History
THE CARS
The most memorable models
The most iconic and emblematic cars produced by the Piedmont-based company.
Fiat 3 1/2 HP (1899)
The first car produced by the Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino was created at the end of the 19th century. It was a small two-three-seater "face-to-face" car with a "Duc-type" body, designed by the engineer Aristide Faccioli.
The shapes were reminiscent of a small horse-drawn carriage: the twin-cylinder engine was placed under the rear seat and used chain-system traction, the fuel tank was placed under the front seat, which faced the opposite direction to the direction of travel.
The "Duc" body was designed by Marcello Alessio, but other configurations were possible. Between 1899 and 1900, 26 cars were produced, and the existence of four more are currently documented: 2 in Turin - at the Automobile Museum and at the Fiat Historical Centre - one at the Ford museum in the USA and one at the Beaulieu Museum in Great Britain.
Fiat S76 300 HP
driven by Felice Nazzaro and Antonio Fagnano (1911)
From the beginning, Fiat understood the importance of motor racing as a way of promoting its cars. The first Fiat racing car was therefore built by 1902: called the 24 HP Corsa. Among the many ancient "dinosaurs" developed specifically for racing, three deserve a special mention. Derived from the S61 GT and designed for racing in the USA, the Fiat S61 Corsa was extraordinarily successful: 3rd at the first edition of the Indianapolis 500 Miles in 1911, 1st and 2nd in Santa Monica in 1912 and above all winner of the 1912 Grand Prix of America on the Milwaukee circuit. The 1911 Fiat S76 was also known as the 300 HP Record because it verged on producing that power and was built precisely to beat speed records. Also known by the nickname “the Turin beast", it clocked up 116 mph (187 km / h) at its first attempt in England, and in 1912, at Ostend in Belgium, reached a maximum speed 132.27 mph (213 km / h). Sir Ernest Eldridge mounted a Fiat aviation engine on an SB4 in order to create the 320 hp Mephistopheles. At a speed of 234.980 km / h, on 12 July 1924 in Arpajon, Sir Edward achieved the last road mile record.
From the beginning, Fiat understood the importance of motor racing as a way of promoting its cars. The first Fiat racing car was therefore built by 1902: called the 24 HP Corsa. Among the many ancient "dinosaurs" developed specifically for racing, three deserve a special mention. Derived from the S61 GT and designed for racing in the USA, the Fiat S61 Corsa was extraordinarily successful: 3rd at the first edition of the Indianapolis 500 Miles in 1911, 1st and 2nd in Santa Monica in 1912 and above all winner of the 1912 Grand Prix of America on the Milwaukee circuit. The 1911 Fiat S76 was also known as the 300 HP Record because it verged on producing that power and was built precisely to beat speed records. Also known by the nickname “the Turin beast", it clocked up 116 mph (187 km / h) at its first attempt in England, and in 1912, at Ostend in Belgium, reached a maximum speed 132.27 mph (213 km / h). Sir Ernest Eldridge mounted a Fiat aviation engine on an SB4 in order to create the 320 hp Mephistopheles. At a speed of 234.980 km / h, on 12 July 1924 in Arpajon, Sir Edward achieved the last road mile record.
THE FIAT TIPO ERA - From the Tipo 1 to 6: modular cars
The Fiat "Tipo 4" with Cabriolet-Royal body
As from 1910, Fiat renewed its product options by launching the "Tipo" series. The models were numbered from 1 to 6, according to their relative displacement, and they shared the same components in order to rationalise costs and production. The Tipo 1, also known as 12-15 HP, had the same technical characteristics as the Tipo 2, which differed by having a more powerful 15-20 HP engine. This was employed by the Italian Army in its Libyan campaign. The Tipo 3 and Tipo 4 shared the same chassis and technical structure, but their four-cylinder engines respectively produced maximum power of 20-30 HP and 30-45 HP. These were the first cars to mount a rudimentary electrical system. The Tipo 4 military Torpedo was used in war by King Vittorio Emanuele III. The Tipo 5 and Tipo 6 were both higher-power cars, equipped with a 50-60 HP engine with 9 litre displacement, but they differed in performance: the latter had a shorter wheelbase, making it more agile and faster. Both cars were mainly intended for export to the USA.
