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A 70 year old classic

How the Fiat 600 conquered the world

Small, practical and very charming: the Fiat 600 turns 70 years old. Why “Seicento” continues to captivate hearts to this day.

A car for the whole family: just a few months after its world premiere, the Fiat 600 is already on many European roads. For many people, this made driving affordable for the first time. What’s more: it became a passion that lasted for decades. “Fiat Seicento, what a shame!” (“Fiat 600, first love!”) Italian newspapers raved about the new small car in 1955.

With its compact and charming design, which was similar to the boyish design of the Fiat 500 (1957–1975), it won the hearts of drivers in Italy and Southern Europe. And not only there: even in Australia and Argentina, people are crazy about the little Italian.

Advertising messages at that time were almost longer than the car itself. But the benefits are summed up: “Small size, low cost, low use, but practical for the whole family.” And the announcement has been received: more than five million vehicles have found their owners.

Little Seicento (pronounced Säitschento) showed early on that he could do more than just transport the family. Already in his debut at the 1000 mile race “Mille Miglia” in 1955 he achieved outstanding performances and managed to compete with larger rivals such as the Fiat 1100 or Renault 4CV.

Under the leadership of former racer and entrepreneur Carlo Abarth, the Fiat 600 eventually developed into a racing wonder. Models like Bertone’s Abarth 750 set records, impressing racing fans around the world and cementing Abarth’s position as the leading battalion in the Fiat empire.

The Fiat 600 wasn’t just a hit in Italy. In Spain it became popular as the Seat 600 and in Germany as the NSU/Fiat Jagst. In Australia it is “Micro-Miracle” and in Argentina and Chile it is “Fitito”. It even became number 1 in Finland. These small cars offer a lot of room for individuality: creative automakers turn them into coupés or beach cars.

And his spirit lives on. The modern version of the “600e Scorpionissima” is reminiscent of the classic version, but remains a car of today: compact, practical and very versatile. And electricity.