A bustling economy in Italy after World War II prompted Fiat to expand its popular 600 line-up to include a utilitarian capable of seating and hauling more than the standard hatchback.

Thus was born the 600 Multipla in 1959, the brainchild of Fiat’s Dante Giacosa. Though its wheelbase was less than 79 inches and its overall length was a hint longer than 11 and a half feet, the 600 Multipla was a six-seater with surprising utility. The 600 Multipla’s rear-mounted engine and cab-forward design made the most of what limited space was available. Individual folding second- and third-row seats provided the 600 Multipla with unparalleled usability.

Its characterful jellybean shape, and careful detailing such as delicate chrome lines running between the greenhouse, with many sporting two-tone paintwork, helped distinguish the 600 Multipla from other cars on the road. An uprated 767-cc engine in 1960 produced 25 bhp, about 4 bhp more than the earlier engine and made for improved drivability.

Nearly 130,000 were made over a production run that ceased in 1969, with many finding use as taxis painted in a distinctive green lower with a black top and a red stripe.

The second-series 600 Multipla on offer here boasts the uprated 767-cc engine and is swathed in a rather more dynamic medium grey body with an off-white roof. Inside, its six-seat interior layout in red with white seat piping contrasts well with the grey and white shades that carry inside. The Multipla’s odometer displays just 5,547 km and a rather ambitious 120 km/h top speed.

Following a major service in 2013, which featured fluid and filter changes and a carburettor service along with the fitment of new tyres, this Multipla is well sorted and ready to drive and enjoy. A straight body and good paint make the 600 Multipla an eye-catching example that would benefit from some final detail work.