As from 1910, Fiat renewed its product options by launching the "Tipo" series. The models were numbered from 1 to 6, according to their relative displacement, and they shared the same components in order to rationalise costs and production. The Tipo 1, also known as 12-15 HP, had the same technical characteristics as the Tipo 2, which differed by having a more powerful 15-20 HP engine. This was employed by the Italian Army in its Libyan campaign. The Tipo 3 and Tipo 4 shared the same chassis and technical structure, but their four-cylinder engines respectively produced maximum power of 20-30 HP and 30-45 HP. These were the first cars to mount a rudimentary electrical system. The Tipo 4 military Torpedo was used in war by King Vittorio Emanuele III. The Tipo 5 and Tipo 6 were both higher-power cars, equipped with a 50-60 HP engine with 9 litre displacement, but they differed in performance: the latter had a shorter wheelbase, making it more agile and faster. Both cars were mainly intended for export to the USA.
FIAT 508 - The first truly popular FIAT
Fiat Balilla Spider
(1932)
In 1932, with the 3-speed version of the 508 - known to the general public as the Balilla - Fiat created the most popular car it had yet produced. The Balilla had a four-cylinder 995 cm3 engine of 20 HP, was just over 3 meters long, and could reach 80 km / h. Three bodyworks were offered: two-door Sedan, Torpedo and Spider. The year after, in 1933, Fiat presented the sports version: the 508 S, also known as the Balilla Sport. Designed by Ghia, this had a Spider body and came in two versions with different mudguards: the "Golden Cup" had them connected to the central body, the "MilleMiglia" had them separated, like those of motorbikes. The same chassis was used in an aerodynamic Berlinetta, designed by Mario Revelli. 1933 also saw the launch of military versions of the 508 M: Torpedo, Spider and Sedan. In 1934 came the turn of the 4-speed Balilla: a renovated, more modern and aerodynamic look, it also featured a new engine with overhead valves. More wheelbase, power and performance. The 508C, also known as the Balilla 1100 came on the scene in 1937. The aerodynamic line of the front is a further stylistic innovation. The 508 C generated assorted variations, including the "Mille Miglia" sports coupé, the one with the long wheelbase, and the two-door cabriolet.
In 1932, with the 3-speed version of the 508 - known to the general public as the Balilla - Fiat created the most popular car it had yet produced. The Balilla had a four-cylinder 995 cm3 engine of 20 HP, was just over 3 meters long, and could reach 80 km / h. Three bodyworks were offered: two-door Sedan, Torpedo and Spider. The year after, in 1933, Fiat presented the sports version: the 508 S, also known as the Balilla Sport. Designed by Ghia, this had a Spider body and came in two versions with different mudguards: the "Golden Cup" had them connected to the central body, the "MilleMiglia" had them separated, like those of motorbikes. The same chassis was used in an aerodynamic Berlinetta, designed by Mario Revelli. 1933 also saw the launch of military versions of the 508 M: Torpedo, Spider and Sedan. In 1934 came the turn of the 4-speed Balilla: a renovated, more modern and aerodynamic look, it also featured a new engine with overhead valves. More wheelbase, power and performance. The 508C, also known as the Balilla 1100 came on the scene in 1937. The aerodynamic line of the front is a further stylistic innovation. The 508 C generated assorted variations, including the "Mille Miglia" sports coupé, the one with the long wheelbase, and the two-door cabriolet.
FIAT 500 TOPOLINO - The smallest with the largest sales
Fiat 500 A Topolino
(1936)
When it was first presented, in 1936, the Fiat 500 was the smallest mass-produced car in the world. Its funny shapes led the Italian public to call it “Topolino”, their name for Mickey Mouse. Its low price made it accessible to people who had never before been able to afford a car. In addition to the 2-door Sedan, there was also a Transformable version with a sunroof, and a van version originally created for the Army. The post-war period saw the launch of the 500 B in 1948, boasting a new engine and various technical innovations to improve performance and efficiency. But the novelty lay in its Giardiniera version, a genuine compact family car: 4 seats and a big loading space when the back seat was down. The 500 C arrived in 1949, with a heating system, an aluminium engine head and especially a more modern body, in which the headlights were sunk into the fenders. La Giardiniera had a mixed materials structure, with metal, wood and masonite. The 1952 Belvedere version, on the contrary, was all in metal. In a career lasting almost twenty years, over 500,000 Topolinos were sold and lived in.
