Here’s a little bit of history, for all those interested in the development of car design over time. There are just too many models of Fiat to list them all, but here are some of the most popular, innovative and interesting cars produced by Fiat from 1899 to 19999.
Fiat HP
The first automobile to be produced under the Fiat name was in 1899. It used a 0.6L engine with a maximum speed of 35km/h – pretty fast for its time. A few models have even survived to this day.
Fiat HP/Zero
Fiat, like many other car manufacturers, used this carriage style design in its early days. The last of the Fiats that had a carriage look was built in 1912, and could even fit a small family. This model had a 1.9L engine and could go all the way up to 71km/h.
Fiat 501
In 1919, the Fiat 501 series was not only the first of the Fiats to be produced with a solid roof, but also the first Fiat to come out after WW1.
Fiat 514 Spider
Starting production in 1929, this Spider introduced a sexier, sporty style into Fiat’s growing catalogue. It used a 1.4L engine and had 37 horse power – a jump from Fiats average of below 30.
Fiat 524 C
In 1931, Fiat wanted to give its drivers luxury and space combined with this 2.5L engine and a 4 speed manual gear box. Family cars became the name of the game.
Fiat 500 Topolino
Moving away from family cars, but not away from luxury, in 1936 Fiat produced the Topolino which means ‘little mouse’ in Italian’. Fitting name for this model, we think. This was the smallest car in the world at its time. Young couples could often be seen cruising around – rather slowly – in this tiny, but elite car.
Fiat 2800 Berlina
With 1938, came one of the most luxurious and exclusive cars of its time. This car was the first to bring the world the pointed front end design – called the ‘mussone’ or nose. Nothing said class like owning a 2800 Berlina. It was even owned by King Vittorrio Emanuele 11 and the Pope. Only 624 units of this model were produced of which 210 were made exclusively for the militarily. Owning a car like this, spoke for itself – you were important.
Fiat 1400
In 1950, the 1400 was the first ever car to use this ‘monocoque’ or ‘single shell body’, which it used as a base for many of its future models.
Fiat 600 Multipa
1955 produced a car perfect for an inner city taxi – for which it was commonly used. It was very spacious because the boot was eliminated, but its small engine sometimes made up-hills tough.
Fiat 2300 S Coupe
In 1961, Fiat produced the “poor man’s Ferrari” with its sleek style and luxurious features. It had a 2.3L engine and assisted disc brakes – a first for Fiat.
Fiat 850
Let’s move to 1968 – the year of the 850 Sport coupe and the 850 Spider. Both were playful cars –fit for summer time and busy beach towns.
Fiat Mille
We know this Mille as the Uno. Italy actually stopped production of this car in 1955. Other countries just couldn’t accept that and continued to produce, upgrade and sell it themselves from 1983 until today. They of course called it the Uno. The countries that continued production were Argentina, Brazil Morocco and the Philippines.
Now we move onto some designs that you may recognise from childhood.
The Fiat Punto
The Punto, released in 1994 as a convertible with a retracting roof, gave your average Joe the chance to own a convertible. It was the cheapest convertible of its time.
Fiat Marea
A Popular family car in the late 90’s and early 00’s the Fiat Marea and Fiat Marea Weekend are the last Fiats to be featured on our list today. While the Marea was promoted as the perfect family car, the Marea Weekend, with its ample seating and boot space was the car to take on weekend getaway trips to the country or seaside.
Watch this space until next week, where we take you through Fiat production in the 21st century.
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