The 1500 was a pre- and post-war car built by Fiat in Italy. It was larger than the Fiats that most U.S. buyers associate with the brand, powered by a 1493-cc inline-6 engine. In production from 1935 to 1950, these automobiles were designed with aerodynamics in mind, just like the Chrysler Airflow, but the car had more staying power. The seller’s 1949 edition is the “D” series, which was an iteration of the cars that came before it. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this project is mostly complete and is available here on craigslist for $7,999.
Fiat proved what Chrysler apparently couldn’t was that cars designed in a wind tunnel would sell. Despite a break during the war years, the 1500 was in the Fiat mix for a 15-year span. Five generations were produced, the original 1500 from 1935 to 1939, the “B” in 1939, the “C” in 1940, the “D” in 1946 to 1949, and finally the “E” in 1949 and 1950. The D series looks just like the ones before it, but there were mechanical differences, such as an upgraded suspension package, a bigger carburetor, and a stronger compression ratio increased horsepower to 46 (!). All this enabled the D to reach speeds of 75 mph.
We don’t know much about the seller’s car other than it’s rare in the U.S. (it’s the first one I recall seeing). It’s said to be all there for a restoration except for the spare wheel/tire and the hood ornament. We don’t know when it last ran, but the seller says it has an inline-4. If that’s true, the original engine has been changed out.
The indicated odometer reading is 10,000 (kilometers?) and the little car has a manual transmission. The title is missing, so a bill of sale will have to suffice. The big question is where would you find parts for a 75-year-old that probably didn’t see a lot of action in the U.S.? Hat’s off to “Zappenduster” for this unusual mid-century tip!
Russ, the engine picture shows a dizzy for a six, but the seller says it’s a four banger????
This is a future hot rod with a Chrysler Hemi.
Putting in modern gauges, modern interior, window safety glass, suspension etc. to make road worthy
Measure the body dimensions and find a vehicle with a good full frame to sit on top with a title.
Possibly for instance a Dakota truck etc.
Love to see it in black with tubs hidden under trunk area with steelies and more of a dark horse (no chrome look)
Please no chopping the small top off or channeling… 🎃
The engine from the factory was a 1493 cc ohv six. About 45 hp. Later postwar 1500s had a 1481 cc four. The seller is wrong.
Thanks Michelle, if the seller doesn’t know the difference better a six pot, or a four banger, enough reason to run away.
I’m thinking an Olds Quad-4 or Ford Eco-boost turbo 4 would be a good fit. Who knows what chassis it would fit, but there’s lots of prep work to do while you look and measure..
Ahoi,
saw one about 30 years ago in Italy. It was in similar condition and I made some photos. This was the first and last time, when I saw one.
This cars are quite rarely!
Not only in the US – of course also in Europe…
Best regards,
Till J.
Clearly 10 years behind us, anyone else see a mid 30s GM? I think it would be pretty foolish to keep the drivetrain, but not go gonzo either. Or a resto-mod on a modern chassis, but like this doesn’t stand a chance.
That’s one cool looking little Fiat.
Hot rod it for sure. Maybe take about an inch and one half out of the roof.
To answer your question on the title of this article NO I don’t believe I have ever seen one, if I did it was only the front half and I dismissed it as something else. Its one that I would have fun trying to get it running and driving then figure out what power train to transplant into it with today’s modern engines and ability to change suspension your possibilities of building a rat rod or or something else are almost endless.
The back of this car is almost identical to a 1934-5 Hupp sedan. I wonder if Fiat was buying used tooling from whoever owned the Hupp tooling in the late 1940’s.
The front end looks very similar to a 1937 Studebaker. Same grill and hood shape, headlight positions and fenders.
Copy cats. 🤣🤣🤣
A friend of mine in Cape Town, South Africa, had a roadster/convertible of this model. Very nice looking Fiat.
Such a tiny car. There won’t be much space for large engine swaps. Since it originally came with a six-cylinder and 46 HP, stay with that configuration and consider a 170 cid Ford Falcon engine and double your horsepower and displacement.
FIAT 1500
Length: 4,130 mm (163 in)
Width: 1,545 mm (60.8 in)
Height: 1,365 mm (53.7 in)
Curb weight: 960 kg (2,116 lb)
When I was stationed in Asmara, Ethiopia (Yes Ethiopia, not Eritrea at the time) there were old Fiats everywhere. I never saw one of these myself!! That part of Ethiopia was an Italian colony between the wars, One and Two, so there were lots of old Italian cars of all brands. Mussolini even had an island chateau in the Red Sea.
I had a 32-34(??) Lancia, V-4, four-speed, hydraulic braked 4-door that just kept on running like a certain bunny.
ps. A new Beetle sedan was $1200 F.O.B. Asmarra
Less like an Airflow and more like an Air stream. I’m saddened that everytime an interesting car is posted on this site, the first thing people want to do is chop it up and hot rod or restomod it. As if we can’t see a thousand shells now stuffed with modern engines and suspensions & tricked out interiors at every car show. Seeing an original car is a rarity anymore. It’s why I love the AACA where you still find people with genuine cars.
I totally agree with you Bob, however, unfortunately there are lots of people that don’t share our love for old cars, they only want an old car, even if it is in easily restorable condition, in order to throw in a SBC motor in it so that they can have an old car that goes fast!
Same here. Not another 350/350 combo. Why destroy something nobody has for something everybody has?
Drop in a small block Chevy with Chevy suspension and you no longer have a Fiat. You have a Chevy with a Fiat body.