In the present the debate between supporters and critics remains open, but on vintage Fiat cars it is a certainty. It was already so before, but now the Casa del Lingotto, symbol of Made in Italy in the world, adds a historic result to the mark: the title of best-selling brand on Car & Classic (C&C) in the initial quarter of 2024, with 43 cars changing hands. Exciting numbers, worth overtaking Mercedes, which finished in second place with 32 cars, ahead of Jaguar’s 31.
The appeal of Made in Italy in Europe
The clear gap between the Turin manufacturer and its major rivals takes on a symbolic value. In fact, it denotes the appeal of Italian proposals on the European scene. Absolute legends such as the Fiat 500, 124 Spider and
The Fiat 500 reigns at the top of the preferences list, the undisputed queen of sales: every week on C&C three or four change owners. All this while the current electric generation, made at the Mirafiori plant, continues to struggle in registrations, which is why Olivier François’ brand would toy with the idea of also making the thermal version in the Turin plant.
After the rocket launch, the zero-emission city car has lost something along the way, perhaps also held back by the inability to remain at the forefront. In a sector always dotted with new entries, she seems to have quickly lost some of her shine. The same does not apply, however, regarding the Cinquina d’antan, as an object of worship.
“It still represents for many the first approach to collecting”, explains Tom Wood, founder of the platform. British naturalized Italian, he has a weakness for historic vehicles: “Just as when it came out it was the first car owned by the vast majority of the population in Italy, today the Fiat 500 is the car from which one often begins to nurture a passion for motoring, also given its low prices”.
The exploits of the Moretti Coupé S2 and beyond
Especially in view of the warm weather, the Fiat Panda 4x4s, capable of tackling any type of terrain and roughness, and the “spiaggine” based on the 500 are quite strong. As regards individual exploits, three Fiat vehicles have caused a stir: the 1968 Moretti Coupé S2 (sold for 52,999 euros), the 1900 A Berlina Granluce from 1955 (13,000 euros) e the Ritmo 130 TC Abarthof which two examples were sold at auction.
The market is in excellent health. With an increase in online auctions and sales, the movement is buzzing with interest from enthusiasts, who know they can rely on professionals equipped with all the skills necessary for a first-rate service.
Car & Classic is the leading platform in Europe, with over 42,000 vehicles on offer and 4 million users per month. Landed in Italy about a year and a half ago, sees Fiat dominating the national rankings from January 2023, followed by Lancia until last September, then ousted by BMW and Mercedes. Furthermore, the Mercedes R107 remains an evergreen, both in Coupé and Roadster versions.
