Fiat 600

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This article is about the car manufactured from 1955 to 1969. For the car manufactured from 1998 to 2010, see Fiat Seicento.
Fiat 600
Fiat600.jpg
Overview
ManufacturerFiat
Also calledFiat 770[1]
NSU-Fiat Jagst 600/770
Neckar Jagst 600/770
Production1955–1969 (Italy)
1955-1985 (Yugoslavia; Zastava)
1957-1973 (Spain ; SEAT)
1960-1982 (Argentina ; Sevel)
1979-1982 (Colombia)
AssemblyItaly: Turin
Argentina: Caseros
Australia[2]
Chile: Rancagua
Colombia: Bogotá [N 1]
Malaysia: Johor Bahru (KPKK)[3]
Spain: Barcelona (Zona Franca)
Uruguay[4]
Yugoslavia: Kragujevac [N 1]
West Germany: Heilbronn (NSU Automobil AG)
DesignerDante Giacosa
Body and chassis
ClassCity car (A)
Body style2-door saloon
LayoutRear-engine, rear-wheel-drive
RelatedFiat 850
SEAT 600
Zastava 750
Powertrain
Engine
  • 633 cc Tipo 100 OHV I4
  • 767 cc Tipo 100 OHV I4
  • 843 cc Tipo 100 R7.038 OHV I4 (600S)[5]
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,000 mm (78.7 in)
Length3,215 mm (126.6 in)
Width1,380 mm (54.3 in)
Height1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Kerb weight585 kg (1,290 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorFiat 500 "Topolino"
SuccessorFiat 850, Fiat 127, Fiat 133

The Fiat 600 (Italian: Seicento, pronounced [ˌsɛiˈtʃɛnto]) is a rear-engine, water-cooled city car, manufactured and marketed by Fiat from 1955 to 1969 — offered in two-door fastback sedan and four-door Multipla mini MPV body styles.

Measuring only 3.22 m (10 ft 7 in) long, its all-new design was the first unibody and rear-engined Fiat, and was priced the equivalent of about €6,700 or US$7300 in today's[when?] money (590,000 lire then).[6] The total number produced from 1955 to 1969 at the Mirafiori plant in Turin was 2,695,197.[6]

The 1955 Fiat 600 formed the blueprint for the 2nd generation "Nuova" (New) 500, launched two years later – which was even smaller, at 2.97 m (9 ft 9 in) and, although rounder, largely copied the 600s layout and shape. Later, the 600 also formed the platform for the larger 850 saloon, launched in 1964, which coexisted with the 600 in Fiats line-up for five years, until the 600 was cancelled.

During the 1960s, '70s and '80s, many units were built in countries such as Spain (as SEAT 600), where it became the icon of the Spanish miracle, Argentina, where it was nicknamed Fitito (a diminutive of FIAT) and former Yugoslavia where it was nicknamed Fića or Fićo (pronounced [fee-cha] and [fee-cho] respectively). Much of the 1974's SEAT / Fiat 133 platform can even be traced back to the Fiat 600.

Development[]

Codenamed Progetto 100 ("Project 100"), the Fiat 600 mirrored the layout of the Volkswagen Beetle and Renault 4CV of its era. Aimed at being an economical but capable vehicle, its design parameters stipulated a weight of around 450 kg with the ability to carry 4 people and luggage with a cruising speed of no less than 85 km/h. A total of 5 prototypes were built between 1952 and 1954, which all differed from each other. Chassis number 000001 with engine number 000002 is believed to be the sole remaining example, according to a recent report by Quattroruote's "Ruoteclassiche" vintage division. It was powered by an innovative single-cam V2-cylinder engine designed to simplify maintenance and did not feature a clutch pedal. At the official launch in 1955, FIAT engineer, Dante Giacosa declared that the aim had been to create something new, both in the interest of progress and simplification. This prototype, however, did not become the chosen design.[7]

Characteristics[]

The car had hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. Suspension was a single double-mounted leafspring—which acts as a stabilizer—between the front wheels coupled to gas-charged shock absorbers, and an independent coil-over-shock absorber setup coupled to semi-trailing arms at the rear. All 600 models had 3-synchro (no synchro on 1st) 4-speed transaxles. Unlike the Volkswagen Beetle or Fiat 500, the Fiat 600 is water-cooled with an ample cabin heater and, while cooling is generally adequate, for high-power modified versions a front-mounted radiator or oil cooler is needed to complement the rear-mounted radiator. All models of the 600 had generators with mechanical external regulators.

The top speed ranged from 95 km/h (59 mph) empty with the 633 cc inline-four engine to 110 km/h (68 mph) with the 767 cc version. The car had good ventilation and defrosting systems.

