Tag Archives: 600

1958 Fiat 600 Multipla

May 17, 2014 Graham

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

Fiat

1967 Fiat Abarth 1000TC Recreation

September 18, 2013 Graham

Sometimes the most unlikely cars make the greatest race cars. Such is the case with the Fiat 500 and 600. What was originally devised as basic transportation for postwar Italy was turned into a track monster by famed tuner Carlo Abarth. While prices of real Abarths are approaching Ferrari money in some cases, there are plenty of enthusiasts out there who have set out and created replicas. Such is the case of this Abarth 1000TC recreation for sale in Eugene, Oregon.

Year: 1967
Model: Abarth TC1000 recreation
Engine: 1075cc inline-4
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 92,905 mi
Price: $37,450 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1967 Fiat Abarth 1000TC Recreation

1967 Fiat Abarth 1000 TC

I am offering my 67 Fiat Race car. I have developed the car over the last few years and had a blast with it, and now I am going to build something else, so it’s time for someone else to have some fun with it. This is NOT an original Abarth. It is originally a 67 Fiat 600 that has been built to the concepts of the era in which Abarth was racing. I have an Oregon title for the car and technically it is street legal. However, I have done nothing but develop the car for vintage racing. I bought it in Portland, Oregon, and it has a long history as a west coast race car.

When I bought it, it was painted just as you see. It is very nicely done aesthetically and presents very well. At the time it had an 850 based motor and an 850 transmission. The suspension was pretty much stock and the brakes were 850. I have, over the last few years, thoroughly changed it mechanically. I acquired a PBS 8 port head and an A112 Autobianchi short block and a close ratio 4 speed 600 based transmission.

I currently have two complete transmissions for the car. One is the close ratio 4 speed and the other a 5 speed utilizing the alquati 5th that I setup for race stress. I change the gears around back and forth to get what I want for a particular track. Both are included. The 5 speed is currently in the car. Both are equipped with Limited slip differentials. The engine was built for maximum output for racing. H-beam rods, very high compression, ported head, aluminum flywheel, engineered pistons, race clutch, two side draft DCOE Weber carburetors, etc. It is built to 1075cc and on the rolling road dyno it put out 113 hp at 7000 RPM. It has more in it than that, as my shift point on the track is 8000 and it is still pulling. I did not run it to 8000 on the dyno run as the motor was very fresh.

The rear suspension has the stock but reinforced Fiat trailing arms with Abarth bushings, and the springs are set for height and weight with adjustable shocks. It is greatly lowered at the rear. The outer hubs are engineered and setup with stronger bearings and to except Fiat 128 CV joints through the hub. The inner side of the axle is a type 3 Volkswagen CV mounted to a position fixed flange in the transaxle. This is an excellent setup which minimizes the angle of the half shaft due to the compact CVs. With the front suspension I started all over. I mimicked the Abarth concept with independent front suspension with an upper and lower A-arm and sway bar. I used coil over shocks and spring setup for sprint race cars as they are very compact and fit perfectly. Also, there is an unlimited supply of spring and shock rates available. The front body structure was reinforced as per Abarth as well as the upper A-arm. I have had some track time on this set up and have it pretty well dialed in. It is very different from running with the solid front end; very quick and very stable in the turns. If I was to take it to the next step, then the Pendolare swing arm setup for the rear would be next. It is fast as it is, but might be fun to try that setup. I then found a set of original Campagnola magnesium wheels the correct size and run Avon historic tread tires.

The brakes have been redesigned as well. The front and rear brakes are Fiat 850 calipers and rotors. Front style calipers on the rear as well, so they are the same piston size front and rear. I then setup a drop down pedal system with a true tandem front-rear brake setup which is fully bias adjustable. The braking is now incredible and very controllable. A current and completely to SCCA standard fuel cell up front set to the side to offset driver weight.

The cooling system is a front radiator as was the Abarth TC. I have the oil cooler in the back of the car since it is not integrated into the front radiator. There are two electric fans hidden in the front air dam for sitting on pre-grid on hot days. Unlike Abarth, I did not put the radiator at the end of the front air box but placed it at the back of the air plenum. I recessed it back about 8 inches to minimize any possible damage and allow room for the fans. It looks exactly like the Abarth setup but is a bit more functional.

Full aqueous foam flame safety system with electric control and exterior turn worker button. The belts are current through 2014. It has a current SCCA log book. I have the second seat which matches the drivers seat. I took it out to place the battery there to get my weight balance. It would be easy to bolt back in. The muffler on the car is not period. It was chosen as it gave the best performance on the dyno and still meet a pretty tight sound tolerance on most of the tracks we run on. If I had a choice I would run the TC exhaust out through the engine compartment, but they are blisteringly loud. The miles show over 92k, but are not relevant to anything.

I have two races on the engine and tires. These are vintage events, so total track time altogether might be 2.5 hours. So, its still very fresh. The tires are Avon full race tires with a historic pattern cut in them by Roger Kraus Racing. So, it’s very fast and will do battle with 1275 Sprites and Minis all day, as well as catch off guard a few bigger beasts.

