FIAT Multipla 1955
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FIAT Multipla: The most beautiful volume in the world (or almost)

The FIAT Multipla is a well-known model that became famous for its debatable design. Some people find it a very ugly car, while others even like that it has that front at two heights, but they are totally subjective things that draw attention away from what really matters: the versatility of the model and the general concept. The Multipla was a car that was not given the opportunity to shine and also, as if that were not enough, when it received the renovation that completely changed its front design, users said that it had lost its grace and personality. 

Curious to say the least, it was first called a horrible and deformed car, but when the design was changed, FIAT was accused of making it lose personality. There is no way to take the reactions of the public and what is bad at first turns out to be what everyone appreciates. It is also curious to see how the Multipla is reviled for its particular design, while other cars with a more questionable image, receive the approval of the public. Sometimes it seems that it was not because of the design itself, it was simply a FIAT and users have a certain dislike for FIATs, which added to its peculiar appearance. 

FIAT Multipla classic

It would be necessary to see what those same think of the original FIAT Multipla, because the model from the late 90s could be considered as a second generation, since a large number of details of the final objective of the original FIAT Multipla were respected: to be a practical, versatile car and wide, with unusual design. Similar ways were even used to achieve the objectives, since the Multipla of the 50s was built on the basis of the FIAT 600 and therefore had a design that could be considered equally unique. In fact, If you look at it in profile and you don't know the car, you may not know which is the front and which is the rear.

The first FIAT Multipla hit the market in 1955, although sales did not begin until 1956, having a good catch and extending its production until 1966. It was a very cheap vehicle, both for acquisition and maintenance and also a fairly innovative model, there was nothing similar to the market and it is a clear precursor of the compact minivan, although Renault takes credit with the first generation of the Renault Mégane Scenic of the 90s. 

Its design was carried out by Dante Giacosa and it was based, as mentioned before, on the FIAT 600. This was precisely what marked its design and some of its shortcomings, since it was necessary to work with a very small car that for more complication had the engine hanging behind the rear axle and a notable lack of power (the four-cylinder 633 cubic centimeters did not exceed 21 hp). That is why Giacosa had to give it such a peculiar shape, to try to gain as much space as possible from a car that did not have it. And also, regardless of the trunk. 

Getting to this result is relatively easy. Giacosa raised the height of the roof while lengthening it forward, past the front wheels, while "stretching" the platform. He placed the front seats just above the front wheels, taking advantage of the fact that there was no engine in the front, allowing the seats that would act as front seats in the FIAT 600, automatically become the rear seats. Behind them, where the rear seat of the FIAT 600 should go, a space to leave luggage or two additional seats. 

The result was a car of nothing less than six seats with a length of 3.540 millimeters and a height of 1.580 millimeters, unable to exceed 100 km / h. If the six available seats were not used (three rows of two seats), luggage could be carried just behind the last row of seats, taking advantage of that gap and the cover above the engine. There wasn't a lot of power or a lot of top speed, but there weren't a lot of brakes either as they were all drum brakes. Nor was there much fuel tank to have 27 liters. 

There is no doubt that Dante Giacosa, also responsible for our beloved 600, had an imagination and an exceedingly remarkable talent to take advantage of the little space available in a spectacular way. It wasn't fast, far from it, but It was a very practical car and nowadays a rather nice collector's classic And why not, interesting for those who like to travel through Spain with their "old car", although yes, very calm and unhurried trips.

Yes, in Spain we had a “replica” of the FIAT Multipla, the SEAT 600 MultipleBut he was not as successful as the Multipla did in Italy, where he was a taxi, a patrol with the Carabinieri and a family car. 

What do you think?

Written by Javi Martin

If you ask me where my love for motoring comes from, I wouldn't know how to answer. It has always been there, although I am the only one in the family who likes this world. My father worked as a draftsman in a metallurgical company with a lot of auto parts production, but there was never a passion like I can have.

I really like automobile history and I am currently creating a personal library dedicated exclusively to motor history in Spain. I also have a huge collection of scanned material and have written the book "The 600, a dream on wheels" (Larousse publishing house).

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