Tag Archives: 1958

Classic, Fiat

1958 Fiat 600 Multipla

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:

Click to view listing

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

Click to view listing

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!

Click to view listing

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

Lancia

1958 Lancia Aurelia B24 S Convertible

One of the most stunning cars from the 1950s that doesn't get its fair share of attention is the Lancia Aurelia Convertible and Spyder. These cars were simply elegant, deriving their mechanicals from the Aurelia Berlina which had a 1-2-3 finish at the Targa Floria in 1952. Created mainly for the American market, a little more than 500 were ever built. They strike a bit of an Italian Corvette stance, but the similarities end there, as these sports cars featured a 2.5 liter V6 engine, a sliding pillar independent front suspension and a two piece driveshaft connected to a rear-mounted gearbox. This B24 S Convertible for sale near Turin is a rare chance to get your hands on a legendary design.

1958 Lancia Aurelia B24 S Cabriolet

Click to view listing

Lancia Aurelia B24 S Convertible - Year 1958. One of the last built. Original Nardi special equipment. Matching numbers. Italian plate and papers. Homologued by ASI (Italian Historic Automobilclub) with the Gold plate and the maximum evaluation. This car has been sold new to USA. Back in Italy in 2000 and owned by a Fiat Managing Director. Restored at no expenses with supervision of Pininfarina. Now available in Turin, same place where this Lancia was born. This is an opportunity to acquire a Lancia Aurelia B24 in the same condition when this car left the Factory at the end of the fifties.

At the high end, expect to pay around $425,000 to $450,000 for a mint, late model Aurelia Convertible such as this. At $375,000, this is a pretty decent value, given the provenance and history involved. Sure, it might seem crazy to spend well into six figures for a Lancia when there are plenty of Ferraris from this era available, but hardcore enthusiasts will know you have something special and far ahead of its time. For the discerning collector, that fact alone is enough.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

1 Comment

A reader of ours from Australia left us a message recently that he was looking for a clean Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. Last week, this mint 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider in Germany caught my eye, but I thought why not follow up with a Giulietta that is a little less expensive but could use a bit of work for the intrepid buyer? This Giulietta for sale in Texas is pretty much complete but needs a good sorting to get it to a good driver level.

1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider

Click to view listing

1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce Spider. VIN# AR1495F04191. The car has a 1962 Giulia Sprint or Spider 1600 Twin Carb motor #0011205344 and a 5-speed gearbox. I do not know when it was swapped, nor do I know the whereabouts of the original drivetrain. I have an invoice from 1979 when this motor was rebuilt by Bob Wallace Cars in Phoenix, Arizona. It has had one family ownership since the late 1970s. I have a repair order from 1989 with 35,546 miles.

The car runs and drives, but the carbs need rebuilt, there is some power loss due to the car having been stored for a long time. I had the gas tank cleaned, new fuel pump, rebuilt the master cylinder and a new battery. The brakes are hard, I had the left front wheel cylinders rebuilt due to leaks, but the brakes still need more work. It stops, but has a hard pedal. You can't drive this car home. Body, very solid and straight, no rust holes or patch panels.

Original floor and trunk in excellent shape. Paint is an old paint job that shines, but has chips and scratches and faded spots and a few dings. The hood has been repaired, the front of the hood has a few bubbles, missing the long chrome trim and the underside cross structure was modified. Best to et another hood eventually. Good glass. Tires old. Top is black, but it has shrunk because it hasn't been used for over 30 years.

Interior, good quality driver. Oil pressure is 55 when engine is running. Please look at all the photos. I have additional photos I can email. Car can be seen by appointment in Plano, Texas. Good clear Texas title in hand. Texas residents to pay 6.25% state sales tax and all license fees. No fees to export out of state buyers or dealers. Sold as is. Vehicle and title released when funds clear.

A Giulietta Spider in fair condition, as described by Hagerty, is valued at close to $25,000. If I was in the market, I wouldn't spend much more than that for a Spider in this condition. Putting the engine, brakes and convertible top right will not prove to be cheap repairs and could easily push your total investment above the $30,000 mark. After that, who knows what other issues may arise which need ironing out. Still, black over red leather is a classy combination for these roadsters and this particular car certainly isn't a lost cause. For those with the funds, it may prove to be a worthwhile project.

