FIAT 1500 C 1940-1943 Photos, engines & full specs

As the war unfolded on the European continent, Fiat ran full steam ahead to supply vehicles for the Italian army and the Government. The 1500C appeared as a need and with some styling costs.

Five years after introducing the aerodynamically shaped 1500, Fiat moved forward and made some changes to the car, making it easier to produce. The Italian engineers also worked hard to make the car better, especially for braking. Finally, those were not times for leisure vehicles, so the convertible version was axed from the assembly line.

Fiat dropped the raked radiator grille at the front and installed a pined-out one, which made it look more aggressive. Its headlights were finally incorporated into the front fenders, following a new design system, which led to an additional bar's dismissal to support them. The back of the car remained virtually unchanged, with the same, with a split-window and small taillights.

Inside, the 1500C offered a cabin fit for five adult passengers and provided easy access for those in the back due to the lack of a B-pillar and the rear-hinged rear doors. At the front, a flat dashboard with center-mounted dials provided the minimum information for the driver. Since the engine and gearbox were installed far, the gear-stick poked through the floor, angled toward the driver.

The 1500 C featured some small modifications for the platform, with a handbrake that locked the driveshaft instead of the rear drum brakes. Fiat kept the front independent suspension and the same 1.5-liter engine with overhead valves paired to a 4-speed gearbox.