1975 Fiat 124 Familiare

The 1975 Fiat 124 Wagon is a charming, practical, and somewhat underrated slice of Italian automotive life from the mid-1970s. Known in Europe as part of the Fiat 124 family (originally launched in 1966), the 124 Wagon—or “Familiare” in Italian—offered the same mechanical honesty and driving character of the 124 sedan, but with more space, versatility, and a hint of boxy flair.

This one, shown at Macchi II, has been part of the owner’s family since new, and still provides a fun, reliable way to get around in Los Angeles.

Photo by Evan Klein

The 1975 Fiat 124 Wagon is one of those charming, no-frills cars that quietly did everything right. Built on the same platform as the beloved Fiat 124 sedan, the wagon—known in Italy as the “Familiare”—offered all the nimble, tossable fun of its smaller sibling, but with a practical twist. With a boxy profile, generous cargo space, and a surprising amount of Italian flair, it was the kind of car you’d spot parked outside a seaside market with a baguette sticking out the back window.

Under the hood, it had a 1.4-liter inline-four that made around 75 horsepower—not exactly a powerhouse, but paired with a manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, it was more fun than a family wagon had any right to be. The suspension was well-tuned, the steering light and lively, and the whole package felt more agile than most of its contemporaries. It wasn’t flashy, but it had soul—a functional, working-class car with just enough style to make it feel special.

Today, the 124 Wagon is a rare and quirky find, especially in the U.S. where few have survived. For vintage car lovers, it’s a perfect blend of form and function—a little bit of Italian eccentricity wrapped in practical sheet metal. Whether you’re hauling groceries, vintage suitcases, or just good vibes, the Fiat 124 Wagon is a reminder that driving joy doesn’t always come from horsepower—it can come from simplicity, utility, and a dash of old-world charm.