Fiat 600 Multipla Mirafiori
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Car producer : |
Fiat |
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Model: |
600 Multipla Mirafiori |
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Year: |
1956-1969 |
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Type: |
Cabriolet |
The original Fiat 600 Multipla was based on the Fiat 600's drivetrain, model 1100 coil and wishbone independent front suspension, and sat six people in a footprint just 50 centimeters (19.7 in) longer than the original Mini Cooper. The driver's compartment was moved forward over the front axle, effectively eliminating the boot but giving the body a very minivan-like "one-box" look. Behind the front seat the vehicle could be arranged with a flat floor area or a choice of one or two bench seats.
Until the 1970s, it was widely used as a taxi in many parts of Italy.
In 1956, Fissore designed a remarkable open-topped Multipla prototype called the "Marinella" with a wooden-slat wraparound bench in the rear.
Mirafiori is fourth of just five special-order Fiat 600 Multipla cars created by the Reparto Carrozzerie Speciali department of Fiat. They were built between 1956 and 1958 at the request of Fiat executive Gianni Agnelli, who specifically wanted a small fleet of vehicles to transport visiting dignitaries and the occasional movie star around the Fiat factory in Torino.
The ingenious Fiat 600 was designed by Dante Giacosa and debuted in 1955 as the first rear-engine Fiat and the Italian answer to the Volkswagen Beetle. The blueprint was futuristic for its time and featured an integral chassis/body with independent suspension all around and a 633 cc engine capable of a top speed of 60 mph. The Fiat 600 Multipla, launched a year later, somewhat amazingly maneuvered six seats into the diminutive wheelbase of just 6′ 6″.
The Multipla-based 600 Mirafiori was lavished with special attention. The design team created a special Plexiglas hard top, which enabled visitors to move about the factory grounds in comfort during inclement weather with full visibility. Following its tenure as an official vehicle in 1965, the Mirafiori was turned over to a manager at Fiat; it remained in his care until 1995, when it was sold to Silvano Carraro of Italy, who believes that it may be the sole remaining example. At some point the 633 cc engine, which accompanies the car, was removed and a 767 cc 600D series motor was fitted for increased power.
