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FIAT 1500 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 4
First production year: 1935
Engines: Gasoline
FIAT 1500 L photo gallery

Fiat tried to offer a more comfortable vehicle in the price range of a family sedan, leading to the extended version of the 1500 model.

Designed on the same platform as the 1800, the Italian carmaker mixed the shape of an 1800 with the 1.5-liter engine, and the result was the 1500 L, where ā€œLā€ stood for Lungo ā€“ long. All the extra space was assigned to the rear passengers.

The front fascia featured arrow-like profiles above the headlamps, pointing up to the direction Fiat aimed to. The hood was still lower than the surrounding elements, while the chromed metallic grille was considered a premium-like item. Its roof sported a gutter that channeled the water to the slightly sloped C-pillars. 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.

Inside, the short wheelbase version offered ample legroom for the rear passengers, and many companies used the 1500 L as a corporate vehicle. At the front, the carmaker installed two bucket seats and a flat, long dashboard with the instrument cluster installed in front of the driver. Fiat placed the gear-stick on the steering column.

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

full description and technical specifications
FIAT 1500 photo gallery

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.

full description and technical specifications
gasoline engines:

FIAT 1500 1.5 4MT (80 HP)

FIAT 1500 C photo gallery

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.

full description and technical specifications
gasoline engines:

FIAT 1500 C 1.5L 4MT (47 HP)

FIAT 1500 A / 1500 B photo gallery

The Fiat 1500 was the first European production vehicle designed in a wind-tunnel, one year after Chrysler made the Airflow.

The Italian engineers understood that if they wanted to produce a car with good fuel efficiency and sporty, the bodywork had to be aerodynamic. It was built to be an affordable vehicle, but with good performance for those times.

Its shape, with a curved and raked grille, made the car look longer. The headlights were incorporated into the front fenders. Even the windshield was slightly raked, and the cabin featured four doors without a B-pillar. The carmaker's unusual decision was to incorporate the trunk behind the rear seats, but without offering a trunk-lid.

Fiat 1500/1500 B offered a cabin fit for five adult passengers, with 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, and it was angled toward the driver.

Fiat developed the inline-six engine with just 1.5-liter displacement and two overhead valves. It was paired to a four-speed gearbox that sent its power to the rear wheels. Another improvement for Fiat was the front independent suspension, which made the car handles better while cornering.

full description and technical specifications