FIAT 1100 1961–1962 car dimensions: 3780 mm long, 1460 mm wide and 1490 mm high. Unladen weight is 870 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 252 litres.
The cabin seats five with a plain dashboard, column-mounted gear lever and floor handbrake. Heating and ventilation use radiator water with simple controls and a fan. Electric wipers return to park automatically. Visibility is good from the upright driving position, with space under the front seats for rear passengers' feet. A parcel shelf sits behind the rear seat and nets are on the front seatbacks.
The boot is surprisingly large for the car's size. The spare wheel sits under the floor so it does not take up luggage room. The lid locks and props open on its own.
The cabin is relatively high with generous headroom, especially in the rear, and seats five adults comfortably on a bench front seat that adjusts easily for reach. Visibility is good forward with slender pillars and both front wings in view. The ride is soft yet controlled with little roll, and cabin noise stays low enough for normal conversation even at higher speeds. An efficient heater with separate water and air controls warms the front strongly, backed by basic ventilation and anti-draught screens.
Fuel use around 8 litres/100 km at steady 80 km/h
Oil change and major lubrication every 2,000 km
Hydraulic drum brakes all round with large lining area
Securit safety glass fitted all round
Simple durable engine design prioritising reliability
Fuel economy is modest for the era. Highway running at 80 km/h returns roughly 8 litres per 100 km under the CUNA standard, with real-world city figures near 10-11 litres per 100 km. The 38-litre tank supports a practical range over 400 km.
Servicing follows a clear schedule. Oil level checks every 500 km, full oil changes and chassis lubrication every 2,000 km, with deeper inspections of filters, brakes, and bearings at 6,000 km and 12,000 km intervals. The layout keeps routine work straightforward.
Safety equipment centres on four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes that deliver progressive, fade-resistant stops and large lining area. All-round safety glass is standard. Handling remains stable with mild understeer and controlled body motion.
Living with the car means a tough, long-lived mechanical package that needs regular but uncomplicated maintenance. Parts remain simple and the design favours durability over complexity.
Length 3780 mm, Width 1460 mm, Height 1490 mm, Wheelbase 2340 mm (1100 1961–1962)
Sources: manufacturer data, carswp.com 1961/1962 specs, longstonetyres.co.uk and period sources, Wikipedia and motorsdb/period tests.