Fiat’s Outstanding Sports Car, Morgan Goes V8, and the First In-Car Cassette Player
Fiat has surprised the automotive world with its outstanding sports car, the Fiat 124 Sport Coupé. Despite not making many changes to the mechanicals of the 124 saloon, Fiat has managed to create a sports car that is exceptional in its performance and handling. The Fiat 124 Sport Coupé features a twin-cam head and a powerful engine that delivers 90bhp. The gearshift is smooth and the handling is near to perfection, making it a joy to drive. The roadholding capabilities of the car are out of this world, with virtually no body roll through corners. Even when pushed to its limits, the rear of the car remains stable and refuses to unstick. This sports car is a true testament to Fiat’s engineering prowess.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Fiat 124 Sport Coupé also offers practicality. It has sufficient rear accommodation for a family man, making it a versatile choice for everyday use. And the best part is that it comes at an affordable price of only £1391. Compared to its rival, the Lancia Flavia Coupé, which costs £1602, the Fiat 124 Sport Coupé offers exceptional value for money.
Moving on to another exciting development in the automotive world, Morgan has decided to go for V8 power in its vehicles. Since its inception in 1936, Morgan had been using four-pot engines in its cars. However, when Triumph discontinued its 2.2-litre unit, Morgan saw an opportunity to modernize and opted for Rover’s V8 engine instead. This decision led to the creation of the Morgan Plus Eight, which featured a slightly larger chassis, extra rear spring travel, and a slippy differential. While there were aspects of the Plus Eight that could be improved, it was still a remarkable car that sold well until the Rover V8 engine was discontinued in 2004.
In the realm of car audio, a significant milestone was achieved with the introduction of the first-ever in-car cassette player. Prior to the early 1960s, car owners had limited options for listening to their own choice of audio while driving. The four-track and eight-track cartridges were available but were not widely adopted. It was the Musicassette, developed by Philips, that revolutionized in-car audio. The compact size of the Musicassette and Philips’ decision to license it for free made it accessible to a wider audience. The RN582, a combination of MW/LW radio receiver and tape player, was the first in-car head unit to incorporate a cassette player. Priced at £40, the RN582 offered an excellent audio experience for car owners.
In conclusion, Fiat’s Fiat 124 Sport Coupé has defied expectations with its exceptional performance and handling. Despite minimal changes to the mechanicals of the 124 saloon, Fiat has created a sports car that rivals specialist manufacturers. Morgan’s decision to adopt V8 power in its vehicles has proven successful, with the Plus Eight becoming a popular choice among car enthusiasts. Lastly, the introduction of the first in-car cassette player by Philips has revolutionized the way people enjoy music while driving. These developments highlight the continuous innovation and progress in the automotive industry, making driving a more enjoyable experience for car owners.