A few years ago, Fiat smartly reimagined itself when it launched the new 500. Based upon the Panda's underpinnings but with new age retro-throwback styling, the 500 had boundless character and was an instant hit, both in stock form at hair salons and at the track with the revival of the Abarth nameplate. But then I heard there was going to be a bigger version of the 500, and I was skeptical. When I finally saw the finished product in person - the 500L - I think I had good right to be skeptical; it was horrible. A fussy design that looked overweight, top heavy and ridiculously styled with too small wheels, it just looked like they tried to mate a 500 with a Toyota FJ Cruiser (another throwback model) and failed. I'm not sure why they didn't look for more inspiration in their past, though - this wasn't the first time that Fiat took the 500 concept on to larger families. Today there's a reminder of that lesser-remembered bit of their past for sale on EBay - a 1958 Fiat 600 Multipla:

Year: 1958
Model: 600 Multipla
Engine: 0.9 liter inline-4
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 22,860 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1958 Fiat 600 Multipla

1958 Fiat 600 Multipla
(Mini Bus)

This is a very rare U.S. version of one of the finest mini buses. This is a rare six seater paired up with the rare Lucas lenses and tin buckets separates this car from most other Fiat Multiplas.

A fresh 55 horsepower reverse rotation 903cc engine has been installed. To replace the original 28.5 horsepower 633cc engine. Although retaining the original appearance. Transmission fresh with original gear ratio.

We have stripped this car to bare metal and repainted with a professional base clear coat. All suspension parts have been powder coated and received all new bushing. Radiator has been recored, heater core reconditioned.

Brakes completely redone as well as all the hoses.
Tires are Coker Classics Bf Goodrich Silverton’s wide whites
560 600x12. For a slightly taller gear ratio. All the chrome has been triple plated and all aluminum professionally polished.

The interior, carpet and headliner done By Sergio.

This car has been professionally restored by
Mr. Bills Classics.

Questions call Bill at
Shop (928) 443-9004
Cell (928) 925-4398

I choose to end the last auction due to vin # verification.
To obtain clear Az Title which I now have.

We reserve the right to end auction early.

Bid with confidence!

I'm also surprised that Fiat - now at the helm of Chrysler as well - didn't take the opportunity to capitalize on another bit of marketing genius. In the 1980s, Lee Iacocca boldly went onto America television proclaiming that Chrysler was introducing the world to a new form of transportation - the "Minivan". While it was an instant sales success somewhat inexplicably, much like Al Gore's claim that he invented the internet Iacocca conveniently neglected to mention that both Volkswagen and Fiat had been producing these types of vehicles for 30 years. As these mini-buses would struggle to top 55 m.p.h. originally, the upgraded engine should prove to make this a much more enjoyable ride. It's also nice that the 600 has been thoroughly gone through aesthetically and it looks well done. While obviously you won't win any drag race or cornering competitions, the market on these boutique microcars from the 1950s and 1960s is still quite hot and you'd be sure to draw a crowd wherever you arrived in this car. The rarity and condition come with a price; as of writing bidding is nearly $40,000 - but compared to some of the most desirable Volkswagen buses that's still quite affordable. For that money, you'd have a unique way to show Fiat what they should have done again!

-Carter