Fiat 1500 (1935)

Fiat 1500
Fiat 1500 B, 1938
Overview
ManufacturerFiat
Production1935–1950
Body and chassis
Body style4-door saloon
2-door convertible
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine1,493 cc I6
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,800 mm (110.2 in)
Length4,465 mm (175.8 in)
Chronology
PredecessorFiat 515
SuccessorFiat 1400

The Fiat 1500 was a six-cylinder car produced by the Fiat from 1935 to 1950. It was one of the first cars tested in a wind tunnel, following the Chrysler Airflow produced one year earlier. The streamlined styling achieved an aerodynamic efficiency unequalled before it in a touring car[1] and (contrary to the failure of the "lumpen" Airflow)[2] disproved the thesis aerodynamic cars would not sell.[3]

  1. ^ Setright, L. J. K. "FIAT: The Godfather of the Italian Motor Industry" in Northey, Tom, editor. World of Automobiles (London: Orbis Publishing Ltd, 1974), Volume 6, p.660.
  2. ^ Haywood, Paul. "Streamlining: Engineers' Reality, Stylists' Myth" in Northey, Tom, editor. World of Automobiles (London: Orbis Publishing Ltd, 1974), Volume 19, p.2215.
  3. ^ Haywood, p.2215.