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62-637: The Fiat 1100D , based on the Fiat 1200 GranLuce Berlina, debuted in India in 1964 with a carburetted 1,089 cc four-cylinder petrol engine — rather than the 1,221 cc engine fitted to the GranLuce in Italy. With a 10.8:1 compression ratio, it created 47 bhp (35 kW) at 4,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 7.20 kg⋅m (71 N⋅m; 52 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm. The original transmission

124-462: A Millecento (1100 spelled out in Italian) script on its centre, and "stepped" chrome spears on the sides. From a mechanical standpoint the main improvement were the uprated brakes, with self-centering brake shoes and wider drums, transversely instead of longitudinally finned. Engine output went up from 40 to 43 PS CUNA (32 kW) ( 48 PS SAE ) at 4,800 rpm, thanks to a larger carburettor,

186-432: A Solex carburetor and use of a thermostat-controlled electric fan with an output of 48 bhp (36 kW). A diesel variant, the 137D, was also introduced, with the hope of taking advantage of the rising popularity of diesel vehicles in India. Its engine was built under license from Fratelli Negri Macchine Diesel Sud (FNM) , Italy, with a displacement of 1,366 cc and generating 45 bhp (34 kW). Its top speed

248-474: A 2-door 2+2 coupé based on 1100 TV mechanicals, in a small series of about 780 examples. The design was first seen on a one-off displayed at the 1953 Paris Motor Show and entered by Umberto Agnelli at a race event held in 1954 near Turin, the Orbassano 6 hours Cup. The hand-built body was steel with aluminium doors, bonnet and boot lid; starting from 1955 a panoramic rear window was used, similar to

310-461: A heater and ventilation system as well. The Type A cars also came with slightly broader body trim strips compared to the Type B. On left hand drive versions of both the Type A and Type B cars, the dashboard contained a large plastic badge (on the right hand side) stating "Millecento" covering the orifice where a radio could be installed. However on the right hand drive cars, this badge which was located on

372-431: A more powerful engine (three more horsepower) and a modified rear suspension; 450 more of these were built. During 1957, a transitory model of the 1100TV Trasformabile was produced, featuring updated exterior styling but with an identical interior, for a short period before the introduction of the 1200 Trasformabile . These transition period cars are exceptionally rare, and were primarily destined for export markets. When

434-412: A new aluminium cylinder head , and a water-cooled inlet manifold with an individual duct per each cylinder. Top speed rose accordingly to 125 km/h (78 mph). In 1959 Fiat re-introduced an upmarket 1100 model, positioned between the standard saloon and the 1200 Granluce : the 1100 Lusso (type 103 H), also known as De luxe or Luxus on foreign markets. Based on the 1100 model 1958 bodyshell,

496-409: A square back and a front-end look not very different from its bigger sister the Fiat 124 . In terms of styling cues, the vestigial fins were further suppressed and the simple round rear light cluster from the Fiat 850 replaced the vertical form seen on the 1100 D. At the same time, the larger engine was withdrawn in order to avoid undue overlap with the 124. The 1100 R was offered only with

558-454: A top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph). In 1959, its successor was unveiled, the Fiat 1100 T2, that had a 45 PS (33 kW) 1,222 cc engine. Production continued with a steady stream of updated engines, until production of the 1100 T4 finally came to an end in 1971. [REDACTED] Media related to Fiat 1100 at Wikimedia Commons Fiat 1500 (1935) The Fiat 1500

620-457: A twin-choke Weber 30 DCR carburettor , had a higher 6.2:1 compression ratio and other changes, pushing output to 47 PS (35 kW; 46 hp); top speed rose to 120 km/h (75 mph). Between 1948 and 1949, production of this model amounted to over 2,800. The fifth and final version of the 1500, the 1500 E, was first shown at the 1949 Fiera del Levante in Bari , together with

682-849: A two-seater roadster, was introduced in March 1955 at the Geneva Motor Show . As its name implied, it was based on mechanicals from the 1100 TV. Like the Turismo Veloce saloon, the American-inspired design of the Trasformabile was the work of Dipartimento Carrozzerie Derivate e Speciali , the special bodies department of Fiat, rather than of a third-party coachbuilder ; it was penned by the department's head, engineer and designer Fabio Luigi Rapi . 571 of these first series Trasformabiles were built. In 1956 it received

