Fiat Campagnola: tough 4×4 with an Italian past

Chances are you've never seen this Fiat off-roader in action. In fact, it's barely known even within classic car circles. Its design was probably inspired by the iconic Willy's Jeep, but the Fiat Campagnola has played its own role since the 50s. In Italy, it was mainly used by the army and emergency services such as the fire brigade.

Fiat Campagnola – Italian acquisition for Ed and Adrie

Recently Ed and Adrie have acquired a special family member: a born Italian who has only recently moved to the Netherlands. The tire tracks of this Fiat are still fresh in the South Tyrolean village of Glaning. She is a rock-solid and excellently preserved lady without dimples or age spots; simply authentic and matured by time. Her character is vibrant and in excellent condition.

Servant past

Ed and Adrie are a socially committed couple, with volunteer work that revolved around serving others. Ed worked for many years as a volunteer lifeguard at the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) from Lauwersoog. He sailed countless times during storms and ship problems to save lives. Courage and professionalism were essential in this. Now retired, Ed remains closely connected to the Wadden Sea and the Frisian waters. Together with friends, he manages former lifeboats to keep that history alive.

Adrie is equally involved in social initiatives. For example, she and Ed took in seven Ukrainians during the first years of the war. Privately, Adrie runs a small second-hand shop and rents out holiday homes. Nowadays, however, their shared pleasure mainly revolves around their latest hobby: the sturdy Italian Fiat Campagnola.

The Fiat Campagnola is a fire engine with character

Their Fiat Campagnola is robust and drives remarkably well. It effortlessly conquers deep ruts and sandy paths, but it also stands firmly on its wheels on paved roads. The car still proudly wears its original fire brigade uniform, a tangible reminder of a service-minded past.

For more challenging terrain, Ed and Adrie like to drive to Ameland. There, they regularly discover new boundaries of this beautiful 4×4 on country roads and muddy paths. Although there are no spectacular mountain roads, these trips with the Fiat Campagnola provide unique and enjoyable experiences.

Born to be wild

The 1983 Fiat Campagnola seats seven people and has an original mileage of only 33.000 kilometers. The four-cylinder engine has a capacity of 1995 cc and delivers 80 hp. The interior is finished in anthracite-colored leatherette, and the car has a manual gearbox with five gears.

As you would expect from a former fire engine, it is in excellent condition. Regular maintenance was always necessary to be ready for emergencies. Although emergency trips have now made way for relaxing trips on beautiful summer days, the Fiat Campagnola remains a hobby car that fits Ed and Adrie's lifestyle perfectly.

(The photos continue below.)