1960 Fiat 600

High bid of $22,500 at 2014 Mecum - Monterey. (did not sell)
The Fiat 500 and the 600 had very similar appearances but the 600 shared almost nothing with the 'Cinquecento' 500. The 600 was the first monocoque car Fiat ever made. It had accommodations for up to four adults, with a front seat that was nearly over the front axle. The second row dropped down into the frame still leaving room for luggage in the back. Underneath the luggage area was a four-speed transaxle and a 633cc water-cooled engine that would later be used in Fiat 850s and 127s.

During the production lifespan, Fiat sold more than four million assorted 600s.

The 1960 Fiat 600 was available as a sedan, sunroof sedan, and Jolly sedan. A 600 Multipla Station wagon was also available. Power was from an overhead-valve four-cylinder engine delivering 288.5 (SAE) horsepower. There were few changes for 1960; two-tone paint was available on the sedan.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2014

The Fiat 600 was a small and inexpensive automobile that was easy to produce. It was introduced to the public at the Geneva Motorshow in 1955. The automobile was capable of transporting up to six individuals. During its production lifespan lasting from 1955 through 1969, nearly 2.7 million examples were produced.

The introductory saloon model featured two doors and four seats. The base engine was a 633 cc water-cooled four-cylinder power plant capable of producing nearly 22 horsepower. The engine was located behind the rear seats and drove the rear wheels. The suspension was independent and featured monocoque construction. A four-speed manual gearbox with a cable-operated clutch was standard. The combined dry weight of the vehicle was just over 580 kg.

The following year two more versions were introduced, the Multipla and a version with a full-length canvas roof. The Multipla had three rows of seats and could accommodate up to six people. The four back seats could be folded into the floor, exposing a large cargo area.

The Fiat 600 helped mobilize the entire Italian country and is considered an economical phenomenon.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008