Topic: Rescuing a rare/strange Fiat 600

[als15]

The two things are not exactly connected.
I just verified on the original brochures:
- as a standard, the Amica had the regular 633 engine, and nothing is told about an increased displacment
- on another brochure (a 1956 leaflet, actually) Siata advertises a 30 Hp conversion for any Fiat 600 engine, with stroke 65 mm and displacement 735 cc.

I can imagine that the Amica could be ordered both with regular or increased displacement, but Siata engine conversions were also available to all the end-owners and coachbuilders, and quite common at that time.

However, as a very personal feeling, I think it's indeed a Siata.

[olavr]

Hello, and Happy New year!
Thank you als15 for your view on this car. I am also convinced that it is a Siata. You say you have a brochure of this, and I am very curious to have a look on them! Can I ask you kindly to give me a copy??
I have also from a friend got a scan from AutomobilRevue 1957, showing this car:

[grobmotorix]

I still doubt the cited year 1951 and agree with the 1957 scan of Olavr

Neither the proposed basis car matches (the Fiat 600 debuted in 1955)
nor do I think that styling elements like the Panorama windscreen and the fins are a 1951 design.

Maybe someone mixed up a handwritten "1951" with a "1957" on the backside of a photo, which would be my guess...

[als15]

I think it's just a translation misunderstanding.

This is the correct translation:

"Top, the 1951 model "Amica", totally redesigned. The tubular chassis was replaced by a box-members one. The body, larger, was made by Bertone. Center, another 1951 car: note the stock bumpers. Above, the last "Amica", made on Fiat 600 chassis".

Apart form some wrong or misleading details in the text, it's clear that the picture here is only referred as the "Above". The other 2 pictures are not visible here. So, no 1951 at all. This one is the so-called "Amica 56" and was based on the 1955 Fiat 600.

[olavr]

To avoid further mix-ups and misunderstandings, I am posting the complete page from Ruoteclassische, showing the two Amicas from -51 (Topolino based) and the latest Amica, (named -56 and 600 based), which is the type I have

[AlexFrance]

That's a wonderful story and I hope this little gem will be back on the road someday!

While I am really fond of these etcerinis, I am afraid I am no expert and won't be able to add any sensible information to the discussion.

However, I did some -out-of-the-box- thinking and here are a few comments and possible leads that might revive the discussion:

- Looking at the pictures of your car it looks like it did not bear any insignias like can be seen on the picture from the Ruoteclassiche (first one above the front wheel arch, second one between the door and the rear wheel arch -a SIATA ‘V-shaped’ badge if I am not wrong-). Question is: can you check if there are holes on your car?

- Generally speaking, I guess Siata must have used specific accessories such as wheels, door handles, steering wheels, speedometers, etc. whose brands or designs are known? Looking at your pictures that show the outside and the inside of the car, isn’t it possible to see whether these accessories are of Siata-origin or not?

- Apparently the body is made of steel, right? Were Amica’s body made of steel?

- One last -crazy- idea: why not borrow a metal detector and make sure that no pieces or clues were left on the ground after you retrieved the car? If only you could find a rusty Siata badge, it would help! 

[olavr]

Thank you for Your input.
No I'm afraid there are no badges left on the car, except a Fiat badge on the front Hood.
The car was imported as a Fiat 600, probably because a more "exotic" name would have been more expensive to import.
The wheels and speedo are stock Fiat 600, only the steering wheel is different. And I will check for the holes for the badges on the rear wings.
And also, the body is all steel.

[targhediferro]

I found other pictures of similar cars; The grey one is a '56 Siata Amica and has a front that looks like the same of your car...the red one I suppose to be a '57 because of the different front lights, but very similar in the back.  We're looking forward the moment this little beauty will start to reborn!