Fiat 1800/2100

Infobox Automobile


name = Fiat 1800/2100/1500L
aka =
manufacturer = Fiat
parent_company =
production = 1959-1968
predecessor = Fiat 1900
successor = Fiat 2300
class =
platform =
layout = FR layout
body_style = 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
engine = straight-6
1795 cc "(1959 - 1968)"
2054 cc "(1959 - 1968)"
straight-4
1481 cc "1963 - 1968)"
transmission =
wheelbase = convert|265|cm|in|1|abbr=on
convert|273|cm|in|1|abbr=on (Speciale)
length = convert|446.5|cm|in|1|abbr=on
convert|475|cm|in|1|abbr=on (Speciale)
convert|462|cm|in|1|abbr=on (Coupé)
width = convert|162|cm|in|1|abbr=on
height = convert|147|cm|in|1|abbr=on br>convert|138|cm|in|1|abbr=on (Coupé)
weight = convert|1250|kg|lb|abbr=on-convert|1350|kg|lb|abbr=on
fuel_economy =
fuel_capacity =
related = Fiat 2300
SEAT 1500
similar = Peugeot 404
Austin A55 Mk II & A60
designer = Pininfarina

The Fiat 1800 and 2100 are six cylinder saloons produced by Italian automotive manufacturer Fiat between 1959 and 1968. Both six cylinder models appeared in 1959: in 1963 a four cylinder 1500 cc version was added to the range. The styling closely resembled that of the Peugeot 404 and BMC's family cars of the same period: all three were designed by Pininfarina of Turin.

1800 (1959-68)

The Fiat 1800 appeared in 1959, offered as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door Station Wagon (Family). The 1800 model had a 6-cylinder in-line engine with 1795 cc and a power output of 75 hp / 55 kW delivered through a 4-speed transmission. Its maximum speed was, depending on the version, convert|137|km/h|mi/h|abbr=on - convert|142|km/h|mi/h|abbr=on. This was replaced in 1961 with the 1800 model B: the engine output was now 81 hp / 60 kW and top speed between convert|143|km/h|mi/h|abbr=on - convert|146|km/h|mi/h|abbr=on.

2100 (1959-61)

The 2100 was a version with a bigger six cylinder engine. In autumn 1959 the 2100 Speciale was, introduced with a lengthened wheelbase and different front grille. The Speciale was used by diplomats. The 2100 was discontinued in 1961 when the Fiat 2300 became available.

1500L (1963-68)

Fiat used the body of Fiat 1800/2100 to create a new less expensive model, the Fiat 1500L introduced in 1963. To distinguish it from the 1300/1500 its name used the designation 1500L "(lunga = long)". The car shared with its more compact sibling Fiat's four cylinder 1481 cc engine, delivering 72 bhp, which in 1964 was increased in the second series to 75 bhp. A reduced performance version was also offered for the taxi trade. This proved popular in southern Europe, equipped with a straight-4 1481 cc petrol engine developing just 60 bhp: the low power engine permitted the transport of customers in comfort and space at urban speeds, without consuming too much fuel.

This version was made also in Spain by Seat, the Seat 1500 to nearly 200,000 copies until 1972.

It is estimated that total production in Italy, the Fiat range 1800/2100 is 150,000 copies.

Engines

References

*Fiat Personenwagen, by Fred Steiningen, 1994. ISBN 3-923448-37-6