Fiat 1400 A - 1955
— A modern Fiat family car for the Fifties —- Model A modern car marking Fiat’s post-war revival. The 1400A coexisted with a diesel version that took part in the Mille Miglia !
- History Our car spent its life in Italy before joining our collection
- We love A Fiat that moved us with its patina and dated interior
Manufactured during eight years between 1950 and 1958, the Fiat 1400 is a car that marked the revival of the Fiat brand after WW2. With its modern pontoon-like lines, it was clearly aimed at middle-class families, promising them reliability, reasonable fuel consumption and easy maintenance. This little austere and out-dated car has actually moved us!
Fiat 1400: a car with many innovations
At the 1950 Geneva Motor Show, Fiat launched its new car, the Fiat 1400. It was quickly noted for its innovations. Needless to say the 1400 considerably rejuvenated the Turin-based manufacturer’s offer.
Here are some of the most striking innovations:
– The first Fiat with a self-supporting body,
– A modern pontoon line with integrated wings,
– The very first car designed after the WW2 with new technologies.
The 1.400 was a real change for Fiat. At that time, all the brand could offer was the ageing 500 Topolino, which had just been modernised, and the Fiat 1.100. The 4.31 metre long saloon was clearly aimed at middle class families. But in typical 50s fashion, Fiat also decided to add a 2-door convertible.
The car quickly went into production in the Mirafiori factory, which was renovated and re-launched with Marshall Plan subsidies. Therefore, the Fiat 1400 was assembled on American Budd presses!
© Aguttes
In 1954, Fiat decided to launch a new version named the 1400 A. The engine power was increased from 45 to 50 hp. It was designed to carry six people and their luggage at a maximum speed of 125 km/h with a very reasonable fuel consumption for the time, i.e. about 10 litres per 100 km. Family safety was also a priority with a windscreen and rear window fitted with a curved safety glass. Finally, comfort was also prioritised with a heating and ventilation system offered as standard.
Technically, the rear axle combined both leaf and coil springs. While modernity was the order of the day, Fiat also aimed at guarantying the simplest possible maintenance. In that respect, the mechanical units were built separately so that they could be easily removable. For example, removing the mechanical parts only required unscrewing 18 bolts without touching any part of the bodywork!
In 1953 Fiat launched a diesel version, again another first for Fiat. This car was entered in the Mille Miglia. The Fiat 1400A was replaced in 1956 by the 1400 B.
Finally, as a general trend in Italy, a few derivative versions made by coachbuilders were also launched, including a very nice Pininfarina coupé.
The Fiat 1400 A from the ANNA LISA collection
Sold new in Italy, our Fiat 1400 A is in a beautiful state of preservation. The paint seems to have been redone in its original colour, probably in the 80s.
The typical interior of the period is covered in cloth. It shows some wear and tear but this also guarantees its authenticity.
The atmosphere is typical of an era when Italy was recovering from the war: austere and hard at work. This car, with its slightly outdated aesthetic will undoubtedly be the source of simple motoring pleasures once it is back on the road!
© Aguttes