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744-623: The 43 PS CUNA of the model 1958 1100. Top speed was 130 km/h (81 mph). Another change from the regular saloons was the two-piece propshaft, inherited from the TV saloons. Late in 1960 the 1958 1100/103 D and the 1110/103 H Lusso were replaced by three models, first shown at the November 1960 Turin Motor Show : the 1100 Export , the pricier 1100 Special , and the 1100 Familiare station wagon. The Special changed its name depending on

806-418: The 508 C Balilla 1100 . Updated as type 103.000 , the 1,089 cc (66 cu in) overhead valve four-cylinder was fed by a single Solex or Weber downdraught carburettor , and put out 36 PS CUNA (26 kW) at 4,400 rpm—just one horsepower more than on the 1100 E. The 4-speed manual transmission had synchromesh on the top three speeds and a column-mounted shifter , fashionable at

868-611: The Premier Padmini since 1974 until its discontinuation in 2000. By 1993, a diesel version with a 1366 cc diesel engine made in collaboration with FNM from Italy and was badged as the Premier Padmini 137D.The car manufacturing plant was closed down by 2000. The very last 1100 model, born in February 1966, was the 1100 R ("R" stood for Rinnovata ; "refreshed"). It had a longer, straighter and slimmer line, with

930-517: The 1200 Trasformabile was released that same year, it was now equipped with the more powerful 55 PS (40 kW) "1200" engine (1221 cc). Production of this model continued until 1959, with circa 2360 of the 1.2-litre Trasformabiles built. The 1.2 also received slight changes to the front and rear design, with bigger headlights being the most noticeable difference. From 1954 to 1956 Italian coachbuilder Pinin Farina independently built and sold

992-425: The 1948 Turin Motor Show , alongside the updated 1100 B and the 500 B Giardiniera (station wagon). Externally the 1500 D was largely unchanged from the 1940 1500 C, while there were significant mechanical differences. The front Dubonnet suspension had been replaced by a double wishbone design similar to the 1100s; therefore the steering had to be changed as well. The engine had been equipped with

1054-457: The 1954 Cape Town to Algiers trans African rally. A new 1100 body style was introduced at the 1954 Geneva Motor Show , a five-door estate named 1100 Familiare on its home market. Abroad, it was alternatively known as the 1100 Family, 1100 Familiale, 1100 Kombiwagen, or 1100 Familiar in English-, French- German-, and Spanish-speaking markets respectively. The rear door was side-hinged, and

1116-450: The 36 PS (26 kW) of the regular versions, mainly thanks to a twin-choke Weber carburettor and a higher 7.4:1 (instead of 6.7:1) compression ratio . Later in 1954, compression ratio was raised further to 7.6:1 and power reached 50 PS CUNA . Top speed was 135 km/h (84 mph). Another notable mechanical difference was the propeller shaft , two-piece instead of one-piece in order to dampen torsional vibrations, intensified by

1178-580: The Fiat 1100 D. Also, the 103 D Export was made in Argentina between 1960 and 1963 by Fiat Someca Concord S.A.C.I. in Ferreyra, Córdoba province. 23,152 units was made. These were nicknamed "millecento" and are specially loved by Italian descendants. The Fiat 1100/103 was imported to India and sold by Premier Automobiles Limited (PAL). The older model was known as the Millecento and the one with

1240-566: The Granluce and Lusso's glitzy trim and their complex paint schemes—though a contrast colour roof remained optional on the Special. Sole concessions to ornamentation were a chrome spear down the side and factory-fitted whitewall tyres, with a thicker band on the Special. Export, Special and Familiare all used the same front end, as fitted to the Lusso and the 1959 restyled Granluce; front and rear

1302-440: The Lusso was distinguished by elaborate exterior trim. At the front for the first time on a 1100 the Fiat badge was moved from the bonnet to the centre of the grille, featuring a new square mesh radiator. The body-side chrome spear split in two to encompass a contrasting colour band (matching the roof paint) extended from the front doors to the end of the rear quarter panels, where there was a brass-plated ornament. The fuel filler cap

