Information
- Mille Miglia Eligible.
- Rare example of the first series Fiat 600 soft top "trasformabile".
- First year of production.
- Original registration plates and booklet
Registration and original Italian plates in order and updated.
Elegibility
- Mille Miglia. Eligible.
- Giro di Sicilia. Eligible.
- Targa Florio. Eligible.
- Goodwood Revival. Eligible.
- Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. Eligible.
- Tour Auto. Eligible.
- Vernasca Silver Flag. Eligible.
- California Mille: Eligible.
- Nürburgring Classic. Eligible.
- Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti. Eligible.
- Pontedecimo-Giovi. 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 synchronized. 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. In its long career three series follow one another until 1960, when the 600 model D was born, presenting the new 750 cc engine and will also evolve into three series until production ceased.
The car
The 1956 Fiat 600, with chassis no. 100*182541 is an example from the I series, produced from March 1955 to February 1957, whose specifications were: 633 cc engine, Weber 22 DRA carburettor for 21.5 hp at 4.600 rpm. The top speed was about 90 km/h, a respectable value for a small car of that era. The "suicide" doors were hinged to the rear, as was stated at the time in advertising, also to facilitate a "decent" entry and exit for female drivers in skirts, a new and important catchment area for the model. The doors had sliding windows, the blinkers were on the fenders like on the Topolino. On the nose, the round "600" frieze with 6 individual aluminium whiskers. Below on the tail, small taillights with an aluminium base; the blinkers would appear only from the models produced since February 1956. The canvas soft top version, home defined as the “trasformabile”, was introduced a little later, in 1956, together with the Multipla version. The Fiat 600, with chassis no. 100*182541 is therefore one of the very first “trasformabile” produced: it still features the first type taillights, with later added separate direction indicators, to respect the new highway code. The car is in an excellent state following a restoration. The body is painted in the typical “azzurro cenere” (ash blue) colour with twin-tone ash-blue/cream rims; all the details are correct. It is fitted with white-wall tires. The interiors appear very refined; the seats are upholstered with the correct checkered fabric, specific to the Fiat 600 I serie and 1100 and with leatherette. The correct rubber pads are present. The car is equipped with two-tone pneumatic horns, a typical after-market item of the time. The double keys and the use and maintenance manual complete the equipment. The car is still registered with the original black plates of the Isernia province, adding another touch to the little magic of this car, for the very low number. Also preserved with the car, the original booklet "a pagine". Mechanics is completely overhauled, with non-matching engine, but of the correct type. The choice of Fiat 600s on the market is wide, with a wide range of prices and estimates. Some cars make the difference. Others do it even more. Rare opportunities.
State of the Art
Restoration of body, interiors and overhaul of the mechanical parts.