I simply cannot believe that here are any Fiat 128s left on the road.

I think they hold the world record for rate of rusting, with the only likely challengers be the FIAT 3200 coupe, and possibly the mid 60s Vauxhalls on which Vauxhall experimted witha new type of underseal - it bonded chemically to the metal, but if scratched (doh, it's on the underneath) the rust of course travels through the metal.

The 128 3p Berlinetta was good looking, and quite brisk for its engine size, and the 128 estate was a good small estate - until the tinworm got them.

Minis are great, and all the main parts are easy to repair (once out of the car), but yes the rear subframe and subframe mounts do rust out after a while. Replacing the subframe is not that hard (but not that quick) and you need the specialised reamer for the swinging arm bushes. Welding teh bits for the subframe mounts back together is very fiddly.