Fiat introduced the 132 in May 1972 and it was the replacement for the highly respected Fiat 124 and 125, but also bridge the gap for the highly acclaimed 131, which was due to be launched in 1974, and the 130 saloon.
Turin had not offered a model in this ‘executive’ sector of the market since the demise of the 1800/2300 in 1968, and the 132 certainly looked smart enough for the corporate world.
There was a choice of 1.6 litre and 1.8 litre DOHC engines. The 1.6 litre engine was the favorite with Malaysia middle class buyers. It had a naturally aspirated, double overhead camshaft, 4 cylinder that produced an output of 98bhp of power at 6000 rpm, and maximum torque of 131Nm at 4000 rpm. The power was transmitted to the wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. Quoted weight at the kerb was just 1095 kg.
Its direct rival at the time was the popular Ford Cortina and the Alfa Giulia. The Japanese Corona and Mazda 626 were both no where near as spacious and elegant. Fiat’s familiar 2.0-litre overhead twin-cam came along in 1982 and the 132 had a 2000GLS model to compete with the Ford Granada and Datsun 180k. The 132 2000GLS produced 113bhp and run from rest to 100km/h in 11.6 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 105mph. The 2000GLS owners had power steering, a stereo radio, central locking, a multifunction control panel, dimming interior lights, sports wheels, deep pile carpeting and hand-trimmed cloth seats.
I have one since 1985.