Tag Archives: Multipla

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

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

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