By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
The growing trend to reinvent a classic brand in electric form continues with Fiat’s latest compact SUV.
The launch of the 600e has given the Italian makers the opportunity to resurrect the 600 name badge from a car first launched nearly 70 years ago.
It also gives me the chance to look back at the original 600.
This small rear-engined Fiat, designed by Dante Giacosa, was a wonderful example of affordable family driving.
Measuring just 10ft 7ins long and weighting about 450 kg the car proved a hit when it was launched at the 1955 Geneva Motor Show.
Tucked away in the boot was a 633cc water-cooled engine – later a 767cc upgrade came along. The small engine proved more than adequate as a city runaround.
The 600 ran for 14 years under Fiat production in Italy, though models were made under licence in other countries into the eighties. They include Spain, where it was known as the SEAT 600.
Significantly, the 600 offered the blueprint for its even smaller sibling, the Fiat 500, which debuted in 1957.
It would also inspire an unusual variant, the Multipla, a four-door MPV, which could carry six people. Launched in 1956, it had a mini-van look with an almost vertical front nose, three rows of seats and just room for the rear-mounted engine.
Using the original 663cc engine from the 600, the Multipa’s top speed was 57mph…. at a push!
Fast forward to 2024 and the new all-electric 600 bears little resemblance to the original two-door classic, but importantly for Fiat it strengthens their reputation as a leading small family car producer.
There is another positive in the new 600. We won’t be seeing any grey ones! In a bold move, Fiat has decided to drop future shades of grey, in favour of brighter colour schemes that they say ‘inspire optimism and positivity’. Well done Fiat!
