Fiat 600 Multipla

Manufacturer	FIAT
Main type	Motor car
Production	from 1956 to 1967
Produced	240,000
Length	3540 mm
Width	1450 mm
Height	1580 mm
Step	2000 mm
Mass	720 k g

The Fiat 600 Multipla is a car built from January 1956 to the spring of 1967 by the Turin-based FIAT company.

History

Presented on January 14th 1956 at the Brussels Motor Show, it can actually be considered one of the forerunners of the modern concept of a minivan. From the "600 Multipla" the " 600T " van was produced, produced from 1962 to 1968, from which the van " 850T " will in turn derive.

It was based on the Fiat 600 and housed four to six people, depending on the type of model. The 4-5 seat version, in addition to the front seat for two people, had a single rear-central seat and ample space for luggage between the backrest and the engine compartment; knocking down the seats, it could be turned into a double bed almost two meters long. The 6-seater version, in addition to the front seat for two people, had four foldable single seats arranged in two rows; knocking down the seats, a load plan of over 1.75 square meters was obtained, which could be used entirely, which could be easily accessed via the two doors, one on each side.Carrying capacity: 860 1b, 390 kg.

The taxi version had a front seat only for the driver, next to which there was a shelf covered in rubber to support the luggage; at the rear instead, it had a single rear seat and two pull-out folding seats, to accommodate up to four passengers.

The driving position with respect to the Fiat 600 was moved forward, eliminating the central volume and giving the structure the appearance of a work car. He had great success as a taxi in the sixties and as a small economic minibus. In his advertising campaigns, the manufacturer also focused a lot on the concept, at that time almost revolutionary, of a car destined for leisure time, camping and various hobbies. 

The first series is equipped with a 633-cc engine, increased by displacement for the second series (600 D Multipla) to 767 cc.

PERFORMANCE ENGINE CAPACITY 46.80 cu in, 767 cu cm
FUEL CONSUMPTION 41.5 mlimp gal, 34.6 miles US gal, 6.81 x 100 km.MAX SPEED 65.2 mph, 105 kmh.max speeds: 15.5 mph, 25 km/h in 1st gear; 24.8 mph, 40 km/h in 2nd gear; 40.4 mph, 65 km/h in 3rd gear; 65.2 mph, 105 km/h in 4th gear
power-weight ratio: 49.6 lb/hp, 22.5 kg/hp max gradient in 1st gear: 24% acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 29 sec, 0—50 mph (O —80 km/h) 32.5 sec,speed in top at 1,000 rpm: 12.8 mph, 20.6 km/h,

The name "Multipla" was taken up by FIAT, several years later, on the occasion of the presentation and production of another car, the " New Fiat Multipla ", which offered six standard seats and obtained the same marked success of the ancestor in the field of public transport.