Top 10: Front-wheel drive classics
It’s been around for so long that we tend to take front-wheel drive for granted. Back in the 1960s and ’70s, however, there was deep suspicion among many traditional buyers as to the reliability and longevity of what was seen as a new-fangled idea, despite the fact that elsewhere in Europe innovative companies like Citroen had been building front-drive cars since before World War II.
It’s easy to see the appeal of front-wheel drive, particularly when it comes to space efficiency and sharp, nimble handling, and there’s certainly no shortage of front-drive classics on today’s scene. Here are our verdicts on 10 of the most significant.
Never officially sold in Britain, the Autobianchi Primula of 1964 is included here for its significance to the front-drive market, effectively creating the supermini concept that’s still with us fifty years later. It may have looked not unlike the BMC 1100 but the Primula came with a rear tailgate, effectively creating a whole new class of car that would come to dominate sales throughout Europe.
Just as importantly, the success of the Primula encouraged parent company Fiat to adopt front-wheel drive for the 128 of 1969, as well as the hugely popular new 127 of 1971.
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