Closing date for April issue -> February 17
FIAT 600 (1958): Puppy Power
A four-seater for sunny summer days, always a money-saving classic that runs 1:17 with a top speed of 96 km per hour. Even as a double with a ton of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. Clearly a text by the then importer Leonard Lang from the 50s.
Endearing little cart
But the story is about the fantastic car of Ricardo (25 years old), a car that does not spend its days in the garage but goes "on the road" with friends, purely for fun. It is a quick-tempered machine; the spry old lady even has the doors wrong. With his young friends they receive admiring glances from the young ladies, or could it be for the charming little car? The distinctive look means there's plenty of flirting along the way. She receives thumbs up and treats passers-by with a good feeling and a cheerful smile. It is certain that this FIAT 600 has no expiration date. Bought by Ricardo in this restored condition and therefore good for years of driving pleasure. Carefree driving.
Actually, Ricardo and his friends are culture keepers; they elicit positive responses and command respect. So young and yet giving a platform to the rich automotive history. The small, powerful FIAT opens up the world to these young people. Restless urge for adventure, Kermit the Frog already said it: “Don't take life so seriously, you won't survive,” and there is clearly a greater depth behind this thought.
Ricardo's motto:
“If you do things you love, you will have more energy, and energy is the thermometer of your passion, whether you are old or young.” He doesn't have to dig deep to find his passion; opening the garage door is enough.
My father had one, bought new. We went on holiday with our father, mother, sister and myself, throughout Europe from Spain, Italy to Finland, taking tents and holiday items with us. It took forever to get there, but what fun we had with the Fiat. Never had any problems with the car, at most flat tires, especially in Finland.
Super car, certainly underrated, very strong, my brother first had one with suicide doors, it quickly rotted, then an orange one with normal doors, I drove it for a few months, I took it over as a cross car, quickly straight and left steering, the rear came loose from the ground, laugh! but until I steered back too late, on its side, push it straight out and drive on again, later put a pot of filler on it, stayed! also driving with my right foot which only had 1 position
Certainly Bert. But “people” are mass beings, in other words, they always buy the same thing. So they are not only boring, but also d..
Was my first car in 1965. UX-98-55. Wonderful car for a novice driver. 150 guilders.
What a sweetheart!
I have always found the 600 much more attractive than the overrated 500.
I share Peter's opinion, also regarding the 500. What an incredibly nice thing this is, and encouraging that there are also younger people who are taking over the torch.
My father owned a Fiat 600D. The doors also opened backwards. In dark red. And then he bought the Fiat 850 Special in dark green.