award of a new military vehicle.
Two closely linked processes. Since, after losing the contest to AM General and his Humvee, the situation of Lamborghini became so worrying that it could not meet the commitments made with BMW. This is why the M1 was finally assembled by Italdesign. At the time, in 1978 the factory that gave birth to the Miura entered into suspension of payments. A decisive moment in which Giulio Alfieri - a former Maserati engineer and Lamborghini consultant since 1973 - appeared with an idea as curious as it was bizarre. To manufacture an off-road version of the 127 for FIAT from the FIAT 147 chassis purchased in Brazil. The idea that gave rise to the FIAT 127 Rústica.
FIAT 127 RUSTIC. FROM BRAZIL TO THE LAMBORGHINI FACTORY
There have been all kinds of versions of the FIAT 127. We have seen it packaged as a small minivan, van or rally car. And even ready for the beach or agricultural use as if it were a Citroën Mehari. A panoply of modifications amplified by the fact that, under various licenses and brands, this popular utility was manufactured in countries such as Spain or Brazil. In fact, in the South American country there was a version with an ethanol-fueled engine of which more than 120.000 units were manufactured.
All of this starting in 1976, when after four years in the European market the FIAT 127 made the leap to these tropical latitudes where its chassis received a reinforced rust treatment and use on bumpy roads. Thus, Giulio Alfieri saw in the Brazilian FIAT 147 the perfect base for an off-road version marketable in Italy. Interestingly, the idea did not displease FIAT, which commissioned Lamborghini to start production of the FIAT 127 Rústica in 1979.
An economic break for the Sant'Agata Bolognese, managing to reactivate 40 employees previously dedicated to the Countach assembly line along with 180 more who were waiting for the end of the suspension of payments to regain their jobs. An order for which Lamborghini could survive at least during the two years that the production of the FIAT 127 Rústica lasted, of which some 5.000 units were manufactured only marketed in Italy.
ROBUST AND SUITABLE FOR ROADS. THE MODIFICATIONS OF THE RUSTIC 127
If there is a word to define the FIAT 127 Rústica it is “Spartan”. Sober and robust, nothing in it is accessory. For starters, it was only offered with beige on the bodywork and black rims without hubcaps. First differences with respect to the most common versions of 127, to which we must add the protections in the headlights, the optional roof rack and some details in plastics and grill that reveal it as a derivative of the 147 made in Brazil. And it is that its somewhat more resistant chassis than the one made in Italy was the perfect base for the toughest 127 -with permission of not a few units prepared for rallies-.
The ground clearance was raised, giving the vehicle stiffer suspensions and specific tires. Also, although the FIAT 127 Rústica was not an all-wheel drive but front yes the gearbox was changed to give it an off-road behavior. The one mounted on the FIAT 128 was chosen. And it is that it had very short gears, which can be similar to an off-road vehicle. Especially if a rather flat torque curve is achieved, delivering the power from low turns.
Regarding the engine The FIAT 127 Rústica rode a 1.050cc 50CV block. Very different from the 12-liter 3CV V9 ridden by the Lamborghini Countach LP375S. The model with which, despite the abyss in performance, the 400 Rústica shared the factory. In fact, the most curious photos where you can see not a few of these small SUVs parked next to an impressive Countach in the courtyard of Sant'Agata Bolognese. However impressive the supercar may seem, the truth is that it was able to survive thanks to the FIAT 127 Rústica. Therefore, diving into owner forums, some joke that "I have a Lamborghini, even if it doesn't look like it".
Photographs: FIAT FCA Heritage
