23/07/2020
When one mentions the Fiat Multipla today, images of its distinctive, often divisive, modern iteration might spring to mind. However, long before the contemporary model, there was a true trailblazer, an automotive marvel that redefined space and practicality: the original Fiat 600 Multipla. This groundbreaking vehicle, far from being just another car, was a masterclass in design efficiency and a workhorse that played a pivotal role in the urban landscapes of post-war Italy, particularly as an iconic taxi.
Its story begins in the mid-1950s, a period of immense change and burgeoning mobility in Italy. Fiat, keen to capitalise on the growing demand for economical yet capable vehicles, launched the Fiat 600 sedan in 1955. This compact four-seater, with its rear engine and rear-wheel drive, quickly became a symbol of mass car ownership. Yet, Fiat’s vision extended beyond the conventional saloon, leading to the birth of something truly revolutionary.
The Birth of a People Mover: Dante Giacosa's Genius
The original “multipurpose” version, the Fiat 600 Multipla, made its public debut in January 1956 at the Brussels Motor Show. This was no mere variant; it was a radical reinterpretation of the 600 platform, conceived by the ingenious mind of Fiat engineer Dante Giacosa. Giacosa’s design philosophy was to create maximum interior space within minimal external dimensions, and the Multipla was the embodiment of this principle.
While it shared the mechanical underpinnings of the 600 sedan, the Multipla’s cabin was dramatically extended to encompass almost the entire front of the car. Instead of a conventional bonnet, which in the sedan housed a small boot for the fuel tank and spare wheel, the Multipla presented an almost completely vertical front. This gave the car an unusual, almost minivan-like appearance, leading some to quip that it looked like it was travelling backwards, with its more streamlined rear. However, this innovative layout achieved its primary goal: to accommodate three rows of seats and comfortably transport up to six people.
The Multipla featured four doors, with the front two being rear-hinged, often referred to as ‘suicide doors’. This design choice, while less common today, facilitated easier access to the spacious cabin. But its true brilliance lay in its versatile interior. The rear rows of seats could be folded down, either individually or together, to create a remarkably uniform load surface almost two metres long. This adaptability meant the Multipla wasn't just a people-carrier; it could transform into a practical commercial vehicle or even, as contemporary advertisements highlighted, a tiny camping van by creating a ‘double bed’.
The Multipla as a Metropolitan Workhorse: Italy's Beloved Taxi
The inherent practicality and innovative design of the 600 Multipla quickly made it a prime candidate for public transport, and it soon became a ubiquitous sight on the streets of Italian cities as a taxi. Its ability to carry multiple passengers comfortably, combined with its compact footprint ideal for navigating narrow urban thoroughfares, made it an instant success.
In 1960, the Multipla, alongside the sedan, received an update with the introduction of the “D” version. This upgrade saw the engine displacement enlarged, improving performance without compromising the crucial low fuel consumption that was key to the Fiat 600’s widespread success. These enhanced performances further boosted the Multipla’s appeal, particularly for taxi operators.
The taxi version of the Multipla featured specific modifications tailored for its demanding role. The front passenger seat was replaced by a practical luggage shelf, and a taximeter was neatly installed on the dashboard. In the rear cabin, two main seats were complemented by two jump seats, allowing the vehicle to comfortably accommodate between two and four passengers in addition to the driver and their luggage. The typical livery of Italian taxis during the 1960s was distinctive and stylish: a two-tone scheme of black on the upper bodywork and bottle green on the lower part. This classic paintwork perfectly suited the Multipla’s unique shape, and its striking appearance made it an undeniable symbol of Italy’s economic boom era.
The Multipla’s unwavering reliability and remarkably low running costs solidified its position as the preferred choice for taxi fleets across Italy’s main cities. It wasn't just a means of transport; it was an integral part of the country’s post-war resurgence, an emblematic vehicle that helped motorise a nation. Beyond taxis, its utility extended to various Italian firms, with many adopting the Multipla as a dependable workhorse for their fleets, famously adorned with liveries advertising everything from Abarth exhausts to local businesses.
