Vehicle Description
The Fiat 600 was first introduced in 1955 as an Italian answer to
the hugely successful VW Beetle and as a follow up to Fiat's own
beloved Topolino. The 600 was designed by the brilliant engineer
Dante Giacosa, whose extensive portfolio includes the Fiat
Topolino, 508, Cisitalia D46 and Cisitalia 202. With the Fiat 600,
he chose a rear-engine/rear-drive layout inspired by the Beetle,
though unlike the VW, Fiat fitted an inline-four-cylinder engine
with water cooling. The 633 cc unit was mated to a four-speed
transaxle, while suspension was by transverse leaf spring up front
and independent semi-trailing arms in the rear. Four wheel
hydraulic drum brakes were more than adequate to slow the car from
its top speed of 59 mph (later, 767 cc versions reached a
thundering 68 mph). The Seicento was a huge success for Fiat,
setting sales records for the company, selling over a million
examples in six years. The platform proved very versatile, with
tuners such as Abarth, and various coachbuilders producing a wide
variety of sporting and luxury bodies to fit the humble
underpinnings. One such coachbuilder, Viotti, had a long-standing
relationship with Fiat by the time the 600 was released.
Carrozzeria Viotti SpA had been contracted by Fiat to build a large
number of special bodies for the Balilla. Between 1933 and 1939,
several thousand 508A, 508B and 508C chassis were equipped with
high quality Viotti bodies. The great Pietro Frua joined as chief
stylist from 1957, and, among estate cars and convertibles, the
firm produced a handful of 600 Sport coupes with stylish two-seat
coupe bodywork as well as deluxe trim 600s such as our featured
car. However, like great many coachbuilders of the period, regular
production orders gradually slowed and Viotti closed in 1964. This
delightful 1959 Fiat 600 Coupe is an extremely rare and wonderfully
presented example of just a handful to be upgraded by Carrozzeria
Viotti. The Viotti touches lend a degree of elegance to the
otherwise basic 600, and the two-tone gray and red color scheme
pairs wonderfully with the styling. This car was found in Italy in
2004, imported to the United States shortly thereafter, and treated
to an extensive refurbishment in 2005. It was also recently in the
care of the renowned Dominick European Car Repair of White Plains,
New York and it is said to be a fine driving example. The body is
largely a standard 600, presenting in very good order with clean
straight panels and good gaps. The gray main body paint is very
good quality, highlighted by a red roof, red body-side flash and
red wheel centers. Much of the exterior trim is courtesy of Viotti;
with the red body flash trimmed in bright alloy, finishing with
very cool detail around the side marker. "Fiat 600 Viotti" badges
adorn the front fenders and a lovely, intricate faux grille
signifies this as a very special model. Chrome bumpers, alloy
headlight bezels and marker light plinths are in excellent
condition, with only the lower sill trims showing a few minor
dings. Plexiglas wind deflectors adorn the doors, presumably a
Viotti addition as well. The original wheels are painted in the
same two-tone as the body, and adorned with lovely chrome FIAT hub
caps. Period correct Pirelli crossplys are in good order and give
this little 600 just the right stance. The stylish cabin was
reworked by Viotti with flashy upholstery patterns and a more
deluxe, upscale feel to the otherwise basic accommodations. The
seats are trimmed in a unique red and white patterned material that
is complemented by solid red door cards and quarter panels which
present in good order. The floors are lined with mottled red and
black rubber mats as original, the colors repeating on the rear
parcel shelf. The dash is classic Fiat 600, minimalist yet stylish
in its starkness. The original gauge cluster sits behind an
original steering wheel, with the only deviation from standard
being a large brass St. Christopher medallion. Original switchgear
is all in very good working order. Fiat's 633 c.c. inline four puts
out approximately 30 horsepower in standard trim but of course,
what this cheeky little Fiat lacks in grunt it makes up for in
copious amounts of charm. The lightweight alloy engine is very
clean and impressively presented with excellent wiring, labels,
plumbing, and high quality finishes on the components. Previous
owners have resisted the urge to fit speed parts, thus retaining
the original charm. Similarly, the front trunk is tidy and properly
detailed with fluted rubber mat, an original style washer bag and a
correct spare wheel with leather retaining strap. Overall, this is
a very well restored example, combining a quality restoration with
the rarity and uniquely attractive Viotti enhancements. We're sure
you'll be as taken by the charms this delightful, unique and
stylish little Fiat 600 as we have been.