-Paul

Fiat

1958 Fiat Millicento 1100

4 Comments

The Fiat Millicento, or 1100, is a cheeky post war subcompact that served as a staple family sedan in Italy in the 1950s and went on to be produced under license in India until 2000 as the Premier Padmini. This was one of the first cars to be mass produced in India and was popular for taxi use. Today these cars are rather collectible, if scarce, and remind us just how much fun and efficient certain practical classics are, even if they do appear a bit pedestrian at first.

1958 Fiat Millicento 1100

Click to view listing

Up for sale is a 1958 FIAT Millecento (1100-103D) Berlina; we call her Mille. A California car believed to be from the Bay Area up until 2011 when I purchased the car and brought it to Virginia. I regularly use the car for errands around town and occasionally drive it to work. If you like meeting new people, you probably should buy this car. It you like spending 15 minutes in the grocery or hardware store parking lot talking about your car, the Mille is just for you. The “cute factor” is off the scale which usually means every red-light and retail store parking lot finds you having a conversation with complete strangers about the Mille.

The previous Bay Area owner brought the car out of hibernation protected from the elements and gave it a complete tune up, changed the fluids and filters, cleaned the fuel tank, replaced the rubber fuel lines and rubber brake lines, relined the brake shoes, installed bias-ply whitewall tires, and gave her a good scrubbing inside and out. The exterior was repainted in its original and correct two tone Grigio/Blu and the interior seating surfaces were re-upholstered in the correct complementary two tone color. Finally, new weather-stripping was fitted, a new headliner was installed, and a new steering wheel fitted to round out the refresh. The vehicle is available immediately and is located in Waynesboro, Virginia.

Body and passenger area floors are solid and show no repairs. There is one spot bubbling on the lower driver door, and a few bubbles on the lower passenger side front and rear door. None come through the paint and none are larger than a pencil eraser. See photos. The only location that rust has perforated the body is in the passenger side trunk pocket floor behind the rear wheel. This area is hidden from view, is not structural, and could be easily repaired but certainly not needed to enjoy the car as is. See photos in shutterfly link. The exterior has been repainted, not a professional job, but not a hack either. The paint as some orange peel and there is an occasional spec of dirt in the paint. There are some very light polishing scratches on the top. No overspray is found on the trim, glass, or rubber. Chrome bumpers and trim are original and is starting to dull, some pitting can be seen (someone say patina please). There is no evidence anywhere of body damage.

Interior is fitted with new two tone upholstery in the original and correct gray and blue, complementing the exterior colors. A new headliner has been installed along with an NOS steering wheel. The car still has the original rubber mats and kick panels in front, and carpets in the rear along with the vinyl rear tire trim are original and in excellent condition considering the age. The car is accessorized with period correct orange/black Everest rubber floor mats front and rear. Accessories almost all work perfectly on the car including the headlights, turn-signals, brake-lights, oil pressure indicator, speedometer, odometer, water temperature, wipers, heater fan, heater, horn, under-hood and trunk lights, etc. Not currently working are the two rear interior lights, the rear-view mirror light, and the license plate lights.

Drivetrain is original to the car and not modified from its original specification. The 1089cc motor with its single barrel Weber 32IMP downdraught carburetor puts out only 43 HP (rounded up) but is adequate for around-town driving. Some say gas mileage exceeds 40 mpg, I’ve never measured it. The four on-the-tree manual transmission shifts smoothly through the gears; first is non-syncro, 2-4 are synchronized. The mechanical linkage clutch has absolutely no slip. As for oil leaks, after sitting for a week the engine has one quarter-size spot under the drain plug, tranny has one dime-size spot under the drain plug, and the diff has one quarter-size spot below the drain plug. The car currently operates without a thermostat and the water temperature on the hottest Virginia summer days does not exceed 190 degrees in traffic. Once moving, the temp drops below 180 degF again. The fuel pump is still mechanical and the distributor is still points and condenser. The water pump has a small leak from the weep hole but does not spot. The generator and voltage regulator function properly and maintain battery charge.

The car comes with period FIAT documentation including advertisements, sales brochures, postcards, photographs, original “running in” decal for the windshield, the Everest floor mat docs, original instruction manual, original FIAT parts catalog, and an original FIAT body parts catalog. A jack and tool kit is also included. Everyone asks me about parts. Yes they are available but not as readily as your MGB or Triumph parts; they made a million of these things in Europe but only a few made it to the USA. Suppliers advertise their 1100 parts on E-bay and E-bay.it and there are two popular FIAT 1100 Bulletin Boards on the web that provide great technical advice and can assist with finding parts as well.

