Information
- Mille Miglia eligible.
- Rare and exceptional example of a Fiat 600 with 750 Mucera period enhancing based on the elaboration kit “cassetta di derivazione Abarth 750”.
- Recent restoration of bodywork, interiors and complete overhaul of the mechanical parts.
- Many rare period accessories.
- Original registration plates and log book.
Registration and Italian license plates in order.
Eligibility
- Mille Miglia. Eligible.
- Giro di Sicilia. Eligible.
- Targa Florio. Eligible.
- Goodwood Revival. Eligible
- Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. Eligible
- Tour Auto. Eligible.
- Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti. Eligible.
- Vernasca Silver Flag. Eligible.
- Pontedecimo-Giovi. Eligible.
- California Mille: Eligible.
- Nürburgring Classic. Eligible.
Provenance
The 600 was manufactured by Fiat between 1955 and 1970, by which time it’s replacement (the Fiat 850) had already been in production for six years. It was presented in March 1955 at the Geneva Motor Show and simultaneously in all European capitals as well as in Casablanca (Morocco). An international launch of great importance. With the Fiat 600, joining the Fiat 1100 and 1400, the Torinese factory entered into "intensive" production, that is, production in large series. The Fiat 600 is a compact two-door sedan, with four comfortable seats, a self-supporting structure with the engine-clutch-gearbox-transmission and differential placed longitudinally, all positioned rearward with the engine being beyond the rear axle. It initially mounted an air-cooled 633 cc four-cylinder petrol engine, capable of developing 21.5 hp at 4,600 rpm and was able to generate a torque of 4 mkg at 2.800 rpm. Power was transferred to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox, initially not synchronised. The 600’s engine could bring the 590 kg car to a top speed of over 95 km/h (60 mph). Fiat had managed to maintain, for a four-seater of the time, the modest proportions of the car. The car was 3,215 mm long, 1,380 mm wide and 1,405 mm high. It was produced by SEAT in Spain and by Zastava in Yugoslavia. The last versions were fitted with a 747 cc engine and defined as 600 D - 750.
The car
The Fiat 600, chassis no. 222606, was registered for the first time on October 1st, 1956 and its first owner was Salvatore Calascibetta, a well-known racing driver of the era, who used it with great success in numerous races. It is in an excellent state following a recent restoration that has included the maintenance of many original parts. The bodywork (which is in its characteristic “azzurro cenere” color), sliding windows and interiors are all very well-kept, the latter notable for its anatomical seat on the driver's side, typical of the period. A precious dashboard complete with additional instrumentation surrounds the NARDI sports steering wheel once again of the era. The car was originally set-up by the noted MUCERA workshop in Palermo, with the famous “cassetta di derivazione Abarth 750” (a box full of dedicated racing parts). In fact, still today this car is a "derivazione Abarth 750" featuring the typical finned cast-aluminium oil pan, a bigger carburettor and special exhaust manifold and muffler. The AMADORI magnesium rims with rectangular holes to improve cooling and the wheel cups with aesthetic hubcaps are extremely rare. So far, it is the only known surviving example of Fiat 600 with a similar racing history, in fact, "Toto '" Calascibetta drove this car in several races all over Italy planning its races according to a road route that would track the "postal" ferry from Sicily. Notable among these were the Targa Florio (Palermo 1957), Pontedecimo-Giovi (Genoa 1958), Sassi-Superga (Turin 1958), Coppa Nissena (Caltanissetta 1959) and Salita del Monte Erice (Trapani 1960). The equipment of this Fiat is completed by some further period accessories including a steering lock, enamelled brass friezes with Italian flag and checkered flag, additional central headlight and Fiat written in italics on the front grille typical of the first Fiat 600 Abarth.State of the ArtRecent restoration of bodywork, interiors and a complete overhaul of the mechanical parts.
State of the Art: Recent restoration of bodywork, interiors and a complete overhaul of the mechanical parts.
Literature
- Giancenzo Madaro, Fiat 600 & Multipla, Giorgio Nada Editore, Vimodrone (MI) 1991.