The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Fiat 600 by Carrozzerie Speciali.
The Fiat 600 Carrozzerie Speciali is a rare and distinctive version of the iconic Fiat 600, uniquely customized by Fiat’s in-house coachbuilding division, Carrozzerie Speciali. As with many Italian coachbuilders of the era, Carrozzerie Speciali took pride in adding a personalized touch to mass-produced models, and the Fiat 600 was no exception. This particular Fiat 600, registered on May 4th of its production year, stands out as one of the earliest examples produced, belonging to the very first series of the model. As a first-series 600, it features distinctive sliding side windows, a characteristic element that was later replaced in subsequent versions. This detail alone marks it as a significant piece of Fiat’s automotive history, reflecting the evolution of the popular city car. What truly sets this car apart, however, is the fact that it was customized by Carrozzerie Speciali, Fiat’s own coachbuilding arm. While many Fiat 600s left the factory in standard configurations, this particular model received a range of aesthetic and functional upgrades that made it more appealing and unique compared to its standard counterparts. One of the most striking features of the Fiat 600 Carrozzerie Speciali is its duo-tone paint scheme, which enhances the car’s visual appeal and adds a touch of sophistication. The contrasting colors are carefully chosen to emphasize the car’s compact yet stylish lines, showcasing the coachbuilder’s attention to aesthetic detail. In addition to the eye-catching paintwork, the car was also equipped with a host of accessories that further distinguish it from the standard model. Among these, the addition of fog lamps enhances both safety and style, providing improved visibility while lending the car a slightly sportier appearance. The window deflectors, another thoughtful upgrade, offer increased comfort by reducing wind noise and turbulence when the windows are partially open. The customization carried out by Carrozzerie Speciali reflects Fiat’s desire to offer a more refined and exclusive version of the 600, catering to customers who appreciated a personalized touch even in a compact, affordable car. This approach mirrored the broader Italian tradition of enhancing mass-market models with bespoke elements, allowing even an entry-level vehicle like the 600 to possess a degree of individuality.
The Fiat 600 was undoubtedly the car that accompanied Italy through the economic boom. When it was presented it was very popular thanks to its modern lines, the brilliant engine and a cockpit large enough to fit the whole family. The demand for the 600 was so high that Fiat was unable to meet the waiting times, so that many relied on the coachbuilders in order to get its small family car sooner, even at the cost of a higher price.
