Fiat 600 Multipla 1956–1969
| Fiat 600 Multipla | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Fiat |
| Production | 1956–1969 129,994 or 243,000 units |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | MPV |
| Body style | 4-door MPV |
| Layout | Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
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| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,000 mm (78.7 in) |
| Length | 3,531 mm (139.0 in) |
| Width | 1,448 mm (57.0 in) |
| Height | 1,581 mm (62.2 in) |
| Kerb weight | 700 kg (1,543 lb) |
The Fiat 600 Multipla was a four-door MPV based on the Fiat 600's drivetrain and Fiat 1100 front suspensions, that sat up to six people in a footprint just 50 cm (19.7 in) longer than the original Mini Cooper and on the same 2 m (78.7 in) wheelbase as the 600 saloon. This had been achieved moving the driver's compartment forward over the front axle, effectively eliminating the boot but giving the body a very minivan-like "one-box", flat-front look. The car debuted at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1956, and was eventually replaced by the Fiat 850 Familiare. The Multipla name was re-introduced in the late 1990s, for the Fiat Multipla compact minivan.
The 600 Multipla was available in three interior configurations:
- 4/5-seater version. Two rows of seats: fixed front bench seat for driver and passenger, fold-down rear bench for two or three passengers, cargo space between the rear seats and the firewall. The rear seats folded flat with the floor. Original price on the Italian market: 730,000 Lire.
- 6-seater version. Three rows of seats: fixed front bench seat for driver and passenger, plus four single rear seats in two rows. The rear seats could be individually folded flat to the floor, allowing for a reconfigurable cargo area with an even loading surface. With all six seats up storage space was reduced to the rear parcel shelf. Original price on the Italian market: 743,000 Lire.
- Taxi version, introduced at the April 1956 Turin Motor Show. It featured an individual driver seat, passenger seat which could be folded down becoming a luggage shelf, two foldaway jump seats in the middle, and a bench seat at the rear against the firewall. Original price on the Italian market: 835,000 Lire. Until the 1970s, the Multipla was widely used as a taxi in many parts of Italy.
As mentioned, the 600 Multipla used the type 100.000 663 cc overhead valve inline-four cylinder engine from the 600 saloon, producing 21.5 DIN-rated PS (15.8 kW; 21.2 hp) or 24.5 CUNA-rated PS at 4,600 rpm. A shorter final drive ratio was the only change made to the 4-speed manual transmission, with synchromesh on the top three forward gears. Rear trailing arm suspension also came from the 600, while the front double wishbone suspension—complete with coil springs, coaxial hydraulic dampers and anti-roll bar—as well as steering components were sourced from the bigger 1100/103. The larger-capacity radiator was front-mounted instead than rear-mounted as on the 600, whereas the fuel tank had been moved to the rear above the gearbox, and the spare wheel was housed inside, in front of the passenger seat. The manufacturer advertised a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph).
A 633 cc, RHD Multipla, was tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1956 and was found to have a top speed of 57.1 mph (91.9 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–50 mph (0–80 km/h) in 43.0 seconds. A fuel consumption of 38.4 miles per imperial gallon (7.36 L/100 km; 32.0 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £799 including taxes on the UK market.
In September 1960 the 600 Multipla benefited of the same mechanical upgrades introduced on the 600 D saloon, the most significant one being an enlarged 767 cc engine, and became the 600 D Multipla. As on the saloon, the 106 D.000 four-cylinder had both larger bore and longer stroke, and produced 25 DIN-rated PS (18 kW; 25 hp) or 29 CUNA-rated PS 4,800 rpm.
Coachbuilt models
In 1956, Fissore designed a remarkable open-topped Multipla prototype called the "Marinella" with a wooden-slat wraparound bench in the rear.