When it was first presented, in 1936, the Fiat 500 was the smallest mass-produced car in the world. Its funny shapes led the Italian public to call it “Topolino”, their name for Mickey Mouse. Its low price made it accessible to people who had never before been able to afford a car. In addition to the 2-door Sedan, there was also a Transformable version with a sunroof, and a van version originally created for the Army. The post-war period saw the launch of the 500 B in 1948, boasting a new engine and various technical innovations to improve performance and efficiency. But the novelty lay in its Giardiniera version, a genuine compact family car: 4 seats and a big loading space when the back seat was down. The 500 C arrived in 1949, with a heating system, an aluminium engine head and especially a more modern body, in which the headlights were sunk into the fenders. La Giardiniera had a mixed materials structure, with metal, wood and masonite. The 1952 Belvedere version, on the contrary, was all in metal. In a career lasting almost twenty years, over 500,000 Topolinos were sold and lived in.
FIAT 1100 - A saloon car for all the family
Fiat 1100 Transformable TV
(1955)
The first FIAT 1100s - the Tipo A - were actually 508Cs with changes in their bodywork, especially in the high front "windbreaker” grilles. Between 1939 and 1953, the 1100 A was followed by the Tipo B in the immediate post-war period, and then the Tipo E... with steering-wheel gear change, seating for 6 and a larger boot that also contained the spare wheel. In 1947 the 1100 S marked the arrival of a sports sedan with aerodynamic lines and a top speed of 150 km / h: at the 1948 Mille Miglia it came second, third and fourth overall. The following year, the 1100 ES made its entrance: the mechanical aspect remained unchanged, but the bodywork - by Pinin Farina - had become strikingly modern. The real revolution came in 1953 with the launch of the 1100/103, a unibody structure with a modern 3-volume line. It still had a compact boot, but this will be the element that will undergo the most evolution before long. The 103 Family estate-version achieved significant success for professional uses too, and arrived at the same time as the 1100/103 TV (Turismo Veloce, or Fast Touring). Powerful and fast, this car was popular with private drivers, even for racing in the 1000Miglia. In 1955, Fiat’s Special Bodywork Section created an agile 2-seater spider on the TV’s mechanical system. Sporting American lines, it was named the Transformable TV.
The first FIAT 1100s - the Tipo A - were actually 508Cs with changes in their bodywork, especially in the high front "windbreaker” grilles. Between 1939 and 1953, the 1100 A was followed by the Tipo B in the immediate post-war period, and then the Tipo E... with steering-wheel gear change, seating for 6 and a larger boot that also contained the spare wheel. In 1947 the 1100 S marked the arrival of a sports sedan with aerodynamic lines and a top speed of 150 km / h: at the 1948 Mille Miglia it came second, third and fourth overall. The following year, the 1100 ES made its entrance: the mechanical aspect remained unchanged, but the bodywork - by Pinin Farina - had become strikingly modern. The real revolution came in 1953 with the launch of the 1100/103, a unibody structure with a modern 3-volume line. It still had a compact boot, but this will be the element that will undergo the most evolution before long. The 103 Family estate-version achieved significant success for professional uses too, and arrived at the same time as the 1100/103 TV (Turismo Veloce, or Fast Touring). Powerful and fast, this car was popular with private drivers, even for racing in the 1000Miglia. In 1955, Fiat’s Special Bodywork Section created an agile 2-seater spider on the TV’s mechanical system. Sporting American lines, it was named the Transformable TV.
