Later in 1959 Fiat introduced the 2100
Speciale. This was longer, wider and taller than the berlina and was easily
recogniseable since it had four headlights rather than two, as well as having
a different grille and lacking the chrome side-stripe of the normal cars.
Equipped by the Carrozzerie Speciali department of Fiat, it was designed
to be used by diplomats and the Vatican, but was also on sale to the general
public. Mechanically it used the tyres and final-drive ratio of the 2100
Familiare but was otherwise unchanged.
The production volumes were approximately
30,000 for the 1800/2100 and 1174 for the Speciale. Production of the 1800B stopped in 1968.
At
the Geneva Motorshow of 1959 Fiat introduced two new six-cylinder models,
the 1800 and 2100. Powered by either a 1795cc with 75bhp or a 2054cc with
82bhp, they were the pinnacle of the Fiat range. These cars were the first
Fiats to use torsion bar suspension at the front and the first since the
war to use a straight-six engine. Alongside the berlina there was also
produced a Familiare (estate) in both 1800 and 2100 form. The only technical
difference between the Berlina and Familiare were the larger tyres fitted
to the latter and the different final drive ratios used.
From 1960 an automatic clutch also became an option on the 2100, whilst the
whole range could be specified with a sunroof, transistor radio, electric
radio aerial, whitewall tyres and a heated rear window. The Speciale was also
offered with an optional leather interior.
In 1961 the range was revised. The 1800
became the 1800B (available as Berlina and Familiare) whilst the 2100 was
replaced by the 2300. The 1800B received a more
powerful engine (up to 86bhp), disc brakes on all four wheels, a new rear
axle and revised rear suspension. The interior also experienced some changes,
but the exterior remained the same. 1962 saw the 1500 engine being fitted
to the 1800, this model is covered on the 1300/1500 page.
Technical Details
| Engines | 1795cc (72x73.5mm) straight-six with 75bhp @ 5,000rpm (later 86bhp @ 5,300rpm)
2054cc (77x73.5mm) straight-six with 82bhp @ 5,000rpm |
| Suspension | front : Independent, torsion bars and telescopic dampers plus anti-roll bar
rear : solid axle with telescopic dampers and coil springs wheelbase : 2650mm front track : 1340mm (1800B : 1345mm) rear track : 1307mm |
| Brakes | front : drums
rear : drums handbrake : cable operated on rear callipers |
| Gearbox | 4 speed manual |
| Steering | worm and roller |
| Kerb weight | 1230kg (1800/2100 Berlina)
1265kg (1800B) |
Links
A Spanish Seat 1500 website (their 1800/2100/2300)
For books on Fiats see our Online Bookstore
There is also a list of all our picture galleries (including museums, motorshows and various events).
Wallpapers/Desktop Backgrounds of numerous Fiats also available to download.
1800/2100 comment form
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