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1364-594: The Padmini slowly began to wane. The liberalisation of the Indian economy in 1991 , which allowed foreign car manufacturers to launch operations in India, began the end for the Padmini. In 1996, Premier tried to revive the car's sagging fortunes with an updated model. Named the Padmini S1, this had a more modern radiator grille, bucket seats, a Nissan floor-shift synchronised gearbox and a more powerful engine thanks to

1426-400: The body. As an alternative the 1500 was also available as bare chassis, and numerous cars received coachbuilt bodies. An improved, second series model was introduced in 1939, distinguished as was Fiat's custom at the time by a letter added to the model name: the Fiat 1500 B. It had more powerful brakes and an handbrake acting on the transmission through a band brake instead than on

1488-408: The bumpers had less bulky over-riders, without rubber inserts. The Familiare did not change much externally, receiving the new grille but keeping the rear-hinged doors. It also received the 103 H engine and chassis code. The engine was the twin-carburettor tipo 103 H ( 50 PS CUNA ) carried over from the outgoing Lusso, for a 130 km/h top speed. Thanks to new flexible rubber mounts it

1550-654: The centre light on the front grille (1100/103 E) as the Elegant. In 1958, the 1100/103 D tailfin model was introduced as the Select. It was followed by the Super Select in 1961. By 1964, the 1100 D was introduced and it was assembled in India by PAL. This model has most of the parts manufactured locally. In India it was considered a sportier alternative to the Hindustan Ambassador . Retaining

1612-416: The dashboard was new, and featured a strip speedometer , an ivory plastic steering wheel, and a lower padded fascia; new features were a glove compartment , armrests to all four redesigned door cards, two-tone seat upholstery, and a windscreen washer . Luggage space was improved by adopting a fold-down rear backrest and moving the spare tyre under the boot floor. The Trasformabile roadster was updated too to

1674-672: The exterior changes of this model, in 1962 Fiat introduced the third generation 1100, called the 1100 D . It was a four-door sedan, very similar to the Granluce but with simpler sides and a new simpler rectangular front end. The 1100 D was a successful Italian family car in the early sixties and was accompanied by a Familiare (estate version) and a Deluxe model that offered a higher performance of 50 PS (37 kW), extra side moldings, front bench seat with two reclining backs and carpet floor mats. The rear seatback could be folded down, allowing for longer cargo to be carried. These survived without any substantial alteration until 1966, when

1736-415: The front wings . Beginning with this model the sole factory body option was the 4-door saloon. In 1946, after World War II , Fiat resumed production of pre-war models, the 500 , 1100 and the 1500 C. Since the ongoing development of all-new cars would take some years, improvements were made to keep these vehicles of 1930s vintage competitive on the market. The resulting 1500 D was introduced at

1798-460: The front, of the Dubonnet type. The frame was X-shaped, with a boxed centre section. Fiat offered two factory body styles, a 4-door pillarless saloon with suicide doors at the rear, and a 2-door convertible with suicide doors as well; both lacked a boot lid, as the luggage compartment was only accessible folding the rear seat, and carried an external spare wheel in a recess at the rear of

1860-467: The government disallowing vehicles over 20 years old. The Premier Padmini taxis were finally taken off Mumbai roads on 30 October 2023. Fiat 1100D The Fiat 1100 is a small family car produced from 1953 until 1969 by the Italian manufacturer Fiat . It was an all-new unibody replacement for the Fiat 1100 E , which descended from the pre-war, body-on-frame Fiat 508 C Balilla 1100. The 1100

1922-431: The increased engine output. The TV's bodyshell, outfitted by Fiat's Carrozzerie Speciali special bodies department, differed from the standard in having a larger, curved rear window and prominent rear wings, supporting differently shaped tail lamps. A distinguishing trait of the TV was a single front fog lamp , inset in the grille and flanked by two chrome whiskers. Specific exterior trim included thicker chrome spears on