Steyr Fiat 600

A year after its debut, in 1956, a soft-top version was introduced, as well as a six-seater variant—the Fiat 600 Multipla. It was a precursor of current multi-purpose vehicles.

The millionth 600 was produced in February 1961, less than six years after the car's launch.[8] At the time when the millionth car was produced, the manufacturer reported it was producing the car at the then remarkable rate of 1,000 a day.[8] As of mid 2017 there were 78 registered as taxed for road use in the UK and 44 registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).[9]

Foreign production[]

SEAT 600/800[]

SEAT 800, the sole four-door derivative

In Spain, the 600 model was made under the make of SEAT, from 1957 to 1973. Up to 797,319 SEAT 600 were made. The Spanish car maker exported them to a number of countries worldwide. This car motorised Spain after the Spanish Civil War.

SEAT produced various derivatives of the original 600 model some of them with improvements and special fittings like the use of "suicide doors": the SEAT 600 D/E/L Especial version, the 'Descapotable' cabriolet and the 'Formicheta' commercial version etc.

The most interesting version produced between 1964 and 1967 by SEAT is the SEAT 800, the sole four-door derivative of the 600 model which received a longer wheelbase. It was developed in-house by SEAT and produced exclusively by the Spanish car maker without any equivalent model in Fiat's range.

Fiat 600/770 Neckar Jagst[]

NSU Fiat Jagst

The Fiat 600 was also manufactured at Fiat Neckar in Germany between 1956 and 1967. Presented in a first time as Jagst 600, in 1960 with the release of Fiat 600D it became Jagst 770. The model was manufactured until the end of 1967, more than 172,000 copies.

Zastava 750/850[]

Main article: Zastava 750
Zastava 750

In former Yugoslavia the model was much sought after, and was produced under the name Zastava 750 (later 850), nicknamed "Fića" or "Fićo" in Serbo-Croatian, "Fičo" or "Fičko" in Slovene, and "Фиќо/Фичо" (Fikjo/Ficho) in Macedonian. It was produced by the Zastava factory in Kragujevac, Serbia, from the early 1955 until 1985, during which time it played a major role in motorisation of the country, due to its affordability.

South American production[]

Fiat 600R built in Argentina
Uruguayan-built Fiat 600S

The 600 was built as the Fiat 600 R by Sevel in Argentina from 1960 to 1982, with assembly operations also taking place (beginning somewhat later) in Uruguay by Ayax S.A., and in Chile.[10] At first, Someca S.A. built the 600 with rear-hinged doors and the 633 cc engine (28 hp), mainly from parts shipped in from Italy. As a new plant was constructed in the Ferreyra, a suburb of Córdoba, the local parts content steadily increased. In 1962 the 600D was introduced, with a 32 hp (SAE) 767 cc engine. In August 1964, around the same time that the local firm changed its name to Fiat Concord S.A., the second 600D was introduced, with slight changes to its appearance. The suicide doors continued to be used until the April 1965 appearance of the 600E, which also gained some extra power. Early in 1967 the 600E received a slight facelift with bigger headlights, new rims, and a new "grille" in front.[11]

In November 1970 the 600R appeared. The external differences were limited to trim, but the interior saw more thorough changes, with a new steering wheel, inner ceiling, and seat coverings. The hubcaps were replaced with tiny rubber caps. The 767 cc 36 hp (SAE) 600 R (thanks to higher compression than the E) was in turn replaced by the 32 hp (DIN) 843 cc (65.0 x 63.5 mm) 600 S in July 1977,[11] a version featuring new bumpers with rubber overriders and a black plastic faux-grille to replace the previous chrome iteration. This version was equipped with an 850 cc engine that could use 88 octane fuel. That engine was adapted in Córdoba from the 933cc engine (93 octanes fuel) which equipped the Fiat 133, originated in Spain which coexisted with 600S until 1982. Top speed was up to 120 km/h in 600S. The 600 was finally replaced by the Fiat 147 in April 1982, which at beginning also used the 933cc engine., after having undergone one last tiny facelift in 1981 (black head and taillight surrounds, a black "shield" up front).[11]

In Colombia, it was assembled in the Mazda motor plant of Colombia, Compañía Colombiana Automotriz from 1979 to 1982 with 60% Colombian parts and 40% Serbian parts (from the Zastava 750). Marketed as the Fiat 750Z, colloquially it was called the "topolino".

