General The wonder of FIRE

[Boanerges]

I had a thought today driving to work how the FIRE engines have been in production for quite some time, a testimony to their sound engineering. Even today they are being fitted to the Grande Punto. Thinking back I remember they came in 1983 in the Uno and Lancia Y10 in a sweet 45 version then the rest is history. 23 years and counting.

Some other long timers as rivals include:

BL 'A' series - 1959 to 1998? From the Mini to everything else in 70's and 80's
29 years.

Citroen / Peugeot 'TU' series - from 1986 in the Visa/AX/ 205 and still used today in the brand new 207 - 20 years.

Ford Valencia OHV engine - intro 1976 in Fiesta (may have been earlier?) and last seen in the KA in 2003. - 27 years.

Still think the FIRE is the best of them all for variety, and reliable if looked after. Citroen/ Peugeot TU is a tough unit but can burn oil as 100k clocks up.

Here's to 100k in the new Panda one day!

 

[santa]

I know it's not a rival, but it does show that Fiat makes great engines:

The old Fiat Twin Cam engines?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_Twin_Cam_engine

Manufactured from 1959 to 1994 in various sizes (from 1,3L to 2,0L).