General 1979 124 automatic trans history

[Slotman]

Hi all! My 1979 124 has the automatic transmission..I'm trying to recall something I heard nearly 15 years ago about the automatics...I thought I read that 1979 was the first year in 124s for automatics in usa, and although they became more common after 79 , 1979 models were somewhat rare, I thought I also remembered reading the the automatics were the same transmission chevrolet used in the chevy chevette?
Would any of you fiat history buffs be able to shed any light on this? Thanks! Terry

 

[AndrejsLV]

Hi! Fiat automatic transmission name is a GM th180 or other name 3L30. Same transmission used on a rwd opel ascona, but with different bell, also chevette, suzuki and peugeot.

 

[Slotman]

Thank you very much for the info!! It's very helpful! Now I just need to find out how many had the auto in 1979...although they became more common in later years I thought i read less than a thousand were in usa ...