Great Small Fiats [Paperback]

Phil Ward (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2007

Fiat has built millions of vehicles since 1899 but the company is perhaps best known for its ability to produce small, economical, characterful cars. Great Small Fiats traces this concept from the birth of the 500A "Topolino" in the 1930s up to the current Panda and a hint of the proposed Nuova 500. Each of the selected models are described in detail from their conception through to current ownership in the hands of collectors and enthusiasts. The chapters include practical information on buying and running a small Fiat and restoration advice for the older cars. Also included are Fiats built under license outside of Italy and the Fiat-derived "etceterini" coachbuilt and competition cars.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Australian Classic Car, November 2007
Australian magazine

I haven't visited Rome yet but I understand that its roads are choked gutter to gutter with Fiat 500s. It you love small Fiats but can't get to Rome, perhaps this book is for you. Ward starts with the origins of the Italian manufacturer before looking at the first Fiat Topolino released in 1936 and staying in production until well after WW2. Next was the famed 500 that brought the company to the notice of motorists worldwide. The many derivatives, including the Abarth versions, are shown, a reminder that the little car wasn't at all well-received when new, prompting Fiat to increase its power and improve trim levels. The 850 Sedan and Sports followed, then the 128, 127 and 126 at about the time when Fiat left the Australian market. That doesn't mean that Fiat hasn't been busy in Europe in the meantime. They produced the Panda, Uno and Polish built Cinquecento and Seicento, and everyone is pleased to see Fiat back on the Australian market.

The book looks closely at the Nueva 500 and recalls those Fiat-based marques Autobianchi, Siata and Moretti. There is also a chapter on the myriad tuners and coachbuilders that have used Fiat components in their vehicles. Very useful for European car enthusiasts.

Fleet Transport, December 2007
Irish magazine

Fiat is best known for its pedigree in designing and producing small, economical cars that are full of character. 'Great Small Fiats' written by Phil Ward is a delightful 176 page paperback chronicles all the small Fiats and other small cars based on Fiats. Trained as a photographer, Phil traces this concept from the birth of the 500A 'Topolino' in the 1930s up to the current Panda, right up to the newly crowned 'Car of the Year' Fiat 500.

The chapters include practical information on buying and running a small Fiat and restoration advice for the older cars.

The Automobile, January 2008

Reviewing more or less every Fiat model with at least one of the range being a liter or less, this starts with the Topolino and ends with the impending introduction of this year’s second generation Nuova 500. In between, that covers chonologically 600, Millecento, Nuova 500, 850, 128, 127, 126, Panda, Uno, Cinquecento, Seicento and Nuova Panda, as well as Autobianchis, Abarths, Polskis, Seats, Padminis, Zastavas and the products of the various specialists who used Fiats as their bases. With plenty of illustrations, this is a good reminder of the way Fiat responded to, or created, the Italian market’s desire for economy cars with a bit of sporting flair. There is a useful set of specifications of each model at the end.

totalkitcar.com, January 2008
UK website

Since Fiat Auto was founded in 1899, they’ve produced millions of vehicles. Many have frankly been uninspiring, but they have always had an ability to produce small, economical and character cars. Among their 'back catalogue' have been some fine machines.  This cracking book, from ace publishers Veloce, tracks this winning concept from the first of the breed, the 500A ‘Topolino’ in the thirties, right up to the brand new ‘Nuevo’ 500. Each of the carefully selected models is described in infinite detail from conception as a Fiat model, to current ownership in the hands of collectors and enthusiasts. There are chapters including practical information on buying and running a small Fiat and restoration advice for older cars. A nice touch is the inclusion of the interesting models built under license outside Italy and also the Fiat-devised ‘etceterini’ coach built and competition cars.  A charming and recommended book.

"With 170 information and image-filled pages, this softcover is a great resource for lovers of the brand." – Hemmings Sports & Exotic

Book Description

Fiat have built millions of vehicles since 1899 but the company is perhaps best known for its ability to produce small, economical, characterful cars. Great Small Fiats traces this concept from the birth of the 500A "Topolino" in the 1930s up to the current Panda and a hint of the proposed Nuova 500. Each of the selected models are described in detail from their conception through to current ownership in the hands of collectors and enthusiasts. The chapters include practical information on buying and running a small Fiat and restoration advice for the older cars. Also included are Fiats built under license outside of Italy and the Fiat-derived "etceterini" coachbuilt and competition cars.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Veloce (August 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845841336
• ISBN-13: 978-1845841331
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #633,084 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #31 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > Foreign

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