FIAT 8V - The streamlined American-style GT
Fiat 8V
(1952)
In 1952, Fiat decided to reaffirm its technical potential by boosting its sporting image. At the Geneva Motor Show it presented an aerodynamic, racy and lightweight two-seater small sedan crammed with new technical refinements. For the first time a Fiat was fitted with independent 4-wheel suspension, while under the bonnet the engine showed its American influences with a multi-cylinder 8-V cylinder system. To help sales in Europe, it was decided to lower displacement from American levels, instead using Italian GT standards at the time, i.e 2 litres. The 8V started out with 105 HP, which grew to 115, and then rose to 127 with the adoption of 3 double-body carburettors. One car was made with fibreglass bodywork, now exhibited at the Fiat Historical Centre. The body’s style - with lines evoking American cars of the time - and production were entrusted to Fiat's Special Bodyworks department. 114 exemplars were manufactured between 1952 and 1954. Many of these were top performers in major Italian races.
In 1952, Fiat decided to reaffirm its technical potential by boosting its sporting image. At the Geneva Motor Show it presented an aerodynamic, racy and lightweight two-seater small sedan crammed with new technical refinements. For the first time a Fiat was fitted with independent 4-wheel suspension, while under the bonnet the engine showed its American influences with a multi-cylinder 8-V cylinder system. To help sales in Europe, it was decided to lower displacement from American levels, instead using Italian GT standards at the time, i.e 2 litres. The 8V started out with 105 HP, which grew to 115, and then rose to 127 with the adoption of 3 double-body carburettors. One car was made with fibreglass bodywork, now exhibited at the Fiat Historical Centre. The body’s style - with lines evoking American cars of the time - and production were entrusted to Fiat's Special Bodyworks department. 114 exemplars were manufactured between 1952 and 1954. Many of these were top performers in major Italian races.
FIAT 600 - Mass motorisation begins
Fiat 600 in the Parco del Valentino
Quartiere San Salvario, Turin (1956)
The 1955 presentation of the 600 at the Geneva Motor Show marked the beginning of Fiat’s mass motorisation through sales of small practical cars throughout the 1950s and Sixties. The first 600 sedan had 2 doors with forward-facing opening, 4 seats and the engine - 633 cc - positioned in the rear. Its success exceeded all expectations: its excellent value for money turned the 600 into a best seller, and factory production reached 1000 a day. There was also a Transformable version with a canvas roof, and a Multipla, with a new body shape that positioned the cantilevered steering wheel at the very front, thus creating 3 rows, seating up to 6 people: the ideal taxi for Italian cities. After the first 3 series, in 1960 the 600D was launched, with increased displacement and power (767 cc for 29 HP). Changes were made to the bodywork: notably the door hinges moving to open from the front in 1964. The Seicento remained in production until 1969, becoming the first Fiat to be produced in over a million units.
The 1955 presentation of the 600 at the Geneva Motor Show marked the beginning of Fiat’s mass motorisation through sales of small practical cars throughout the 1950s and Sixties. The first 600 sedan had 2 doors with forward-facing opening, 4 seats and the engine - 633 cc - positioned in the rear. Its success exceeded all expectations: its excellent value for money turned the 600 into a best seller, and factory production reached 1000 a day. There was also a Transformable version with a canvas roof, and a Multipla, with a new body shape that positioned the cantilevered steering wheel at the very front, thus creating 3 rows, seating up to 6 people: the ideal taxi for Italian cities. After the first 3 series, in 1960 the 600D was launched, with increased displacement and power (767 cc for 29 HP). Changes were made to the bodywork: notably the door hinges moving to open from the front in 1964. The Seicento remained in production until 1969, becoming the first Fiat to be produced in over a million units.
FIAT 124 - For Families and Rallies
Fiat 124
(1966)
The Fiat 124 was a 3-volume, 4-door medium sedan, which took the place of the Fiat 1300 in 1966. A few months later, the Family version made its debut at the Turin Motor Show: both were fitted with a brand new 1.2 litre 60 HP engine. At the same time, Pininfarina shortened the wheelbase and presented the Sport Spider, flaunting a brilliant 90 HP 1400. Also in 1966, Fiat signed an agreement with the Soviet government for the construction of a car plant in Togliattigrad, in which the 124 served as the basis for the Russian "Zigulì". The year after, based on the mechanics of the Spider but with the chassis of the sedan, the Fiat Style Centre designed the Sport Coupé. In 1968 the 124 Special was launched, with double headlights and a more powerful engine. In 1969 a new 1600cc twin-shaft engine was used in the Sports, Coupé and Spider versions. The latter began to compete successfully in rallies, paving the way for the legendary 124 Abarth. In 1970 the twin-shaft engine was fitted on the sedan and the Special T. The Berlina and Familiare were withdrawn in 1974, while the Spider had a long life until 1985, first in America and then again in Europe.