The seller of this car had this on the market back in October 2011 on the Fiat Lancia Unlimited marketplace for $9,950. For those in the market for a Millicento, there isn’t a lot of choice and it would be wise to buy a complete, mint example like this. Restoration costs could exceed what you could expect to get out of the car upon selling it. Under $10,000 for such a nice example is a practical way to enter into the Italian car club and make some new friends along the way with this instant conversation starter.

-Paul

Fiat

1958 Fiat 600 Multipla

2 Comments

The Fiat Multipla can appear to be a larger car in pictures than it is in real life. This small multi purpose vehicle is amazingly only 139 inches long and 57 inches wide, which is not much more than an original Mini. And in that small footprint, you had room for six passengers. How did Fiat do it, you ask? By using the rear engine platform from the 500 and positioning the driver and front passenger above the front axle, thus maximizing interior volume. About a quarter million Multiplas rolled off the assembly line from 1956 through 1969, often being employed as commercial vehicles or taxis. This example for sale in Switzerland appears to have lead a very easy, sheltered life.

1958 Fiat 600 Multipla

Splendid Multipla delivered brand new in Italy that only had two owners in 54 years. Extremely well cared for and in perfect driving order, original mileage, absolutely rust free, expertized as Veteran Vehicle. Commercial version of the Fiat 600, equipped with the 633c four cylinder engine and 29 horsepower. One of the first monospace of history, from 4 to 6 seats, spare wheels, manuals. Perfect car for historic events as well as a vintage assistance vehicle or as advertisering car.

It is rather amazing that after 54 years, this Multipla has seen only two owners. From its condition, it surely appears as such. With a top speed of under 60 mph and a 0-50 mph time of around 43 second, this is one of the slowest cars you can by, but there's no denying the Multipla's charm and uniquely Italian take on a small people carrier. While no price is listed, the very best Multipla would fetch anywhere from $25,000 to $35,000 at auction, so anything under $30,000 should be considered reasonably well bought.

-Paul

Alfa Romeo

1958 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sedan

The Alfa Romeo 1900 was a series of firsts for Alfa Romeo. In addition to being the first all new postwar vehicle, it was also the first to be built on an assembly line and the first Alfa to employ unibody construction. Marketed as a family car with a racing heritage, the 1900 employed a 1.9 liter, twin cam four cylinder engine which produced 90 horsepower. An impressive figure, considering some American cars of the day were using engines two and three times larger that struggled to produce much more power.

This particular 1900 was bought new in South Africa and brought over to the United States only recently, in the hands of the original owner. This Alfa has an impressive story for such an ordinary car and would be a standout at almost any car show one could think of.

1958 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sedan

1958 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sedan, s/n AR1900*19202*, Engine no. AR1306*19685*
Silver Blue Metallic with Grey/Green Interior. The 1900 was Alfa Romeo’s first all new postwar model and featured a number of innovative features including unit chassis, and dual overhead cam inline-4 with hemispherical combustion chambers and an aluminum alloy cylinder head. The majority of 1900’s produced were sedan models as offered here, while a minority of the total production numbers were coachbuilt cars by Touring, Ghia, and Zagato.

This particular car is a charmingly undisturbed, exceptional tight example showing just 53,325 original miles. It was sold new to South Africa, and remained with its first owner until 2008, importing in to the United States (Arizona) when he immigrated. During 2010, in the hands of the current owner, the car successfully completed the California Mille Miglia.

Best described as a largely unrestored, ‘exceptionally nice driver’ example, this car will be particularly appealing to the Italian car enthusiast whom values the coherent feel of a low mileage, unrestored car. Unbelievably cool, and eligible for numerous premier events, this 1900 makes a wonderful diversification for any Italian car collection. $89,500

At first I did a double take over the price of this car. These are surely rare cars in the United States and to find an original, preserved example is near impossible. But closing in on $100,000 for a 1950s four cylinder Alfa Romeo sedan? Even with the most ardent Alfa enthusiasts, I have a hard time seeing a car like this break $40,000 to $50,000, with a price of around $30,000 as a more realistic, yet still optimistic value. Barring that issue, this is a really nice example of where it all started for Alfa-Romeo post World War II.

-Paul

Fiat

1958 Fiat Fiat Abarth Zagato “Double Bubble”

2 Comments

Working with Sports Car Shop in Eugene, Oregon, I've had the pleasure of sampling a couple of these. As their webmaster, I get some brief seat time with most of their cars on the way to the park for photographs that end up on the website. They are a Double Bubble specialists and actually have 3 Abarth Zagato's right now!

