The Minivan was the rising star of the 1980s new car market, and it seemed that as the decade progressed, every manufacturer wanted a slice of the action. However, Fiat comfortably beat them to the punch with its 1956 Multipla. It broke new ground in space efficiency, accommodating six people with room for limited luggage. Our feature Multipla is the updated 1966 600D that spent the last few years in a museum. It is a clean and honest classic that runs and drives well. It has a few minor needs, but it could be ideal for someone seeking a quirky and versatile project candidate they can enjoy immediately.
Fiat released the Multipla in 1956 as an extension of its 600 range, creating what many believe to be the first genuine Minivan. It evolved throughout its production life before the final car rolled off the line in 1967. This 1966 example has spent recent years as a museum piece, but it is a turnkey classic that the new owner could enjoy immediately. It presents nicely in Peacock Blue and White but has minor blemishes and marks. The seller acknowledges the presence of filler and rust but doesn’t elaborate on where or how significant the problems are. However, the underside shot reveals penetrating floor rust requiring attention before it deteriorates further. It doesn’t look too bad, and a well-crafted patch might consign the problem to history. There are no visible exterior bubbles that might indicate developing nasty surprises, but an in-person inspection would seem wise. The trim is in good order, and the glass is crystal clear.
The most significant change during the Multipla’s production run occurred in 1960 when Fiat upgraded the rear-mounted engine to a 767cc four-cylinder powerplant. The previous 633cc unit delivered 21hp, but the larger motor lifted that figure to a stratospheric 32hp. Power feeds to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, and I’m sure readers won’t be surprised to learn that the Multipla isn’t fast. The ¼-mile journey can be measured with a calendar, and it will run out of breath at 65mph. However, its tiny exterior dimensions and surprisingly spacious interior make it a versatile alternative in cities and other environments where maneuverability is a consideration. The seller states this Fiat is in excellent mechanical health. It rolls on new Michelin tires, and the seller holds receipts confirming it received over $10,000 worth of TLC before becoming a museum piece. It is a turnkey proposition that the new owner can enjoy immediately.
This Multipla’s highlight could be its interior because it presents impressively. The Blue vinyl and White piping perfectly complement the exterior paint combination and show no signs of wear. Some painted surfaces might benefit from a refresh, but that task should be straightforward and satisfying. The rubber floor mat is in good condition, and the gauge cluster features clear lenses and crisp markings. The front seat is a traditional bench, but the second and third rows demonstrate the Multipla’s versatility. They are effectively individual buckets that the owner can fold flat in almost any combination. Doing so dramatically increases luggage space if less than six people are aboard. This Fiat represents motoring at its most basic, so a heater is the only creature comfort.
Small Italian classics typically attract attention when they hit the market, and this 1966 Fiat 600D Multipla is no exception. The fifteen submitted bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Nashville, Tennessee, suggest people like what they see. The action has pushed the price to $8,700, although it remains below the reserve. Interestingly, I found a previous auction for this car from approximately a year ago, where it failed to sell for $22,500. Do you believe it will reach that figure this time, or will the seller have to compromise to send it to a new home?
The authors posts are always a treat, the 4CV and now this. To be clear, the Multipla wasn’t the 1st, the Type 2 VW was from 1950, and the Schnellaster beat them all in ’49. Americans couldn’t care less, and the VW was more of a novelty, local use only. It took another 30 years before we embraced the Chrysler minivan, again, all about timing. The Chrysler minivan was exactly what Americans wanted at the time, and not 28hp putt-putts, freeway worthy vehicles, not flowers on back city alleys in Europe, where I’m sure these did just fine.
My experience with a Multipla, sorry if you’ve heard this one, but a friend in the early 80s was a Fiat salesman in Waukesha, Wis. and one of these came in on a trade. “Let’s go for a ride”, he said. 4 people, mind you, and not heftys either, right off the bat, it barely got moving, and he never did get it into 4th gear. It was a poor vehicle, to say the least, and any connection between these and my Chrysler minivans is strictly coincidental. $20grand with 10 ounces of gold in the trunk, maybe. I don’t recall that spare tire there either. I’d enjoy the sight of seeing someone not familiar with 31hp,,,foot mashed to the floor,,that’s it?
I agree it would just be a novelty $22,000 just a little much.
Maybe good for around town or the retirement neighborhood. Not ideal to mix up with heavier faster traffic. Of course it could be the distraction in the next mayhem commercial.
As long as the journey is downhill both ways.
Well, he’s on a tricycle now…lol
Beautiful looking car. This would make an awesome city taxicab. Given its condition, I’d pay around $10,000, I’d make sure everything works like they should, that the car is as safe as can be for what I intend to use it for.
The Multipla was quite commonly used as a taxi in Rome in its’ day.
These are rare in good condition and sell well in the right market place. Not expensive to refresh. At twice the current bid, you shouldn’t lose money.
Not sure I want one but always get a lot of attention at Italian car shows.
Nor easy, nor cheap to refresh. Or maybe you think of regular 5000mls service with that word?
great 3-dor, wonderbar design (cheep big-box). Tight inside as mericans
grow (we get fatter’n fatter). Still something of great utility, lill ego worth.
Can you see urself behind the wheel? I’d love one (Wrk, it’s commute.
May B wkend? for camping on it’s seats-removed-floor)?
In my mind I see it in its era/locale chuggin thru the Amalfi Coast, olive skinned driver/whites in back, full of packages/luggage, roof rack overloaded… a beautiful sea below, billowy clouds above. Lill Scarab haulin all that weight w/confidence (gear ratio/final drive).
At AUTOCARS, owned by Bill Duke? Peter, Jim, or?
We were just discussing all the models just the other day…..
Steering wheel is on the wrong end:-)
Back about four or five years ago there was a company in Chicago that was rebuilding Fiat 500 and 600 sedans. I peeked on their website occasionally and I don’t recall any Multiplas. Those thing make Microbuses look like Escalades. It’s pretty hilly here in Baja Wisconsin and unless it has some really low gears I can’t imagine it getting around.
Bidding ended on Thu, Jun 20 at 8:45 AM.
US $11,200.00
22 bids
Reserve not met
My very first car was one of these. A major hoot