The Fiat 124 was a 3-volume, 4-door medium sedan, which took the place of the Fiat 1300 in 1966. A few months later, the Family version made its debut at the Turin Motor Show: both were fitted with a brand new 1.2 litre 60 HP engine. At the same time, Pininfarina shortened the wheelbase and presented the Sport Spider, flaunting a brilliant 90 HP 1400. Also in 1966, Fiat signed an agreement with the Soviet government for the construction of a car plant in Togliattigrad, in which the 124 served as the basis for the Russian "Zigulì". The year after, based on the mechanics of the Spider but with the chassis of the sedan, the Fiat Style Centre designed the Sport Coupé. In 1968 the 124 Special was launched, with double headlights and a more powerful engine. In 1969 a new 1600cc twin-shaft engine was used in the Sports, Coupé and Spider versions. The latter began to compete successfully in rallies, paving the way for the legendary 124 Abarth. In 1970 the twin-shaft engine was fitted on the sedan and the Special T. The Berlina and Familiare were withdrawn in 1974, while the Spider had a long life until 1985, first in America and then again in Europe.
FIAT DINO COUPÉ AND SPIDER - Fiat’s Prancing Horse
Fiat Dino 2400 Coupé
(1972)
The Dino Spider made its debut at the Turin Motor Show in 1966. It was designed by Pininfarina around a sophisticated 2-litre V6 produced by Ferrari. The Maranello-based Scuderia signed an agreement with Fiat for the supply of the engines, which allowed it to quickly approve the engine for use in Formula 2. The name of the engine and the car were inspired by Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredo known as Dino, who collaborated on the design of the V6 but died prematurely. A few months later, at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show, the Coupé version designed and produced by Bertone was presented: it had a longer wheelbase and space for 4 people. A remarkable success ensued, so in 1969 the 2ndseries of both models were unveiled in Turin. The engine had grown to 2.4 litres and the independent rear-wheel drive of the flagship Fiat 130 was installed, more suitable for the higher performance of the Dino 2400. In addition to the Fiat Dino and the Ferrari Dino 246, the 2.4 engine was later used to power the successful Lancia Stratos rally car.
The Dino Spider made its debut at the Turin Motor Show in 1966. It was designed by Pininfarina around a sophisticated 2-litre V6 produced by Ferrari. The Maranello-based Scuderia signed an agreement with Fiat for the supply of the engines, which allowed it to quickly approve the engine for use in Formula 2. The name of the engine and the car were inspired by Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredo known as Dino, who collaborated on the design of the V6 but died prematurely. A few months later, at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show, the Coupé version designed and produced by Bertone was presented: it had a longer wheelbase and space for 4 people. A remarkable success ensued, so in 1969 the 2ndseries of both models were unveiled in Turin. The engine had grown to 2.4 litres and the independent rear-wheel drive of the flagship Fiat 130 was installed, more suitable for the higher performance of the Dino 2400. In addition to the Fiat Dino and the Ferrari Dino 246, the 2.4 engine was later used to power the successful Lancia Stratos rally car.
FIAT 127 - The Fiat that appeals to youth
The Fiat 127 made its appearance in 1971 and immediately met with success, thanks to the innovative modern line of the body, especially its rear. Front wheel drive, 2 volumes and 2 doors: the 127 was compact, bright and lively, immediately attractive to families but also to young people. Over a million units were sold in its first three years.
Its first 903 cm3 engine had been evolved from the Fiat 850. It was later followed by a 1050 and then a compact 1.3 diesel version. It was among the first Fiat models to be massively produced in many countries and continents, and received numerous international awards. As usual, several variants were developed: the hatchback, the 5-door version, the Panorama station wagon, the "off road" style Rustica, and above all the 127 Sport 70 HP.
