The Fiat 124's 60th anniversary exhibition in Turin features a historic special model and showcases the evolution of the 124 family.
As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, the Fiat 124 has a remarkable centerpiece on display in Turin: one of only three Fiat 124 Specials that undertook an extraordinary journey over 40,000 kilometers from Cape Town to North Cape in 1970. This iconic yellow saloon belongs to the Stellantis Heritage collection and typically resides in the Epic Journeys section of the Heritage Hub. For the exhibition titled Mi chiamo Fiat 124, it stands proudly alongside four other notable variants from the 124 family, including the original saloon model, the Sport Spider, and the Abarth Rally.
Launched in collaboration with Quattroruote, the Raid of the Two Capes expedition was more than just a test of endurance; it was a meticulous adventure that showcased the 124’s capabilities. Fiat's technician Riccardo Presotto and his team prepared each vehicle for this arduous journey by modifying the suspension, adding underbody protection, roll bars, and additional lighting, while also providing them with 120 liters of extra fuel capacity.
The team, comprising six members, was led by Amedeo di Savoia-Aosta, alongside Presotto, Uberto Bossi Pucci, Roberto Vivarelli Colonna, photographer Costantino Ruspoli, and journalist Vincenzo Bartone. The journey began from the Mirafiori plant in Italy, with the cars arriving in South Africa before officially starting their raid from Cape Point on June 24, 1970.
The ambitious schedule aimed for an average of 1,000 kilometers per day. Throughout their trek northwards through Africa, the team would occasionally receive assistance from a Fiat Campagnola and local mechanics, but they often ventured into remote areas relying solely on their skills and the 124’s engineering prowess. The section from Nairobi to Addis Ababa presented myriad challenges, including poorly maintained desert roads, damaged bridges, and an unfortunate five-day halt at the Ethiopian border due to missing visas. Even the following leg from Moyale to Neghelli proved harrowing, covering just 76 kilometers in 18 hours as the vehicles suffered a staggering eight punctures along the way.
Upon crossing into Eritrea, the cars were airlifted over Saudi Arabia and resumed their journey in Iran. A critical moment came in Turkey when one of the front wheel hubs broke while navigating an unmade road between Trabzon and Ankara. Remarkably, the team repaired the damaged vehicle and rejoined the convoy.
Tragedy struck when the group reached Trieste, where Bossi Pucci departed the expedition and unfortunately passed away shortly thereafter in a diving accident. Despite the somber turn of events, the remaining five members rallied their spirit, commemorating their lost teammate by incorporating his name into the cars before pressing on through Europe.
After a grueling 51 days of travel, all three Fiat 124 Specials reached North Cape on August 14, marking an extraordinary accomplishment that spanned three continents. Presotto, Bartone, and Amedeo di Savoia-Aosta then drove the vehicles back to Italy, with one surviving example now resting in the Stellantis Heritage collection, displayed prominently in Turin.
The exhibition not only features this adventurous 124 Special but also includes a standard model launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966. This original saloon, developed under the guidance of Dante Giacosa, utilized a 1197cc four-cylinder engine created by Aurelio Lampredi and featured advanced engineering for its time, including four-wheel disc brakes and a lightweight design of just 855 kilograms, ultimately earning the title of 1967 European Car of the Year.
Additionally, the exhibition showcases the rapid diversification of the 124 model. The Pininfarina-designed 124 Sport Spider made its impactful debut at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, followed by the Sport Coupé, which was presented at the Geneva show in 1967. Both vehicles highlight Fiat’s ability to evolve and adapt the foundational design of the 124 across different segments.
The display culminates with the Fiat Abarth 124 Rally, developed as a Group 4 vehicle, which became Fiat's flagship rally car in the early 1970s. This model achieved impressive victories at both European and World Championship levels, playing a pivotal role in Raffaele Pinto's success at the 1972 European Rally Championship.
The Mi chiamo Fiat 124 exhibition runs at the Heritage Hub in Turin until the end of November 2026. It includes original period brochures and offers fascinating insights into the Fiat 124’s legacy. General admission provides access to the exhibition, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the remarkable journey and history associated with this iconic vehicle. More details, along with the complete story of the journey, can be found on the Heritage Hub site.
