This 1956 Fiat Multipla is a largely original left-hand drive example with an indicated 11k km (~7k miles) from new. Around 243,000 Multiplas were produced over 13 years, with many seeing use as Italian taxis and few surviving in nice unrestored condition today. This uncommon first-year example was likely imported after military service and reportedly spent 40 years with its original owner. The car was acquired by its current third owner at a Gooding auction in 2015 and was the subject of a BaT feature a year ago, but its Ebay buyer did not follow through with the purchase. The current owner maintains the car as part of a large collection and is represented by the seller in this auction. This Multipla has benefitted from a mild cosmetic freshening and is sold with a clean California title.
The two-tone paint appears largely original according to the seller, though the green color under the rarely-seen factory roof rack is thought likely to be newer. The finish presents an even sheen overall with touched-up chips, blended areas, and dings acquired over time.
Sitting on a wheelbase just shy of 79 inches, the van-like steel body looks straight and mostly undamaged aside from a handful of small dents in the rear valance. Character lines are crisp, front suicide doors appear to line up well, and no signs of repaired accident damage are obvious. Painted steel wheels wear matching factory caps and older 12″ Michelin whitewalls that are weathered, but still hold air and work effectively for the time being.
Brightwork appears original per the seller, and both bumpers shine well with light scratching and signs of age visible up close. Remaining trim presents as straight and clean aside from peeling in the round bezel under the diminutive front grille, which supplies a front-mounted auxiliary radiator. Glass looks intact all the way around, and front windows are fitted with period accessory deflectors. Weather stripping is thought to be original, with door seals showing their age but the remainder appearing largely serviceable.
Designed to seat four in relative comfort and six in a pinch, the spartan interior appears almost entirely original according to the seller. Marbled green vinyl looks intact throughout, with tight map pockets and some discoloration including a stain on the rear seat back from long-term folded storage.
Painted metal surfaces show only light wear and plastics appear largely undamaged. The intact headliner has been reaffixed since photos were taken, while seam discoloration is visible in the floors under rubber mats. A vinyl-covered spare tire remains in its standard location in the passenger footwell.
Simple switchgear looks stock throughout, and factory hardware appears complete including four latches for the sliding center window glass. Instrumentation is clear and while the speedometer requires an occasional tap to register, the odometer is said to work consistently and the 11k kilometers are believed original. Note the recommended shift points on the speedo.
Out back, the water-cooled 633cc inline-four has received recent cosmetic attention and hoses, plug wires, and engine mount all look fresh. Induction is from a single downdraft carburetor topped by a factory air box, while electrics remain fed from an original-style generator. With approximately 22 original horsepower and meant for city use, the Multipla topped out at just under 60 mph in period tests.
The tidy and well-detailed engine bay retains a host of largely-intact original stickers and shows no corrosion in its seams or corners. The 4-speed manual transaxle has three synchronized gears and operates as it should. The car has been maintained within a large private collection and is said to drive easily with a notably happy character.
Independent A-arm front and radius-arm rear suspension is said to remain compliant, and braking is from four-wheel hydraulic drums. No rot is present underneath according to the seller, with visible corrosion looking isolated and superficial in nature. Evidence of long-term fluid buildup can be seen on the oil pan, differential, and transmission.
The car is sold with the original tools, jack, manuals, and a period Italian-language spare parts order sheet. A small collection of extra belts and tuneup parts are also included.
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