FIAT Mille Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Creating a car to last for three decades was not an easy job, and Fiat didn't intend to do that. Yet, it managed this performance with the low-budget Mille built in South America.

At the beginning of the '80s, Fiat was on the verge of conquering new territories and went through a necessary transformation. First of all, it started by ditching the old, rear-wheel-driven platforms and creating a new generation of vehicles, with everything at the front. Among the new generation was the Uno. It was a low-budget vehicle, sturdy, easy to maintain, and low running costs. Despite its performance shortcomings, it was enough for more than three million people from South America.

Fiat Mille was based on the 1985 Uno, but it didn't get all the goodies of its Italian sibling. Its purpose was different: to conquer the hearts of the South American customers and provide cheap affordable transportation. One of the most significant design differences was the hood, which stood higher than its European sibling. There, Fiat installed the spare wheel, on top of the engine, like the older Fiat 127.

Since there was significant demand for low-budget cars, Fiat offered the Mille only with essential features on the interior. The cranked windows and the fabric upholstery were easy to produce and maintain. Inside the cabin, there was room for five adults with front bucket seats and a bench in the rear.

The engine lineup was changed several times, but it started with a 1.0-liter powerplant. At the same time, the range-topper was a 1.6-liter that could run on gasoline or ethanol. Finally, a 1.4-liter turbo powerplant was added in the mid-90s as an experiment. Still, low sales figures convinced the carmaker that it was not the case to offer it anymore.