Tickets & membership
In 1899, Fiat is born. The beginning of 125 years of 'The Sweet Life' of beautiful Italian cars. Timeless classics, small family cars oozing with Italian flair and the occasional sporting sensation truly make Fiat the driving force behind the Italian automobile industry. From the 4th of July until the 1st of September Autoworld turns the summer 'tricolore' and honors Fiat.
Fiat 3.5 HP 1899
The very first car built by the Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino in 1899. The brand was founded by a group of ten aristocrats and dignitaries and it was Aristide Faccioli who designed Fiat's 3.5 HP as the first car with Fiat badge. With its twin-cylinder with modest 679cc capacity, the top speed was only 35 km/h.
Fiat S57/14B
This purebred racing car started its career just before WWI, but achieved its greatest successes only when the guns went silent. For instance, the legendary Antonio Ascari won the 1919 Parma - Poggio di Berceto race in an S57, after which Guido Masetti achieved the S57's greatest victory by winning the Targa Florio in 1921.
Topolino
Following Henry Ford, Agnelli understands that mass production makes cars cheaper and accessible to a larger public. Italy's thirst for automobiles does the rest. By the early 1920s, 80% of the Italian automobile market is owned by Fiat. In 1923, Agnelli moves into the Lingotto factory in the heart of Turin, the most modern assembly plant in Europe, including a rooftop test track. After the Second War, Italy is once again in deep crisis. The country is on the losing side and industry is literally bombed to pieces. Fiat gets back to work, focusing even more on the average Italian, with the pre-war Topolino and, of course, the illustrious Cinquecento.
1964 600 Multipla
In 1956, a revolutionary variant of the 600 was introduced: the Multipla. It was available in three versions: 4-5 seater, a 6-seater and a Taxi. The seats could also be folded into a loading platform. The Multipla can be considered the first ‘People Carrier,’ long before the Plymouth Voyager or Renault Espace would claim that title, and indicates just how progressive the Fiat brand was.
Otto Vu
But Fiat would not be an Italian brand if they did not regularly give in to their underbelly, of which the V8-engined Ottovu becomes the most imaginative exponent. There are also brilliant designs like the Multipla, the first 'people carrier' based on the 600.
Fiat 2300 Coupé
Fiat, meanwhile, continues to focus on mass production, but again occasionally shows its prowess. With models like the 2300S, released in 1961, it has a flagship that can compete with the most prestigious Italian or other rivals. When Fiat takes a large stake in Ferrari and Lancia, most sporting ambitions are channeled towards these brands. And the same happens later on with alfa Romeo when it is taken under Fiat's wings.
