Fiat 1100 (1937): Difference between revisions
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508C Nuova Balilla 1100
The Fiat 1100 was first introduced in 1937 as an updated version of the 508 "Balilla" (its real name was the 508C) with a look similar to the 1936 Fiat 500 "Topolino" and the larger 1500, with the typical late-thirties heart-shaped front grille, with styling by the emerging designer Dante Giacosa.[1] It was powered by a 1,089 cc four-cylinder overhead-valve engine rather than the earlier Balilla's 1-litre unit. Power was up by a third, to 32 PS (24 kW) at 4000 rpm.[2] There was also a more sporting model on offer, the 42 PS (31 kW) "508 CMM".
Drive was to the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox, and for the period, its comfort, handling, and performance were prodigious,[3] making it "the only people's car that was also a driver's car".[4] Unusual for a modestly priced car of the time was the independent front suspension, while the rear had a leaf sprung live axle.[2] Subsequently the car underwent a partial restyling around the front end and gained new streamlined window-shaped louvres and was renamed the 1100B and was popularly known as the "1100 musone" (i. e. "big nose"). After World War II, in 1949, the car was re-introduced with a curvy trunk and new name, the 1100E. The 1100E also received a bit more power, and now had 35 PS (26 kW).[2] Both the 508C and the 1100B were also available as the long wheelbase 508L which was mainly used for vans and taxis.
- ^ Setright, L. J. K. (1974), Northey, Tom (ed.), "FIAT: The Godfather of the Italian Motor Industry", World of Automobiles, 6, London: Orbis Publishing Ltd: 660
- ^ a b c Becker, Clauspeter (1971), Logoz, Arthur (ed.), "Fiat 128", Auto-Universum 1971 (in German), XIV, Zürich, Switzerland: Verlag Internationale Automobil-Parade AG: 80
- ^ Setright, p. 659.
- ^ Setright, p. 660.