1961 FIAT 1.5 4MT (80 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After successfully introduced the 1800 series for the up-market segment, Fiat turned its eyes toward the mid-size segment and presented the 1300/1500 range.

Fiat shortened the wheelbase from 1800, installed smaller engines, and made a different bodywork for its mid-size sedan range. It was 1960, and Fiat was on the verge of improving its product lineup. It used the same bodywork for two engine versions: the 1.3-liter and the 1.5-liter named 1300 and 1500, respectively.

The front fascia featured two double round headlights with a wide and flat silver grille. Its chromed bumpers with rubber protections were modern and advertised as a symbol of safety. There was more chrome on the car, with some decorations on the sides, wheel caps, rear fenders, and roof. Its curved door panels and hood softened the overall angular shape of the car. For the 1500 model, Fiat offered the car in a two wheelbase version, with more legroom for the rear passengers.

Inside, the short wheelbase version offered decent legroom for the rear passengers, but it was the LWB one that was on top of its class. At the front, the carmaker installed two bucket seats and a flat, long dashboard with the instrument cluster installed in front of the driver. The carmaker installed the gear-stick on the steering column.

The 1500 version featured a 1.5-liter engine fed by a double-barrel carburetor paired to a 4-speed manual gearbox.