Lot 205

Hilton Head 2016

1970 Fiat Moretti 500

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$17,600 USD | Sold

United States | Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

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Identification No.
2741029
  • 30.4-cid, 18-hp inline two-cylinder rear-mounted engine
  • Four-speed manual transmission
  • Bucket seats w/center console
  • Sources indicate 90 Minimaxi's built
  • Driver’s sideview mirror
  • Fold-down windshield
  • Color-keyed alloy wheels
  • Veglia instrument pod
  • Color-matched Luisi steering wheel
  • Spare tire and jack
  • Rearview mirror

Moretti Motor Company dates back to 1925 when Giovanni Moretti began to design and build motorcycles. These machines were both of his design and with agreements with other companies. Using the same motorcycle engines, Giovanni Moretti also tried his hand in microcars in the late 1920s and early 1930s. After producing primarily commercial vehicles during World War II, in 1946, with the war over Moretti began production of conventional cars.

A major shift in Moretti Motors' operations came in the latter part of the 1950s when they ceased designing and building complete cars. In an effort to reduce costs and overhead, the company switched to using Fiat mechanicals and chassis for all of its conventional automobiles.

Despite offering a full range of model versions based on the '750', Moretti was still unable to compete with Fiat's 600, which cost almost half the price and consequently dominated much of the marketplace. Mass production of all models was subsequently slashed due to continued low sales and financial struggles. However, thanks to the friendship between Giovanni Moretti and Gianni Agnelli, Moretti Motors was able to arrange a favorable agreement with Fiat to continue using the Fiat chassis for a series of special/low volume models.

In 1967 Moretti produced only 2,600 cars, in 1973 only 3,292 were produced, and by 1974 production was down to only 1,071. Finally, after several years of decline, in December 1989 the Moretti Motor Company officially ceased operations

In the seventies, Moretti switched to building mini-off vehicles with select Fiat components. The Fiat 500-based "Minimaxi" first appeared in 1970, and was later adapted to take 126 underpinnings. The 127-based "Midimaxi" appeared in 1971.

This Fiat Moretti 500 Minimaxi is a solid example of their respected two-door, soft-top beach car; sources indicate that only 90 of these vehicles were built. The Minimaxi is a rear-wheel drive platform that features a floor-shift four-speed manual transmission situated between front bucket seats. The windshield is hinged to lie flat and the red and black Luisi steering wheel matches the color theme along with the color-keyed alloy wheels. Open sides allows easy access for the occupants of this fun to drive city/beach car.