European sales ended - after three series - in 1987, when the Fiat Uno was already dominating the market. The final "unified" version continued to be produced in Argentina until the end of the 1990s. In all, over 4.5 million Fiat 127s were sold.
FIAT PANDA - Compact outside, spacious inside (1980)
In 1980 - in collaboration with Giorgetto Giugiaro and his team - Fiat developed the design of a model to replace the 126 and 127. The result was the Panda. In two versions: the Panda 30 evolved from the 126 engine and the Panda 45 evolved from the 127.
A simple, practical, squarish utility car, it could fit 5 people in just 3.38 metres: compact from outside but spacious inside. Wrap-around bumpers, a high all-round protective band, large glass area, totally functional in every detail... even a back seat that can turn into a bed, a cot or a hammock.
In 1982 the Super version was added, then 1983 produced the irrepressible 4x4, confidently climbing anywhere. After selling a million and a half Pandas, the engine fleet was renovated by the addition of two Fire family motors: the one thousand from the Fiat Uno and a 769 cm3, plus a 1.3 diesel option.
The success of the 1st series lasted over twenty years, until the arrival of the 2nd series in 2003 and the 3rd in 2012.
FIAT UNO - Comfortable, chic and economical... (1983)
One... everything else is relative. That was how the Italian Fiat Uno launch spot ended, after a set of adjectives - comfortable, chic, economical and quick - which expressed the basic concepts of the 2-volume super-mini presented in 1983 to the international press at Cape Canaveral.
The Uno 45 was launched with the 127’s engine, with further horse-power options of 55, 60 and 70. The 70 HP was also available in the Selecta automatic gearbox version. Bodywork options included 3 or 5 doors in the normal and S versions. In 1983, the Uno Diesel was launched.
1985 saw the introduction of the Fire engine, the Uno Turbo and the Uno Turbo Diesel, plus the most chic option: the70 SX, with Alcantara interiors. Meanwhile, the Uno Turbo Trophy became a nursery for discovering talented new rally drivers, from Alex Fiorio to Piero Longhi.
In 1989 the 2nd Uno series arrived, with some stylistic traces of its Tipo successor, and some of its engines too. Production ended in 1995, when the Punto too had been around for 2 years.
FIAT TIPO - Innovative, practical and safe (1988)
With large financial investments committed to automation, in 1988 the Fiat of Vittorio Ghidella launched the Tipo, a medium-class 2-volume sedan characterised by a functional and highly spacious interior. It came with 5 engine options, three petrol-driven and two diesel-driven... all of them extremely efficient, thanks also to the model’s excellent aerodynamics.
The innovative digital dashboard of the DGT version and its traction control devices emphasised the car’s innovative spirit and attention to safety. Different trims were offered for different models, but the factors that added a new sporty look to the “sensible” Tipo were the 1.8 and 2.0 “sixteen-valve” engines, and the arrival of the 3-door version.
In 1993, the 2nd series introduced important innovations in terms of safety, with new protective anti-intrusion bars, a strengthened body, head-rests for the back seats, driver-side airbags and belts with pretensioners. The engines were also adapted to Euro 3 regulations. Production ended in 1995.
FIAT PUNTO - A segment benchmark (1993)
Created for the medium-small segment, with the task of replacing the Uno, the new Fiat Punto was launched in 1993, conceived as a higher class car in terms of its interior space. Available with 3 or 5 doors, its 6-speed gearbox was a novelty, while an Economy Drive version had a longer axle ratio.
Petrol-driven options were 55, 60 (also with Selecta automatic gearbox), 75 and 90, plus a Turbodiesel which was subsequently offered with a naturally aspirated engine. The Punto came with many trims: S, SX, EL, ELX and the HSD (High Safety Drive) which included all available safety devices. To demonstrate the solidity of the body, a Punto Cabrio was also made, produced by Bertone.
In 1999, to celebrate Fiat’s 100th anniversary, the Style Centre designed a Punto 2nd series. In 2005 it grew to over 4 meters in length, becoming the Grande Punto, which in 2009 was joined by the Punto Evo, produced until 2018.