Fiat 600 Multipla[]

Fiat 600 Multipla
1959 Fiat 600 Multipla tipo 100.108.jpg
Overview
ManufacturerFiat
Production1956–1967
129,994[12] units
Body and chassis
ClassMPV
Body style4-door MPV
LayoutRear-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,000 mm (78.7 in)[13]
Length3,531 mm (139.0 in)[13]
Width1,448 mm (57.0 in)[13]
Height1,581 mm (62.2 in)[13]
Curb weight700 kg (1,543 lb)[13]

The Fiat 600 Multipla was a four-door MPV based on the Fiat 600's drivetrain and Fiat 1100 front suspensions, that sat up to six people in a footprint just 50 cm (19.7 in) longer than the original Mini Cooper and on the same 2 m (78.7 in) wheelbase as the 600 saloon. This had been achieved by moving the driver's compartment forward over the front axle, effectively eliminating the boot but giving the body a very minivan-like "one-box", flat-front look. The car debuted at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1956,[14] and was discontinued in the spring of 1967 to be replaced by the Fiat 850 Familiare. The Multipla name was reintroduced in late 1998 for the Fiat Multipla compact minivan.

The 600 Multipla was available in three interior configurations:

  • 4/5-seater version. Two rows of seats: fixed front bench seat for driver and passenger, fold-down rear bench for two or three passengers, cargo space between the rear seats and the firewall. The rear seats folded flat with the floor. Original price on the Italian market: 730,000 Lire.[15]
  • 6-seater version. Three rows of seats: fixed front bench seat for driver and passenger, plus four single rear seats in two rows. The rear seats could be individually folded flat to the floor, allowing for a reconfigurable cargo area with an even loading surface. With all six seats up storage space was reduced to the rear parcel shelf. Original price on the Italian market: 743,000 Lire.[15]
  • Taxi version, introduced at the April 1956 Turin Motor Show.[16] It featured an individual driver seat, passenger seat which could be folded down becoming a luggage shelf, two foldaway jump seats in the middle, and a bench seat at the rear against the firewall. Original price on the Italian market: 835,000 Lire.[15] Until the 1970s, the Multipla was widely used as a taxi in many parts of Italy.
Rear view (1959)

As mentioned, the 600 Multipla used the type 100.000 663 cc overhead valve inline-four cylinder engine from the 600 saloon, producing 21.5 DIN-rated PS (15.8 kW; 21.2 hp) or 24.5 CUNA-rated PS[17] at 4,600 rpm.[18] A shorter final drive ratio was the only change made to the 4-speed manual transmission, with synchromesh on the top three forward gears. Rear trailing arm suspension also came from the 600, while the front double wishbone suspension—complete with coil springs, coaxial hydraulic dampers and anti-roll bar—as well as steering components were sourced from the bigger 1100/103. Other changes included a larger capacity radiator and relocating the fuel tank (which on the regular 600 was housed in the front luggage compartment) to the rear, above the gearbox. The spare wheel was carried inside the cabin, in front of the passenger seat.[14] The manufacturer advertised a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph).[15]

A 633 cc, RHD Multipla was tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1956. It was found to have a top speed of 57.1 mph (91.9 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–50 mph (0–80 km/h) in 43.0 seconds. A fuel consumption of 38.4 miles per imperial gallon (7.36 L/100 km; 32.0 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £799 including taxes on the UK market.[19]

In September 1960 the 600 Multipla benefited from the same mechanical upgrades introduced on the 600 D saloon, the most significant one being an enlarged 767 cc engine, and became the 600 D Multipla.[20] As on the saloon, the 106 D.000 four-cylinder had both larger bore and longer stroke, and produced 25 DIN-rated PS (18 kW; 25 hp) or 29 CUNA-rated PS 4,800 rpm.[18]

600 Multipla Marinella by Fissore

Coachbuilt models[]

In 1956, Fissore designed an open-topped Multipla prototype called the "Marinella" with a wooden-slat wraparound bench in the rear.

Fiat 600T[]

Fiat 600T, a van variant of Fiat 600 and a predecessor of the Fiat 850T

The Fiat 600T is a van derivative of the 600 Multipla.[21] It is powered by a rear-mounted 633 cc 4-cylinder engine.[21]

Non-Fiat derivatives[]

Ghia Jolly[]

The Fiat 600 "Jolly" - with wicker seats

In 1958 Fiat shipped a number of Fiat 600s to the Italian design house Ghia for conversion into the Jolly. Featuring wicker seats and the option of a fringed top to shield its occupants from the Mediterranean sun, these cars were originally made for use on large yachts of the wealthy (Aristotle Onassis owned one).

The car was designed as a luxury vehicle for wealthy Europeans and the US market.