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1984-586: The introduction of the groundbreaking 124 model imposed a further change in styling. Power was 40 PS (29 kW) at the time of introduction, which was soon increased to 43 PS (32 kW). The Fiat 1100 D was manufactured under licence in India by the Premier Automobiles Limited beginning in 1964. The vehicle was initially marketed as the Fiat 1100 D , as the Premier President for model year 1972, and as

2046-413: The left hand side contained the wording Fiat 1100 on the Type A cars and Millecento on the Type B cars. The type B came in a choice of paint hues and interior fabrics, and could be ordered with factory-fitted whitewall tyres and radio . A distinguishing feature of 103s throughout the 1950s were the doors , both hinged on the centre pillar ; this would only change in 1960, when the 1100 started to adopt

2108-525: The market—e.g. it was named Speciale in Italy and Spezial in Germany. The main difference between Special and Export saloons was the sheetmetal: the Export used a 103 H Lusso bodyshell, while the Special became the first 1100 with four front-hinged doors, as it adopted the more modern 1200 Granluce 's bodyshell. Otherwise the two saloons had nearly identical interior trim and equipment. Both had been stripped of

2170-500: The more modern bodyshell of the Fiat 1200 Granluce saloon. Unlike the earlier, body-on-frame 1100 series, there was no NSU-developed two-door sedan model. At the October 1953 Paris Motor Show , Fiat launched a sporting version of the 103, the 1100 TV —standing for Turismo Veloce , "Fast Touring". The TV was fitted with an improved engine (type 103.006 ), which developed 48 PS CUNA (35 kW) at 5,400 rpm rather than

2232-451: The new 1200 Granluce . The latter was an elegant saloon, developed from the 1100 designing a more modern bodyshell and enlarging the engine to 1.2 litres, and replaced the 1100 TV. Therefore, the 1100 range was left temporarily without an upmarket variant, and consisted of just two models: saloon and estate, both sporting contrasting colour roofs as standard. The saloon's new tail was longer and carried tailfins . Boot space had increased, and

2294-475: The new TV specifications; the 103 E TV Trasformabile can be identified from details like the turn signals, no more supported by chrome stems but rather attached directly to the front wings. In September 1957 the 1100 was updated again as a 1958 model, most notably with a completely redesigned rear end, and took on the new type code 103 D . It premiered at the Paris Motor Show in October, together with

2356-621: The new, middle-class Fiat 128 which had gone on sale five months earlier. It was also assembled by the Neckar-Automobilwerke in Heilbronn , Germany. Called the Neckar 1100 Millecento it only differed lightly in trim. The Fiat 1100 T was made from 1957 as a panel van , pickup and minibus . The car was equipped with a in-line engine with 1,089 cc (type 103 D.007) with 38 PS (28 kW) at 4800 rpm and it had

2418-401: The older 1,089 cc engine, now with a compression ratio of 8:1 and a claimed output of 48 bhp (36 kW). This engine (with a somewhat narrower bore) had been first introduced in the 1937 508 C Balilla 1100 . Clutch and gearbox were little changed, but the return of a floor mounted gear lever positioned between the front seats and connected to the gearbox with a rod linkage system

2480-658: The one found on coeval Pinin Farina-bodied Ferraris . In June 1956, after three years and 257,000 cars built, the entire 1100/103 range was updated. The new series bore the type code 103 E . All models—saloon type A and B, Familiare, TV and TV Trasformabile—were continued. Compression ratios were raised to 7:1 for the standard engine and 8:1 for the Turismo Veloce's, for a 4 PS (to 40 PS CUNA at 4,400 rpm) and 3 PS (to 53 PS CUNA at 5,200 rpm) gain in power respectively. Suspension

2542-416: The overall length of the car by some 3 cm (1.2 in). The rear window was one-piece instead of being split, and the running boards were integrated in the body-side stampings. Other notable revisions were made to the transmission: the clutch was strengthened, synchromesh was added to second gear, and inside the cabin there was a column-mounted shifter . In total about 1,700 1500 Es were made, for

