The Love for Fiat 147: Restoration and Family Memories

The Brazilian automobile market has always been marked by launches that have won over generations and defined the taste of many drivers. Among the icons of this trajectory is the Fiat 147, a model that, although it was not the most luxurious or the most powerful of its time, won its place in the hearts of Brazilians. And there is a fascinating story about one of these examples, a story that combines passion, dedication and a special affection for cars that transcends generations.

The origin of passion: Fiat 147 and the first steps of a trader

When the mother of Mauricio Tchakerian allowed him to learn to drive on his Fiat 147, certainly did not imagine that that moment of learning with the small compact hatchback, in the 1980s, would be the starting point for a passion that would last a lifetime. For the teenager of the time, the car was more than just a means of transportation; it represented freedom, learning and the beginning of a deep relationship with the automotive universe.

As the years went by, Tchakerian, now an adult and a businessman, began to look for well-preserved examples of the model that marked his youth. However, his search was not limited to the hatchback. He wanted something even more special: the model Fiat 147 pickup, launched in 1978 and considered one of the first pickup trucks small size from Brazil.

“This was the first small pickup truck in the country. Affectionately called the ‘soap dish’, it has a distinct status in the 147 line, because it is very rare”, explains Maurício Tchakerian enthusiastically. And he was not exaggerating. In fact, the Fiat 147 pickup, or “soap dish”, as many call it, became a symbol of rarity and exclusivity in the classic car market. Its simple and robust structure, combined with its compact size, made it ideal for those looking for a practical vehicle for work, but with the versatility of a passenger model.

Meeting the perfect specimen

Tchakerian's search for a Fiat 147 pickup Finding a model that met his expectations was not easy. He searched for years, but could not find a model that was in good condition and had the intact structure he wanted. “The Fiat models did not have a bed protector and were even more damaged,” recalls the dealer. For him, finding a well-preserved model would be a near-impossible mission, especially since it was a pickup truck from a time when vehicles were not always well looked after.

Tchakerian's luck changed in 2008, when he encountered, for the first time, a Fiat 147 pickup yellow, which was in the final stages of restoration and for sale online. At first, the dealer had doubts about the quality of the work done, since, when looking at the vehicle, it seemed that the restoration had been done in a hurry, without the necessary care. But, instead of getting discouraged, he decided to take a chance.

“The mechanics, bodywork and paintwork, which would have required more time, were already done. But the previous owner wanted to save money and used very worn-out finishing parts,” says Tchakerian. He then made a bold decision: he bought the vehicle and decided to restore it from scratch, buying new parts and replacing everything that was necessary to bring it back to its original condition. Fiat 147 back to its original state.

Nine months later, the Fiat 147 pickup truck was completely restored and modernized. The 1.3 gasoline engine was kept with the original setup, but the look received original touches from the new owner. Gradient glass, slightly lowered suspension and sports wheels gave the pickup a more youthful and sporty appearance, without losing the characteristics that made it unique.

The work of restoration The work carried out by Tchakerian did not go unnoticed on the streets. Many drivers who saw the pickup on the streets, enchanted by its appearance, did not believe that it was an original 1980 model, as the renovation work was so perfect that it looked more like a new creation. Tchakerian, with his unique personality, does not hesitate to share the story, but at the same time, jokes with people who believe that he was responsible for creating the pickup.

“Some people tell me that the adaptation was excellent. Sometimes I just let it go and say thank you, other times I tell the truth. But there are stubborn people who try to convince me that the pickup truck never existed,” he says, with a smile on his face.

Although the merchant appreciates people's reactions to seeing his Fiat 147 pickup truck on the streets, he claims that the most rewarding moments are those spent in his garage, where the pickup is carefully preserved. “My satisfaction is to wipe the bodywork with a damp cloth, start it and see that the idle speed is perfect,” confesses Tchakerian, who dedicated hours and hours to taking care of his vehicle.

The pickup truck is not just an automotive relic for Tchakerian; it is also an emotional link to his history and to his family. Tchakerian is a family man, and Fiat 147 has become part of his most cherished memories. For him, the pickup truck is a symbol of a past that he does not want to forget and that he wants to pass on to his son, Henrique, who is now only seven years old.

“One of the first words he learned to say was ‘Amarelinho’, as he calls the car. I see the pickup truck and I see my son playing in the back. It was one of the memories of his childhood that has stayed with me the most,” he says, his eyes shining.

The 147 pickup and the future

The story of this Fiat 147 pickup Tchakerian's is not just about restoration or about a rare and valuable vehicle. It's about memories, family and the preservation of an automotive legacy that, as simple as it may be, is full of meaning. As he looks to the future, Tchakerian already knows what will happen to the car he cares for so much.

“I never think about selling the pickup truck. It’s promised to my son. He already has the car’s name and affection for it. It will definitely be his,” says Tchakerian. And for him, nothing is more gratifying than seeing the next generation fall in love with a car that means so much to their history.

In 2024, amid the boom in modern cars and new models of pickup trucks It is hatchbacks being released in Brazil, the story of Tchakerian and his Fiat 147 pickup is a reminder that cars, more than vehicles, are memory keepers. They are pieces that go beyond engineering and design, touching emotions and passing from generation to generation.

This is the legacy of a businessperson that, by maintaining its Fiat 147 impeccable in his garage, also keeps alive a part of Brazil's history on wheels. The Yellowish, as Henrique affectionately calls him, still has a lot to tell and many moments to live. And who knows, in a few decades, little Henrique will also be able to tell his children how this magical car was part of his own childhood.

In the end, the true essence of a classic car is not in the selling price or the rarity of the model, but in the memories that it provides and in the story that it represents.