If you have questions please feel free to call. I am West coast USA, PST, so during the day is fine. 541.510.5296 Joe Potter

To think that this menacing little beast is technically street legal made me chuckle. Wouldn't that be a riot taking this on the commute? Bet it would be a lot more efficient than most of these SUVs hanging about, though. Regardless, this is a neat piece and a quality build with some trick engineering solutions. As with all competition cars, they aren't cheap to build and if you wanted a real competition Abarth, you would be paying thousands and thousands more over this asking price.

If you're interested in this giant killer, or other interesting competition and vintage motors, visit our friends at the Sports Car Shop: http://www.sportscarshop.com/about/sports-car-shop-vintage-racing-team-page/

-Paul

Fiat

1959 Fiat Multipla

October 6, 2012 Graham

When talking about Italian cars, it's not always about speed and style. The Multipla was Fiat’s take on a people carrier for the post war generation. This was a rather clever little car. Not much longer than the original Mini, this car could seat six and still have room for the passegers’ baggage due to a rear mounted engine and a cockpit situated in front of the front axle. Popular as taxis in tight urban spaces, these cars have a small but loyal following and command a premium over the 600 sedan of which they were based. This Mutipla for sale in California could be considered a bit of a restomod, with the choice in color and wheels.

1959 Fiat 600 Multipla

1959 Fiat 600 Multipla, Completely Restored and Upgraded

Up for auction is this unique 1959 Fiat Multipla. This special version of the famous Fiat 600 is rarely found. None are restored and upgraded to this level. Nearly 1000 hours were spent restoring this car. This is a rare vehicle, properly restored, and upgraded to be a beautiful and usable vehicle. There was great expense in labor and parts required to prepare and restore it to this level.

Fiat Multiplas were available in two interior configurations and this is the more desirable of the two, the 6-seater. The (4) rear seats fold down completely flat into the floor and provided Italian vendors the ability to haul goods and cargo to market during the week and the entire family of six to church on Sunday. A great design feature not copied until over 40 years later.

The early Multiplas came with only a standard 633 cc motor. This was not sufficient power to move a potential of 6 people and luggage. Fiat compensated for the low power by changing the final drive ratio of the trans-axle to 6.11 gears. This allowed the car to make it up steep hills but limited top speed to 61 MPH. This car has an 850cc-based Fiat motor so it has more power and also the final drive ratio was changed to the same as a regular 600 sedan. The engine was built with modest street compression, the standard Abarth 30/70 grind cam, and stock 2 barrel carburetor. The net result is that it drives anywhere you want it to and is completely usable in modern traffic.

The trans-axle was fully rebuilt. It has new bearings and syncros as well as new first-reverse slider and new first gear, and new reverse idler. This trans-axle is the correct early unit with the hand emergency brake mounted on the transaxle itself. The brakes were completely rebuilt to stock. There are drum brakes on all fours. It has the proper brakes on the front, which on a Multipla are larger than a regular 600. The suspension is all stock and totally overhauled with the addition of gas shock absorbers. The result is a great handling car that it is quite stable and a pleasure to drive.

To provide the best foundation, every component, nut and bolt was removed the body. Then the bare tub was then completely stripped of all finishes. All rust or corrosion was professionally replaced with new metal. The bottom side and inside floor panels of the car were coated with Urethane bed liner. The interior floor is fitted with the factory-style rubber mats. The rest of the car is painted in a two stage modern urethane. The bottom color is Aston Martin green and the upper half is a dark silver that was picked to highlight the green. The interior paint is completely finished in the Aston Martin green and looks a sharp as the exterior.

All the exterior trim was polished or plated to a high standard. The front bumper and trim on the nose is all stock and unmodified. The interior upholstery is all stock layout with matched seams and color changes as per original. The material colors were chosen to complement the paint colors and the pinstriped accent. The wheels and tires are real MiniLites out of the UK, correct 12 inch diameter, and correct 4 x 98 bolt pattern. Tires are new radials. All glass is either new or in great original condition. As this is a rare and unique car restored to unmatched ‘concours’ condition, the RESERVE will reflect these factors.

While not to everyone's taste, I kind of like the two tone color scheme. The wheels, well, I could go either way. I think there are better vintage cars out there for which the Minilite wheels are suited. Currently, Multiplas are ranging in the low $20,000 range for more rough examples to over $30,000 for the best original or restored examples. With a bid closing in on $30,000 and the reserve not yet me, it's clear the seller has a high figure in mind. A lot of care has gone into this Multipla, but will it be enough to seal the deal?

-Paul

Fiat

1962 Fiat 600 Multipla

July 16, 2012 Graham 2 Comments

While many consider the Chrysler minivans to be the genesis of a vehicle segment, they did more to popularize and mainstream the segment than invent it. In 1950, Volkswagen introduced the Type 2 Transporter, based around Beetle mechanicals. Along with the Citroën H Van introduced three years earlier, these were the first forward control vans and became immediately popular as both delivery vehicles and with consumers in the private segment. Eager to capitalize on this new segment, Fiat introduced the 600 Multipla in 1956. A bit smaller than their competitors, this small van was merely 50 cm longer than the original Mini, but could seat six people along with their luggage. With a rear mounted four cylinder engine, it wasn't a barn stormer, but they were infinitely practical in urban areas with their small footprint. Multiplas are a scarce commodity on these shores and this one for sale in California presents well both inside and out.

