The Fiat 600 was undoubtedly the car that accompanied Italy through the economic boom. When it was presented it was very popular thanks to its modern lines, the brilliant engine and a cockpit large enough to fit the whole family. The demand for the 600 was so high that Fiat was unable to meet the waiting times, so that many relied on the coachbuilders in order to get its small family car sooner, even at the cost of a higher price. The Fiat 600 sold by the italian coachbuilders are know as “elaborate” which are basically enriched versions with small body modifications, chrome elements, custom fake grilles, more luxurious interiors and in some cases tuned engines, mostly with Abarth kits. As mentioned, the cost of the 600 elaborate was much higher (some specimens costs twice as much) but with the advantage of having it immediately and with over-the-top equipment made them very popular. Many coachbuildes ventured into this exercise of style, here are some of them.
The elaborata by Allemano
Two tone paint job, a fake grille and a lot of chrome, this is the Fiat 600 elaborata by Allemano.
Boneschi's elaborata
The milanese Boneschi made also use for its Fiat 600 elaborata version of a two tone paint job and a fake front grille.
The "Finizione Canta"
The “finizione Canta” Fiat 600 with a two tone paint job but with less chrome and no fake front grille.
Carrozzerie Speciali's 600
Fiat’s inhouse coachbuilder “Carrozzerie Speciali”, with a more sober Fiat 600. Interesting the foglamps and the whitewall tires.
The "Lusso" by Fissore
Two tone paint and a fake grille for the Savigliano based Carrozzeria Fissore Fiat 600.
The "Spring" and the "Firefly" by Francis Lombardi
Francis Lombardi was famous for its different Fiat 600 versions. The “Spring” was its luxury version which partecipated at the Lido di Venezia Concorso d’Eleganza in 1956. The Lucciola (Firefly) was its 4 door sibling.
The Elaborazione Frua
The Pietro Frua version of the Fiat 600 with a third headlight mounted on the fake grille.
The "De Luxe" by Ghia
Ghia unveiled at the Turin Motor Show 1955 its version of the 600 called De Luxe. It featured vertical opening windows and single shaped rear seats.
The elaborata by Carrozzeria Monterosa
Carrozzeria Monterosa used a cellulose nitrate based paintjob for its Fiat 600 elaborata.
The Lusso by Pinin Farina
Just under 100 exemplars were set up. The 600 Pinin Farina features a two-tone paint finish with a metallic Lunalcrom roof, a fake radiator with central headlight, special bumpers, round turn signals, chrome window frames and hood hinges, whitewall tires with special wheel cups. The interor features a dashboard with Resinflex gasket and chromed profile with the “Pinin Farina” logo. With the version developed by Pinin Farina, the same coachbuilder introduced an innovation that was later taken up by Fiat with the second 600 series: It moved the position lights from the mudguards to under the headlights.
The elaborata by Scioneri
Two tone, matched interiors and huge chrome rims. This is the Fiat 600 elaborata by Scioneri.
The elaborata by Zagato
Carrozzeria Zagato made at least 3 versions of the Fiat 600. Chromed spoke wheel covers, spray windscreen washers and magnetic ashtrays were just few of the optional availables. A Stanguellini tuning kit for its engine was also available. This speciment shown here is class winner of the Classic Gala Concours d’Elegance at Schwetzingen in 2021.
