Fiat : 600

Model Introduction

Mechanically, the 600 was simple but cleverly thought out. It featured independent suspension all round, a four-speed manual gearbox, and rear-hinged suicide doors in early models. Its modest weight and lively engine gave it surprising agility, and it was both cheap to run and easy to maintain. It became the basis for a number of variants, including the larger 600 Multipla — one of the world’s first MPVs — and numerous licensed versions built under brands like Zastava in Yugoslavia and SEAT in Spain. Fiat built nearly five million units before production ended in 1969, making it one of the most successful and important small cars of the era.