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2604-473: The rear axle drum brakes as before. The 1500 B was otherwise virtually undistinguishable from the original model. The 1500 B was short lived as in 1940 Fiat replaced it with the 1500 C, sporting a redesigned and more conventional looking front end. Following the look introduced with the Fiat 2800 flagship of 1938, the grille was pointed, taller and more upright than before—the so-called musone , big snout. The headlamps ceased to be integrated in

2666-410: The rear window had also been enlarged. On the other hand, the estate's sheetmetal was unchanged; body-colour buttresses were added to fit the new tail lights to the 1954-vintage body. Almost all of the exterior trim was new, including door handles and turn signal repeaters. Exterior distinguishing features of the 1958 model were a new grille made of thin vertical bars crossed by four horizontal ones, with

2728-471: The sides with "1100 TV" and "Fiat Carrozzerie Speciali" badging, a taller bonnet ornament, special hubcaps, and whitewall tyres. As standard the TV was painted in a two-tone livery, with the roof and wheel rims in a contrasting colour. Inside it featured a tortoiseshell celluloid two-spoke steering wheel, two-tone cloth and vinyl upholstery, colour-coded fully carpeted floor, and until the end of 1954 reclining buckets which could optionally be fitted instead of

2790-470: The similarly updated 1100 E. The main distinguishing feature of these "E" models was their luggage compartment, accessible from outside the car; the previously rear-mounted spare wheel had to be carried inside the car, bolted inside the newly acquired boot lid. In the case of the 1500, the body aft of the rear doors was redesigned: the sloping back, almost unchanged since 1935, gave way to three-box styling . Together with more robust bumpers, this increased

2852-412: The standard bench seat. At 1,225,000 Italian lire (1953 price) the 1100 TV was markedly more expensive than the standard Tipo A and B saloons, priced respectively 945 and 975 thousand lire. The TV was appreciated by Fiat's more sporting clientele, who entered it in numerous races in period; its most prestigious victories include class wins at the 1954 and 1955 Mille Miglia , and an outright win at

2914-460: The steering wheel. The boot was usefully expanded, helped by a slight increase in the car's overall length, and with more careful packaging of the spare wheel (under the floor) and the fuel tank (in the rear wing on the right). As configured for UK sales, reclining front seats were available as an optional extra for £8. The Familiare's rear end remained mostly unchanged, keeping the old taillights. The 1100 R finally gave way in October 1969 to

2976-450: The time. The car could reach a top speed of 116 km/h (72 mph). The new model was offered in two different versions: the spartan Tipo A and richer Tipo B . The former was only available in a grey-brown paint colour, had separate front seats instead of a bench, reduced, non-chromed exterior trim, and lacked a heater and ventilation. The Type A right hand drive export models were only available in black. They were also equipped with

3038-473: The vinyl-covered rear bench could be folded down to form a flat loading surface, able to carry a load of 300 kg (661 lb). A third row of two forward-facing jump seats allowed to carry a fifth and sixth passenger, folding level with the boot floor when not in use. From a mechanical standpoint, aside from taller tyres, the Familiare was identical to the standard saloon. The 1100/103 TV Trasformabile,

3100-474: Was a six-cylinder car produced by the Fiat from 1935 to 1950. It was one of the first cars tested in a wind tunnel , following the Chrysler Airflow produced one year earlier. The streamlined styling achieved an aerodynamic efficiency unequalled before it in a touring car and (contrary to the failure of the "lumpen" Airflow) disproved the thesis aerodynamic cars would not sell. The Fiat 1500

3162-538: Was a four-speed manual gearbox (without synchronized first gear), which drove the rear wheels via a live rear axle. Its shifter was mounted on the left of the steering column. Weighing 895 kg (1,973 lb), its top speed was 140 km/h (87 mph). Premier manufactured the Padmini at their Kurla plant in Bombay (now Mumbai) until they sold a majority stake to Fiat SpA in September 1997. The licensed vehicle

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3224-463: Was called after its internal project number, was introduced at the April 1953 Geneva Motor Show . Unlike the 1100 E it replaced, the 103 had a modern four-door saloon pontoon body topping new unibody construction, both pioneered in Fiat's range by the 1950 1400 . If the 103's body was all-new, its engine was well-tested; the car's engine debuted in 1937 on the predecessor of the outgoing 1100 E,

