Fiat 1500 (1935)

Fiat 1500
Fiat 1500 B, 1938
Overview
Manufacturer	Fiat
Production	1935–1950
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door convertible
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	1,493 cc I6
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,800 mm (110.2 in)
Length	4,465 mm (175.8 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Fiat 514
Successor	Fiat 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 and (contrary to the failure of the "lumpen" Airflow) disproved the thesis aerodynamic cars would not sell.

The Fiat 1500 was introduced at the November 1935 Salone dell'automobile di Milano (Milan Motor Show). It was powered by a 1,493 cc (91.1 cu in) overhead valve straight-six engine, producing 45 PS (33 kW; 44 hp) at 4,400 rpm. The transmission had four speeds, and synchromesh on the top two gears. Top speed was 115 km/h (71 mph). For the first time on a Fiat there were independent suspensions at the front, of the Dubonnet type. The frame was X-shaped, with a boxed centre section. Fiat offered two factory body styles, a 4-door pillarless saloon with suicide doors at the rear, and a 2-door convertible with suicide doors as well; both lacked a boot lid, as the luggage compartment was only accessible folding the rear seat, and carried an external spare wheel in a recess at the rear of the body. As an alternative the 1500 was also available as bare chassis, and numerous cars received coachbuilt bodies.

An improved, second series model was introduced in 1939, distinguished as was Fiat's custom at the time by a letter added to the model name: the Fiat 1500 B. It had more powerful brakes and an handbrake acting on the transmission through a band brake instead than on the rear axle drum brakes as before. The 1500 B was otherwise virtually undistinguishable from the original model.