Weird Car Of The Day: 1961 Fiat 600 Multipla

Fiat revolutionized mass car ownership in Italy with the introduction of the Fiat 600 in 1955. This compact four-seater two-door saloon was designed with a rear engine and rear-wheel drive, offering an affordable and practical solution for everyday transportation. The 600 quickly became popular for its efficiency and versatility, making it an ideal choice for Italian families and urban commuters.

Building on the success of the 600, Fiat introduced a unique variant in January 1956 at the Brussels Motor Show: the Fiat 600 Multipla. Designed by the renowned engineer Dante Giacosa, the Multipla extended the 600’s versatility even further, transforming it into a multi-purpose vehicle that broke away from traditional car design norms.

The 600 Multipla retained the mechanical components of the 600 sedan, including its rear-mounted engine positioned just behind the rear axle. However, the design modifications were significant. Instead of the conventional front bonnet found on the sedan, which housed the fuel tank and spare wheel, the Multipla’s front was completely reimagined. The vehicle’s cabin was extended to incorporate the entire front area, leading to a distinctive appearance that set it apart from other cars of its time.

Visually, the Multipla was striking and unconventional. Its front end was almost entirely vertical, giving it a minivan-like appearance. This design choice made the Multipla look as though it was moving backward, with the streamlined and aerodynamic rear contrasting sharply with its more upright and boxy front. Despite its unusual look, this design was functional. It allowed the Multipla to maximize interior space and accommodate up to six passengers across three rows of seats.

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The Multipla’s cabin was ingeniously designed to offer maximum flexibility. The vehicle featured a two-seater bench where the front bonnet would typically be found in the sedan. This arrangement not only provided extra seating but also contributed to the Multipla’s distinctive silhouette. The seating arrangement could be adjusted to suit different needs, making the car particularly practical for families or businesses requiring additional passenger space.

Although its appearance was unconventional, the Fiat 600 Multipla proved to be a practical and popular choice for many users. Its ability to transport a larger number of passengers in a compact footprint made it a versatile vehicle in an era when car ownership was becoming increasingly accessible to the middle class. The Multipla’s innovative design highlighted Fiat’s commitment to addressing the evolving needs of its customers and its willingness to experiment with new concepts.

The Fiat 600 Multipla’s legacy endures as a symbol of mid-20th-century automotive innovation. It represents a significant step in the evolution of multi-purpose vehicles and reflects the broader trend of adapting car designs to meet changing consumer demands. The Multipla’s unusual appearance and practical design have cemented its place in automotive history as an iconic example of Fiat’s ingenuity and foresight in the automotive industry.

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