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Spotted: a traffic jam of classic Fiat models

July 19, 2024

This week a slightly different Spotted than usual. Indeed, AutoRAI.co.uk was invited to a location that is historic for car enthusiasts: the test track on the roof of the former Fiat factory in Lingotto. First of all, we were there to get acquainted with the new Fiat Grande Panda. However, Fiat also celebrated its 125th anniversary there. For example, with the introduction of the Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani, which itself celebrates its 90th birthday this year. There was also a parade of historic Fiat models and the Casa Fiat brand opened.


A four-story building with a cream-colored exterior and large windows, each with black shutters. The word


The image shows a top view of an open multi-story atrium with circular balconies and a geometric skylight with grid pattern at the top. Natural light illuminates the interior structure, reminiscent of Fiat's architectural innovation.


A rooftop race track with blue pillars surrounds a building as a sleek Fiat speeds through the curves. A cityscape and skyscraper in the distance rise in the background under a partly cloudy sky.


An empty cycling track with sloping curves and painted murals on the walls under a partly cloudy sky, with a lone Fiat parked in the background.

Casa Fiat: a Fiat museum on historic site

On the parade, we’ll come back to it in a moment. First Casa Fiat: what exactly is that? Casa Fiat is a museum exhibition created in collaboration between Fiat and Pinacoteca Agnelli. That is an art museum located on the roof of the former Lingotto factory. The exhibition provides a glimpse into the rich history of the Fiat brand, focusing of course on this iconic production site on the outskirts of Turin. Among other interactive displays, visitors will discover all about Fiat and its models, as well as Fiat’s influence on Italian society and the special architecture of the building.

Of particular note is the presence of the wooden mold used for the sheet metal parts of the classic Fiat 500. It is not a replica, but really the mold that was in the factory at the time.

Classic Fiat models

Fiat’s party also features all kinds of models from that rich past. We cannot possibly discuss them all in detail here, but we are happy to give an overview. So we see right away the extraordinary 1954 Fiat 8V, and the Fiat 124 Sport Spider (here a 1970 1600) also remains very nice. However, the focus is precisely on the everyday models that made the brand great – and provided the population with affordable mobility at the time.

Of course, the original 1980 Fiat Panda is not missing, but earlier models such as the Fiat 500 C, Fiat 600 Multipla, Fiat 124 Familiare and Fiat 126 will also make an appearance. There is even a 1932 Fiat 508 Balilla. The later models are not forgotten either, such as the Fiat Cinquecento, Fiat Uno and Fiat Punto. Fiat commercial vehicles of yesteryear also received attention, for example with a Fiat 850 T Autocarro, Fiat 238 Ambulanza and a 1936 Fiat 500 A Furgone, with very nicely preserved signs of use.

Text continues below photo gallery


A silver classic sports car with round headlights, resembling the iconic Fiat models, is displayed in front of a red and a white car at an outdoor exhibition.


A classic silver sports car with a sleek design is parked outside on a sunny day, with green hilly terrain and buildings in the background. This scene could easily be mistaken for one of the classic Fiat models of yesteryear.


A vintage gray sports car with a


Close-up of the interior of a classic Fiat model through a window, with a sticker indicating participation in the 2012 Mille Miglia race.


Inside view of a classic Fiat model with a wooden steering wheel, analog dashboard, green seats and gearshift. The door is closed and the car appears to be stationary; this perfectly captures the essence of vintage elegance. Spotted in immaculate condition despite its age.


A pale yellow Fiat convertible, reminiscent of classic models, is parked during the day next to a red hatchback with the roof open. Three men are seen near the cars and a bridge is visible in the distance.


A bright red hatchback is displayed next to a vintage white classic Fiat model on an outdoor circuit, surrounded by information boards and a blue sky with clouds in the background.


A vintage pale yellow convertible, one of the classic Fiat models, is displayed outside on a sunny day with another car and a few people in the background - spotted at an event.


On a roof with a gray slope in the background is a row of various vintage cars, including some classic models, under a partly cloudy sky.


On a sunny day, a light green vintage car is on display outside, with information signs beside it. In the background are green hills and buildings. This classic Fiat model was spotted by enthusiasts and added charm to the scenic view.


A light green classic Fiat is parked in a parking lot. A man in a suit stands next to an open door of a nearby vehicle.


On a sunny day with a mountainous background, a black vintage car, reminiscent of classic Fiat models, is parked outside. A partial view of another car is visible on the left.


Three vintage cars, including a classic Fiat, one maroon, one green and one red, are on display in an outdoor parking lot with informational signs beside them. A picturesque background includes trees and a clock tower in the distance.