1962 Fiat 600 Multipla

You'll instantly stand out with this hard-to-find 1962 Multipla. Be sure to prepare yourself to get noticed in this ultra-rare vehicle. Originally built and used as a taxi cab in many parts of Italy, it stands out as an iconic piece of automotive history.

This Multipla has a 4-door mpv body type, RWD (rear-wheel drive) and manual 4-speed gearbox. The engine has been upgraded to an 850cc from the original 600cc manufacturer version. This Multipla made its mark historically, being the first rear-engined Fiat built. The 12" spare wheel and tire are tucked in front of the passenger's seat, leaving a spacious back seat which folds ingeniously into the floor to create 18 square feet of cargo area, accessible through a pair of rear doors which open wide for easy access. The Multipla will provide you with everything you have always wanted in a car -- Quality, Reliability, and Character. Being both mechanically and physically sound, this cute red and white Multipla could end up being the perfect match for you.

Multiplas tend to hover a bit under $20,000 for rough examples and can close in on $40,000 for those in mint condition. The asking price of just under $30,000 is about right for what appears to be a fine running example of this early Italian people mover. It's cars like these that prove you don't have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on exotic machinery to make a truly individual statement when it comes to motoring.

-Paul

Fiat

1960 Fiat 600 Convertible

May 31, 2012 Graham 5 Comments

The Fiat 600 is often overshadowed by its more diminutive counterpart, the 500, but this car deserves credit in its own right. Slightly larger than the 500, it offered greater interior space and a rear mounted, water cooled, overhead valve inline four cylinder engine. As a result of its upgraded mechanicals, the car had better heating and cooling characteristics. From 1955 through 1969, over 2.6 million 600s were produced at the Mirafiori factory. After production ceased, this car continued in production under several different brands, most notably Seat in Spain, the German concern Neckar (which made use of an old NSU plant) and Zastava in Yugoslavia, where the car ultimately ceased production in 1985. Good 600s are much less common than 500s these days, and this pastel green example for sale in California strikes a decidedly late 1950s pose.

1960 Fiat 600 Convertible

This is a very, very rare rust free 1960 Fiat 600 convertible. This car was found in the dry Arizona environment and has a subsequent two year old ground up restoration that brought new life to this little beauty. Painted in a factory sea foam green color, this particular car is the more desirable U.S. version with oversized “bug eye” or “frog eye” headlights required to meet U.S. standards back in the day. The equally rare and highly desirable suicide doors make this car a standout for the Fiat or Italian car collector. What was considered a “convertible” top on this car is really more like a huge sunroof that opens the full length of the passenger compartment. Brakes, 4 speed transmission and the 4 cylinder water cooled engine have all been redone along with upholstery, convertible top and floor covering. The engine was bored slightly and given a very mild cam along with an ultra rare Abarth header adding extra pep to the original 29 HP factory engine. That extra “pep” makes a difference in this little car. No detail has been overlooked and even includes a hard to find jack/tire changing kit. This model served as the base for the now infamous and highly coveted Fiat Jolly 600 beach car. But if you can’t get your hands on a Jolly, this is the next best thing and perhaps as equally unique with its full roof length “convertible” top.

I have owned a variety of cars over the years from luxury, muscle, sports and high performance and can tell you that this car has gotten more attention than any of those. Therefore be prepared to turn a lot of heads, receive a lot of thumbs up, be paid a lot of compliments and have pictures taken of it. With Fiat’s recent reintroduction success in the U.S., this car should only go up in value. Now for the big question, why am I selling it? Simple answer: I’m unloading a lot of toys including three other collector cars that I no longer drive much and that are taking up too much room. I will try and answer any questions you might have with my limited mechanical knowledge.

The level of care taken in this car’s restoration is admirable. The pictures of the undercarriage are also a nice touch, as these were not the most rust proof vehicles, to put it mildly. Since the car was found in Arizona, this is a good omen for what looks to be a fairly solid car. Even though 600s are less common than 500s, it doesn’t seem to affect value that much. One could expect a 600 in top shape such as this to net around $14,000 to $18,000. If the right buyer is found, the sale price may reach over $20,000, but that territory is usually reserved for the less common Multipla and Jolly variants.

-Paul

Fiat

1958 Fiat 600 Multipla

February 12, 2012 Graham 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

Fiat

6 Classic Fiat 500’s For Sale Right Now!

November 29, 2010 Graham 2 Comments

I was surprised to see 6 Fiat 500 and 600 models for sale at the same time. Having photographed a handful of these now, I can attest how amazingly small they really are -- but a ton of fun as well.

With the recent announcements on details of the new Fiat 500's in the U.S., I wonder if these will see a resurgence in value like Mini's did here...