The Fiat Fastback is a discontinued series of compact cars produced by the Italian automaker Fiat from 1960 to 1972. It was based on the Fiat 600 platform and shared many similarities with its predecessor.
Design and Features:
The original Fiat 600 Fastback, introduced in 1960, featured a sleek, two-door fastback body style with a sloping roofline and a narrow rear window. The car's design was penned by Bertone, a renowned Italian coachbuilder, who also created the iconic Fiat 2300 Berlina. The Fiat 600 Fastback was available in various trim levels, including a basic model, an upgraded version with more equipment, and a high-performance variant.
The Fiat 600 Fastback had a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and utilized a water-cooled inline-four engine producing 34 horsepower. In the early 1960s, Fiat introduced a facelifted version of the car, which featured updated styling, improved interior amenities, and a more efficient four-cylinder engine producing 40 horsepower.
Performance and Handling:
The Fiat Fastback was not particularly known for its performance capabilities, with a top speed ranging from approximately 80 to 100 km/h (50-62 mph), depending on the trim level. The car's acceleration was leisurely, taking around 12-15 seconds to reach 60 km/h (37 mph) from rest.
Handling-wise, the Fiat Fastback was not particularly noted for its agility or responsiveness. However, it did possess a relatively low center of gravity due to its front-engine design and rear-wheel drive layout.
Specifications:
- Length: 3,600 mm (141.7 in)
- Width: 1,470 mm (57.9 in)
- Height: 1,360 mm (53.5 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,000 mm (78.7 in)
- Curb weight: approximately 750 kg (1,653 lbs)
- Engine:
- Early model (1960-1963): 4-cylinder, 652 cc, air-cooled, producing 34 horsepower
- Later model (1963-1972): 4-cylinder, 843 cc, water-cooled, producing 40 horsepower
Legacy and Discontinuation:
The Fiat Fastback was eventually discontinued in the early 1970s due to declining sales and increasing competition from more modern designs. Although it failed to achieve significant commercial success, the car remains a nostalgic reminder of Italy's rich automotive heritage.
Despite its lackluster performance and handling characteristics, the Fiat Fastback holds a special place in the hearts of many classic car enthusiasts. Its sleek design, charming appearance, and nostalgic charm have contributed to its enduring appeal among collectors and aficionados.
