Few Italian automobiles are as beloved or instantly recognizable worldwide as the Fiat 600, which was truly the car that put post-war Italy on wheels. It enjoyed a universal appeal virtually unknown before or since. Economy-minded owners appreciated its small size and low cost of ownership, while the wealthy appreciated it as a second automobile that was easy to handle in the city and had chic appeal. It became a unique icon of its age, not to mention a financial goldmine for Fiat, which produced it until 1969 in nearly 2,700,000 copies; within a few months of its introduction, the waiting time for a new 600 exceeded a year.

The Quattroruote Collection’s 600 is an early example from the second year of production. It features unique early identifying features, instantly recognizable to cognoscenti, including turn signals at the tops of the wings, a three-slat grille, and no side marker lights, as well as elegant chrome touches, including more delicate bumpers that lack overriders, and smaller hubcaps.

The car was first registered to Alessandro Bertolino of Torino on 17 January 1956 and was continuously registered in that city through 1983 as 196539 TO, the number plates for which are still installed today. It was purchased for the Collection in 1984 and has thus had only two owners in its 61 years of existence. While it records 19,117 kilometres, it is likely to have had at the very least a cosmetic restoration, as both the correct cloth interior and the paintwork are in very good condition. The dashboard finishes are original, as appears to be the data tag on the firewall, which is stamped to match the chassis number. Importantly, the car retains its original engine. The front-mounted boot contains a spare and a jack in the original bag.

Eligible by its model year for the historic Mille Miglia, for which it certainly ranks among the most economical entrants, this 600 marks an opportunity to acquire an early-production example of a modern legend. Small and unassuming though it may be, it is without question one of the most historically notable lots on offer today.