1963 Fiat 600

Description

There's something exceptionally cool about an Italian mini car. They are no more practical than a Beetle, but when it's done right like this 1963 Fiat 600, you just want to put on your Gucci loafers and go for a drive.

This car has an instant attraction because of DNA it shares with its smaller brother, the Fiat 500. And at the same time, it has enough distinction that many people have to ask, "What is that?" The 600 is arguably the better looking of the legendary small Fiats with an American-like rear "kick up" in its design over the rear wheels and a few more pieces of bright trim. But what really shines on this one is the paint. The red is a true investment in a professional hand and modern clearcoat. Plus, the 13-inch alloy wheels (original wheels and hubcaps come with car as well) give this little car some extra va-va-voom. So just like a good Italian, it invested in modern fashions to look far more contemporary that its age suggests.

The interior is far better appointed than Fiat ever initially intended. The front bucket seats are now covered in fashionable red and black leather, and they have been given much needed side bolstering for added comfort. Plus, the vintage Fiat logos are a great eye-catching custom touch. The rear bench is given a similar two-tone leather cover, and this also highlights a key feature of the 600. After all, the iconic 500 just had a rear shelf, but this one has just enough room for a proper seat. The steering wheel is delightfully original with a two-spoke design that's easy to grip from anywhere. Beyond that is a simple, but stylish gauge package set in a metal dashboard that's correctly painted the same color as the exterior.

In the rear is one of the freshest looking motors around. You can tell a lot of care went into the maintenance of this one just by how you could eat your pasta off the air cleaner. There's even an upgrade to a new alternator and the accompanying plugs, wires, and belt. Fiat offered a very interesting 767cc water-cooled four-cylinder in this little car. Just like the Ferrari motors of the time, having more cylinders with lower displacement helped produced high-revving fun poweplants. You won't win any races with this 600, but you will enjoy the sounds the little motor makes as you watch the speedometer for the redline points of the four-speed transmission (yes, no tach...Fiat's simple design of these just let you know each gear's max speed!) This is a sprightly little machine, so you feel instantly connected to the road, and the modern tries mean you get truly good grip.

Rarely imported to the USA (both by Fiat and individual), the car that helped put Italy on wheels is now an interesting fashion statement. So this is a fleeting opportunity to own quite a chic redhead that you can afford everyday. Call today!!!