A black vintage car with the license plate


A classic red Fiat 124 station wagon, one of the timeless classic Fiat models, is parked outside near a modern building. The back of the car features several decals and a European Union license plate, capturing the charm of classic cars in a contemporary setting.


Outside is a red vintage station wagon, next to a green car. On the windshield is the text


On a sunny day, a classic Fiat model is displayed outside, with a sign and description in front of it. Other cars and a cityscape are visible in the background, creating a picturesque city scene.


Two compact cars in a parking lot with information signs next to them. The green car is closer to the camera, with a lime green classic Fiat next to it. A hilly landscape is visible in the background.


An old black car with baskets on the roof is parked in front of a vintage police van. On the side is a text written in Italian. Next to the car is a sign probably detailing this classic Fiat model spotted in town.


A red vintage Fiat pickup, part of the classic Fiat models, is displayed outside on a sunny day with informative signs beside it. Spotted on a ramp, the truck attracts everyone's attention.


A vintage white ambulance labeled

The Abarth 600e

Among all the classics there is unexpectedly a very current model: the new Abarth 600e! We have not been able to see that one in real life before. Still, we’ll stick to a look at the exterior for now, as the car is locked and Fiat/Abarth are also not providing any new information about the car today….


A blue Abarth SUV, a nod to Fiat's classic models, is parked next to a light blue vehicle on an asphalt road, with views of hills and buildings under a clear sky in the background.


A blue hatchback car is parked on the side of a street, with other vehicles visible in the background. The car, reminiscent of classic Fiat models, has a license plate that reads


A purple Lynk & Co 05 car with license plate AB-600-SC is parked in a traffic jam behind a white car on a sunny day, reminiscent of the classic lines seen in classic Fiat models. Spotted on such a bustling afternoon!

History in motion

Although the famous test track on the roof of the factory is now partially converted into a roof garden, it is still possible to drive a full lap. Fiats’ “rooftop party” will therefore conclude with a parade lap, in which many of the cars present will participate. Enjoy all those beautiful classics once again:


A vintage sports car with a greenish tint is parked on a road, with a sign


A vintage gray classic Fiat with a sleek, curved design is parked along the road near a building. The license plate reads


A yellow classic convertible, reminiscent of classic Fiat models, is parked on a road with trees and bushes in the background.


A person drives a pale yellow convertible on a rooftop road with picturesque hills and buildings in the background, reminiscent of classic Fiat models.


A black vintage car, reminiscent of classic Fiat models, with a round hood and fenders and a grille with horizontal lines, is spotted on a paved road surrounded by lush greenery.


A vintage black car with license plate


A maroon vintage car with cream-colored wheels drives on a road surrounded by greenery. Spotted: A glimpse of one of the classic Fiat models with license plate


A vintage maroon classic Fiat with a partially folded down beige convertible top and an Italian license plate drives down a street full of greenery and distant buildings.


A light blue vintage compact car, reminiscent of classic Fiat models, drives down a paved road with greenery and a building in the background. Spotted: elegance on wheels.


A light blue vintage Fiat 500 car with a black roof is parked on a road with greenery and a distant clock tower in the background, capturing the essence of classic cars.


A vintage light green classic Fiat 600 car is driven by a man on a paved road with greenery in the background.


Green vintage car, reminiscent of classic Fiat models, with someone's arm against the window, driving along a road with a distant view of a town and hills in the background.


A vintage gray van, reminiscent of classic Fiat models, drives down a road with greenery and bushes in the background. The vehicle features round headlights and a distinctive emblem on the grille.


A classic dark gray van, reminiscent of classic Fiat models, drives down a road with a blurred background of trees and buildings.


Vintage ambulance with Italian license plate ZA-329RG driving on a paved road, greenery on the left and a tall modern building in the background. This classic Fiat model was recently spotted near downtown amid early morning traffic.


A white Fiat van, familiar from classic Fiat models and bearing the inscription


A red vintage car, probably one of the classic Fiat models, with a badge on the door and a sign on the windshield reading


A maroon vintage station wagon, part of the classic Fiat models, is parked on a street with a picturesque background of hills and buildings. The license plate reads


A red classic Fiat vintage car drives on a road with greenery in the background. The car has an angular shape and small size, reminiscent of popular Fiat models often spotted in charming European cities.


A red vintage Fiat Panda 141-series H.P.6 car is parked on a road with greenery and a cityscape in the background. The rear view highlights its square shape and small size, a real gem among classic Fiat models that captivatingly illustrates the charm of classic cars.


A yellow Fiat vehicle, one of the classic Fiat models, drives on a paved road with greenery and a tall building in the background. A cyclist's hand appears in the lower right foreground, as if caught in a candid Spotted moment.