With a cost of nearly double that of a standard "600", they were made in a very limited production. It is believed that fewer than 100 exist today, each one being unique. 32 Jolly cars were used as taxis on the island of Catalina off the coast of Los Angeles in the US from 1958 to 1962. Famous Fiat Jolly owners include Aristotle Onassis, Yul Brynner, Grace Kelly, Mary Pickford, Mae West, Gianni Agnelli, Josip Broz Tito and James Inglis. Fiat Jollys are highly sought after by collectors; however, replicas are being made and are being passed off as authentic. A genuine 1960 Fiat Jolly "600" model brought a record price of $170,500 at a collector car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, in January 2015.

Abarth versions[]

Main article: Fiat-Abarth 750
Fiat Abarth 850TC

Italian tuning company Abarth produced various versions of the Fiat 600 from 1956 to 1970 under a variety of model names, including Abarth 210 A, Fiat-Abarth 750, 850, and 1000. Many suffixes like Granturismo, Berlina, TC, and TCR were also used and many were built with aluminium bodywork by Zagato and other famed Italian carrozzerie.

Abarth competitor Giannini Automobili also produced tuned 600s (as did countless other, smaller modifiers), most famously the Giannini 750 TV, but these never had the impact that Abarth's versions did.

Production figures[]

  • Italy - Fiat: 2,695,197[6]
  • Spain - Fiat/Seat: 814,926
  • Germany - Fiat Neckar: ~ 172,000
  • former Yugoslavia - Zastava 600, 750 and 850: 923,487
  • Argentina - Sevel: 304,016
  • Chile - Fiat: ~ 12,000
  • World total: > 4,921,626

Additional specifications[]

  • Petrol mileage = ~ 5.7 L/100 km (50 mpg‑imp; 41 mpg‑US) for the 633 cc engine[6]
  • Petrol tank = ~ 7 US gal (26 L; 6 imp gal) capacity for the 1959 model

Notes[]

  1. ^ a b Built as the Zastava 750.

References[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ "Fiat 770". autos.pytalhost.eu (factory brochure). Archived from the original on 26 April 2014. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  2. ^ Davis, Tony (1986). The Macquarie Dictionary of Motoring. p. 152.
  3. ^ "Assembly of cars: 'No more' decision". The Straits Times. 4 May 1968. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
  4. ^ World Cars 1980, page 405
  5. ^ Fiat 600S: Uso e manutencion [Fiat 600S: Use and maintenance] (PDF) (in Spanish), Buenos Aires, Argentina: Fiat Concord S.A., November 1978, 401.598-8000, archived from the original (PDF) on February 6, 2009
  6. ^ a b c d "Fiat mod. 600". museoauto.it. Museo dell'Automobile di Torino. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  7. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Fiat 600: in esclusiva il prototipo originale dell'auto del boom". YouTube.
  8. ^ a b "News summary: ... and another million". Practical Motorist. 7 nbr 79: 713. March 1961.
  9. ^ Olly Smith. "FIAT 600 D - How Many Left?". howmanyleft.co.uk. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  10. ^ Lösch, Annamaria, ed. (1982). World Cars 1982. Pelham, NY: L'Editrice dell'Automobile LEA/Herald Books. p. 403. ISBN 0-910714-14-2.
  11. ^ a b c "Historia". fiat600club.com.ar. Fiat 600 Club Argentina. Archived from the original on August 26, 2009.
  12. ^ Weiner, Bruce. "1960 Fiat 600 Multipla". The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum. Retrieved 15 October 2016.
  13. ^ a b c d e "1955 Fiat 600 Multipla". carfolio.com. Retrieved 28 June 2009.
  14. ^ a b "La "600" a sei posti presentata al Salone automobilistico di Bruxelles" [The six-seater 600 debuts at the Brussels motor show]. La Stampa (in Italian). 14 January 1956. p. 5. Retrieved 18 March 2017.
  15. ^ a b c d Fiat—Tutti i modelli del Novecento I, p. 304–305.
  16. ^ "La Fiat al Salone" [Fiat at the Motor Show]. La Stampa (in Italian). 21 April 1956. p. 10. Retrieved 18 March 2017.
  17. ^ Fiat 600—Uso e manutenzione (owner's manual) (20th ed.). Fiat S.p.A.—Dipartimento norme e pubblicazioni. May 1960.
  18. ^ a b Fiat—Tutti i modelli del Novecento I, p. 300.
  19. ^ "The Fiat 600 Multipla 4/5 seater". The Motor. 12 November 1956.
  20. ^ Bernabò, Ferruccio (14 September 1960). "E' uscita la Fiat 600 maggiorata" [The larger-engined Fiat 600 is here]. La Stampa (in Italian). p. 7. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  21. ^ a b "15k: Grown Up Multipla: 1969 Fiat 600T Van". dailyturismo.com. Retrieved 20 March 2015.

Bibliography[]

  • Fiat—Tutti i modelli del Novecento. Vol. I. Editoriale Domus. 2010.

External links[]

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