Fiat 600 Multipla Abarth

Vehicle Description

– 1959 Fiat 600 Multipla Abarth
– special Multipla model with Abarth upgrade kit
– four-cylinder engine with 28 kW (38 hp)
– had been in the possession of a Fiat Abarth dealer who used it for advertising purposes
– was restored some time ago (photo documentation available)
– multiple application possibilities thanks to foldable row of seats in the middle
– minibus with space for up to six people
– unique driving experience in perhaps the world’s first large-capacity van

In 1955 the Fiat 500 “Topolino” was succeeded by the Fiat 600, Fiat’s first rear-engined post-war people’s car. It was such a success in Italy that some 2.6 million were built at Fiat’s Mirafiori plant and up to 4.94 million worldwide if licensed production is taken into account. Measuring only 3.22 m, the Fiat 600 counted with an water-cooled four-cylinder engine with initially , an increase of cabin size due to the longer wheelbase. The 600, or Seicento, was available as a flatbed-version, as a luxury vehicle “Ghia Jolly” as a Coupé or as a four-door Multi Purpose Vehicle. The “Multipla” was introduced one year after the 600’s debut, and was based on the same mechanical components, but with the front suspension from the bigger Fiat 1100 and was available in three interior configurations, a 4/5 seater version, a 6-seater version and a taxi-version. Despite being only 50 cm longer than the Austin/Morris Mini this was truely a real multi-purpose vehicle. The Italo-Austrian Carlo Abarth developed a tuning-kit for the Fiat 600 increasing engine-power to 28kW/ 38 HP, it additionally consisted of a special exhaust, an Abarth dashboard, increased oil sump capacity and sporty cams and it is also fitted with Fiat 124 Abarth wheels. The Multipla, which was buyed not only by craftsman but also by taxi-drivers and hobby sportsmen reached a top speed over 120 km/h with this special Abarth tuning kit.

Vehicle Overview