The Minivan was the rising star of the 1980s new car market, and it seemed that as the decade progressed, every manufacturer wanted a slice of the action. However, Fiat comfortably beat them to the punch with its 1956 Multipla. It broke new ground in space efficiency, accommodating six people with room for limited luggage. Our feature Multipla is the updated 1966 600D that spent the last few years in a museum. It is a clean and honest classic that runs and drives well. It has a few minor needs, but it could be ideal for someone seeking a quirky and versatile project candidate they can enjoy immediately.

Fiat released the Multipla in 1956 as an extension of its 600 range, creating what many believe to be the first genuine Minivan. It evolved throughout its production life before the final car rolled off the line in 1967. This 1966 example has spent recent years as a museum piece, but it is a turnkey classic that the new owner could enjoy immediately. It presents nicely in Peacock Blue and White but has minor blemishes and marks. The seller acknowledges the presence of filler and rust but doesn’t elaborate on where or how significant the problems are. However, the underside shot reveals penetrating floor rust requiring attention before it deteriorates further. It doesn’t look too bad, and a well-crafted patch might consign the problem to history. There are no visible exterior bubbles that might indicate developing nasty surprises, but an in-person inspection would seem wise. The trim is in good order, and the glass is crystal clear.

The most significant change during the Multipla’s production run occurred in 1960 when Fiat upgraded the rear-mounted engine to a 767cc four-cylinder powerplant. The previous 633cc unit delivered 21hp, but the larger motor lifted that figure to a stratospheric 32hp. Power feeds to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, and I’m sure readers won’t be surprised to learn that the Multipla isn’t fast. The ¼-mile journey can be measured with a calendar, and it will run out of breath at 65mph. However, its tiny exterior dimensions and surprisingly spacious interior make it a versatile alternative in cities and other environments where maneuverability is a consideration. The seller states this Fiat is in excellent mechanical health. It rolls on new Michelin tires, and the seller holds receipts confirming it received over $10,000 worth of TLC before becoming a museum piece. It is a turnkey proposition that the new owner can enjoy immediately.

This Multipla’s highlight could be its interior because it presents impressively. The Blue vinyl and White piping perfectly complement the exterior paint combination and show no signs of wear. Some painted surfaces might benefit from a refresh, but that task should be straightforward and satisfying. The rubber floor mat is in good condition, and the gauge cluster features clear lenses and crisp markings. The front seat is a traditional bench, but the second and third rows demonstrate the Multipla’s versatility. They are effectively individual buckets that the owner can fold flat in almost any combination. Doing so dramatically increases luggage space if less than six people are aboard. This Fiat represents motoring at its most basic, so a heater is the only creature comfort.

Small Italian classics typically attract attention when they hit the market, and this 1966 Fiat 600D Multipla is no exception. The fifteen submitted bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Nashville, Tennessee, suggest people like what they see. The action has pushed the price to $8,700, although it remains below the reserve. Interestingly, I found a previous auction for this car from approximately a year ago, where it failed to sell for $22,500. Do you believe it will reach that figure this time, or will the seller have to compromise to send it to a new home?