3286-501: Was changed steadily and gradually until being replaced by the new Fiat 128 in 1969. There were also a series of light commercial versions of the 1100 built, with later models called the Fiat 1100T , which remained in production until 1971. The Fiat 1100 D also found a long life in India, where Premier Automobiles continued to build the car until the end of 2000. Like other manufacturers, after World War II Fiat continued producing and updating pre-war types. The first clean-sheet design

3348-533: Was close to 140 km/h, and its fuel efficiency was 24 km/L. Production was shut down because of PAL's management problems. While all cars built by Premier were four-door sedans, small companies such as Starline also offered other bodywork, mainly in the form of estates. In the 2010s numerous examples served as taxicabs in Mumbai; known colloquially as "Kaali Peeli" (Black and Yellow). However, these were being phased out due to regulations enacted in 2013 by

3410-413: Was hidden under a lockable flap. There were new hubcaps, and the bumpers carried tall rubber-edged overriders. New interior features were a padded vinyl shelf added below the dashboard, and wind deflectors fixed to the front side windows. Thanks to a twin-choke carburettor and a higher 7.85:1 compression ratio the Lusso's 1.1-litre engine developed 50 PS CUNA (37 kW) ( 55 PS SAE ), rather than

3472-488: Was initially marketed as the Fiat 1100 Delight. For model year 1973, it was marketed as the Premier President and subsequently as the Premier Padmini. At its peak during the 1970s and 1980s, the car achieved immense popularity among youngsters, celebrities and women. Compared to the Hindustan Ambassador, it looked more modern, was more fuel-efficient and was very easy to drive. By the early 1980s, engine power

3534-443: Was introduced at the November 1935 Salone dell'automobile di Milano (Milan Motor Show). It was powered by a 1,493 cc (91.1 cu in) overhead valve straight-six engine , producing 45 PS (33 kW; 44 hp) at 4,400 rpm. The transmission had four speeds, and synchromesh on the top two gears. Top speed was 115 km/h (71 mph). For the first time on a Fiat there were independent suspensions at

3596-399: Was made softer, and the steering geometry altered. Standard saloons wore new chrome trim and a new radiator grille with vertical bars and a rectangular fog lamp in the middle, à la TV; the TV also had a similarly redesigned grille, but now had two rectangular driving lamps, one under each headlight. The TV's contrasting paint colour was extended the body sides, from the side trim down. Inside

3658-464: Was possible to replace the two-piece propshaft with a simpler one-piece one, even with the more powerful engine. A Saxomat automatic clutch was available as on option on the Special only. At some point during the Special's production run the tooling was modified, eliminating the decorative ridges extending from the front wheel opening to the front door, present since 1953. 1100 Export and Special remained on sale until 1962, when they were both replaced by

3720-410: Was reduced to 42 bhp (31 kW) (at 5,000 rpm) with a modified carburettor to make it more fuel efficient. Premier began to offer an air-conditioner , leather upholstery, courtesy lights and tinted glass. These were considered luxuries in Indian cars at the time. From the mid-1980s, with the advent of more modern, aesthetic and more fuel-efficient cars from Maruti Suzuki , the popularity of

3782-458: Was the 1950 1400 , the first Fiat with unibody construction, which replaced the 1935 1500 . Fiat's intermediate offering between the 1500 and the diminutive 500 was the 1100 E , the last evolution of the 508C Nuova Balilla 1100, first launched in 1937. Its replacement was codenamed Tipo 103 ; like the 1400 was to use unibody construction, with the 1100 E's 1.1-litre engine carried over unaltered. The Fiat Nuova 1100 , or Fiat 1100/103 as it

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3844-406: Was welcomed by the motoring press. The absence of synchromesh on the bottom forward speed nevertheless offered a reminder that under the surface this was becoming a somewhat aging design. Between the gearbox and the differential, the propeller shaft had now been separated into two parts with three couplings. The interior was simplified somewhat, in part by using certain parts from the 850, such as

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