(Naša radnja) Fiat 600 Multipla made in 1956 – first MPV vehicle on planet

The story began in 1955, at the Automobile Show in Geneva, when "fiat 600" was presented as an Italian post-war "economic miracle". Engineers from Torino accomplished the task successfully and constructed the vehicle that became the model for numerous manufacturers of small automobiles all around the world. It was a miniature four-seater in self-supporting body with two doors. The frame weighed only 108 kg, while the whole automobile had the weight of 585 kg. During the first five years, one million these vehicles were sold.

One year later, "multipla" - the first MPV vehicle - was presented. It had three rows of seats for total of 6 persons. Behind the front seat the vehicle could be arranged with a flat floor area or a choice of one or two bench seats and significant luggage space. Modernization of model 600, which got the engine of 767cc 18kW (29HP) and front vent windows, was done in 1960. Its maximum speed was 110 km/h. This model was labeled 600D.

Redesign was resumed, so that the vehicle got bigger headlights and larger fuel tank in 1965.

Except in Italy, this model of automobile was also produced in Argentina, Austria, Spain and Yugoslavia. Total of 2,695,197 "fiat 600" vehicles, in all versions, have been produced to the date.

Even today, this automobile causes opposed opinions - from love to hate, which can also be a part of marketing, as somebody noticed.

Source: Fiat/Cartype