Engineering and Evolution: From Multipla to Van
The original Fiat 600 Multipla was powered by a 4-cylinder in-line Otto cycle engine with a displacement of 633 cm³. This modest engine produced 21.5 HP at 4,600 rpm, enabling the car to reach a top speed of 90 km/h (approximately 56 mph). Despite its relatively small engine, the vehicle weighed 1150 kg, a testament to its robust construction designed for constant use and heavy loads.
The success and versatility of the 600 Multipla directly inspired the later creation of the Fiat 600T van. This van variant, also powered by a rear-mounted 633 cc 4-cylinder engine, further extended the Multipla’s legacy into the commercial vehicle sector and served as a clear predecessor to models like the Fiat 850T, demonstrating Fiat’s commitment to deriving maximum utility from its successful platforms. The 600T underscored the Multipla’s foundational innovation in modular automotive design.
Comparing the Eras: Multipla's Seating and Features
To understand the genius of the original Multipla, it’s helpful to compare its standard configuration with its dedicated taxi variant:
| Feature | Fiat 600 Multipla (Standard) | Fiat 600 Multipla (Taxi Version) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 6 passengers | Driver + 2-4 passengers (total 4-6) |
| Front Passenger Area | Two-seater bench | Dedicated luggage shelf |
| Key Modifications | Folding rear seats for cargo/camping | Taximeter installed on dashboard, jump seats for passengers |
| Engine (Original) | 633 cc, 21.5 HP | 633 cc, 21.5 HP |
| Top Speed | 90 km/h (56 mph) | 90 km/h (56 mph) |
| Typical Livery | Various civilian colours, often pastel two-tone | Distinctive two-tone (black top, bottle green lower) |
| Primary Role | Family car, small commercial vehicle, camping | Urban public transport |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fiat 600 Multipla
How many seats did the original Fiat 600 Multipla have?
The original Fiat 600 Multipla was ingeniously designed to accommodate up to six people across its three rows of seating. This made it a highly practical and versatile vehicle for families and commercial uses.
Was the Fiat 600 Multipla used as a taxi in the UK?
While the Fiat 600 Multipla achieved widespread success as a taxi, particularly in Italian cities, the provided information focuses exclusively on its use within Italy and does not indicate significant deployment as a taxi in the UK. Its role as a taxi was predominantly an Italian phenomenon.
What made the Fiat 600 Multipla suitable for taxi work?
Its suitability for taxi work stemmed from several key features: its impressive seating capacity for its size, allowing it to carry multiple passengers; its compact dimensions, ideal for navigating crowded city streets; its reliable and economical engine, ensuring low running costs; and its versatile interior, which could be adapted to carry luggage.
Who designed the Fiat 600 Multipla?
The innovative design of the Fiat 600 Multipla is credited to Dante Giacosa, a renowned Fiat engineer. His vision was to maximise interior space and versatility within a compact and economical vehicle.
What was the Fiat 600T?
The Fiat 600T was a van derivative of the 600 Multipla. It leveraged the Multipla's robust platform and rear-mounted engine, transforming it into a dedicated commercial vehicle. It served as a precursor to later Fiat vans like the 850T.
A Lasting Legacy
The Fiat 600 Multipla stands as a testament to clever automotive design and a pioneering spirit. It was not just a car; it was a solution to the evolving transport needs of an era, a vehicle that seamlessly transitioned from family hauler to urban taxi and even a makeshift camper. Its innovation in packaging and versatility laid the groundwork for future multi-purpose vehicles, proving that great design can achieve remarkable things with simplicity and ingenuity. While its more recent namesake might divide opinion, the original Multipla remains a cherished classic, fondly remembered for its practical brilliance and its enduring contribution to the history of urban transport.
If you want to read more articles similar to The Fiat Multipla: An Unsung Taxi Icon, you can visit the Taxis category.