Fiat reentered the American market with the Cinquecento, in any other case often called the five hundred. A Mini Cooper-influenced retro minicar that was even smaller, the five hundred was a throwback to the five hundred that was constructed from 1957-75 (and the successor to the five hundred famously often called “Topolino”). However there was an analogous, bigger model that appeared two years earlier than. One among these automobiles, a 1961 Fiat 600, is our Decide of the Day. It’s listed on the market on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Addison, Illinois. (Click on the hyperlink to view the itemizing)

When wanting on the 600, you may’t assist however consider the Volkswagen Beetle and even the Renault 4CV because of rounded, “buggy” design and rear-engine packaging. Fiat had aimed to create one thing easy but progressive, which is why one prototype includes a V2 that lacked a clutch pedal. Nonetheless, the manufacturing automobile featured a water-cooled 633cc four-cylinder with four-speed handbook (with synchros in three gears). The 600 may carry 4 adults with baggage, although acceleration was leisurely at greatest, and worse with passengers. Later variations supplied a 767cc 4.

Although the 600 was produced by Fiat by 1969, it discovered a second life in a number of different international locations with their very own home-grown auto industries. Hottest was SEAT, which was produced in Spain by 1973, together with a four-door model. Yugoslavia (Serbia) constructed the Zastava 750 by 1985, which additionally included the Zastava 850 with an improve to 843cc. And Argentina constructed the Fiat 600 with engines as much as 903cc. Different markets constructed the 600 however none as substantial because the above.

Look carefully at this 1961 Fiat 600 and word the suicide doorways. Cool! Different options embrace Mild Ivory paint with pink and white inside with entrance bucket seats, shoulder belts, and gasoline tank below the entrance trunk. With solely 98,634 kilometers (simply over 61,000 miles), there’s loads of life left within the gradual lane for this little Italian. Although the vendor doesn’t specify, we predict this 600 is a 600D, which suggests it options the upgraded 767cc 4 with 32 horsepower.

For $22,998, you may drive round la città in model. This Fiat’s good on gasoline, has cheap utility, and it’ll make you the most well-liked man or gal on the town. Elements are plentiful and it’s simple to work on, although in the event you’re the type to be intimidated, you might at all times discover a man named Tony for upkeep.

To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, see Decide of the Day.