On to the car seen here which is for sale in Chicago by another sports car specialist, we have a fantastic looking driver that proudly wears California Mille decals; an event I'd love to attend especially in great little specialty sports car like this one!

1958 Fiat Fiat Abarth Zagato "Double Bubble" For Sale on eBay

quote from seller's listing:

This car is in very good mechanical and cosmetic condition with new biscuit tan with black piping leather interior, fresh headliner, recently painted dash, restored instruments via Palo Alto Speedometer, refinished steering wheel. New floor pan, water pump, electric fuel pump, horn, steering control arm, etc. Has full roll cage & glass windows. Car was also prepped for the 2010 California Mille, an aggressive 5 day drive, keeping up with Porsche 356s, small Alfas and Lancias. Great fun in the mountain twisties. This is not a trailer queen. We drive it frequently for rallies and car shows. The car has been maintained by an Italian mechanic who specializes in Fiats and Ferraris.

California Mille Rally number can be easily removed as it is stick on. Buyer can either leave it on or we can remove it.

Click to view listing

The picture from behind demonstrates really well where this model gets it's nickname of double bubble. And I can confirm that from the inside these cars, those few extra inches of headroom would be critical if wearing a helmet as it's quite tight on the inside. That said, this one has a nice interior fitted that looks quite comfortable and stylish. Great looking car!

dc

Alfa Romeo

1958 Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce For Sale

Here's a really sharp Sprint Veloce for sale. I saw this car in person about two months ago at the Brighton Rally where I was helping out with website coverage of the event. It's very approachable as a car that looks great but is in usable club or weekend condition. The lines, stance, and wheels immediately pulled my eye to this car while I was wondering around the Brighton Motorsports showroom.

quote from the listing:

Brighton Motorsports is pleased to present this highly desirable 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce vintage racing coupe – perfect to enjoy driving on the road, rallies and vintage racing.

The Giulietta Sprint was introduced in 1954 – it was an immediate success for Alfa Romeo, with strong sales. It was Alfa Romeo’s first real “Grand Touring” sporty coupe that also echoed their colorful racing heritage. Beginning in 1956 the factory offered the higher performance Veloce version which included a finned cast aluminum sump, higher compression, hotter cams, tubular headers, special Weber carburetors, oil cooler, huge finned drum brakes, an 8,000-rpm tachometer, and other modifications to make this model far superior to the standard Giulietta.

This car was a regular at Lime Rock Park and other famous road racing circuits where its previous owner of 25 years raced it, including many VSCCA vintage events. The log book and other documentation are included with car.

Built and raced by Keith Goring of Alfa’s Unlimited, this car retains its original, numbers-matching Veloce engine block with a 1400 piston kit and a 101-1300 head and intake, and dual Weber carburetors. Gear changes are made by a lightened GTA close-ratio 5-speed gearbox and lightweight flywheel.

The rear end is a ZF unit with 5:12 gears and limited slip. It stops very well, thanks to the larger rear brakes, and the original larger Veloce front brakes. It is a dual-circuit brake system with a 1969 ATE GTV master cylinder.

The tubular exhaust makes the wonderful music you expect to hear from a vintage Alfa Romeo race car. The clutch, transmission and brakes are all in good working order.

The interior is finished in basic race car trim – the floor and roof are freshly sprayed in chip-resistant liner, and the remainder of the interior remains in “period” look including the hounds-tooth fabric seats.

The engine was rebuilt a few years back at Alfa’s Unlimited with just a few races since, and our own technicians have just completed a full service on the engine, and refreshed the engine compartment and other details, such as fresh spark plugs and wires. The radiator has been rodded and painted. The engine runs strong and smooth.

The exterior is in very presentable, good condition. Since vintage racing can be a contact sport, we’ve re-sprayed the body in a quality paint finish but certainly not to show-car standards. The paint is fresh – there are no dings, dents, scratches or other paint/finish defects.

All of the body trim and emblems are present, complete and in good condition. The nose trim on the front of the car is a silver-matte finish and could be chrome-plated by the next owner if desired.

It can be street driven as-is or easily returned to vintage racing or rallying. This is such a fun car, if you have never experienced a vintage Alfa Romeo that has been built for racing it is very hard to put into words the absolute joy to be had. The car is great mechanically.

Please note that I do not represent Brighton Motorsports with this listing.

dc