I would think there’s no need for “Fix It Again Tony” jokes with this curiosity that showed up on my FB Marketplace feed: a 1964 Fiat 1500 that’s been refurbished with a 2T Toyota engine. So, is it Fixed It with A Toyota (F.I.w.A.T.) now?
Yes, another beat-up, barely there survivor from the streets of San Salvador, and this one, with the never-say-never automotive spirit of La Habana. Just like that Caribbean destination, resources here are limited, and necessity is the mother of invention. With Italian support having left these lands decades ago, it’s no wonder that Toyota power came to the rescue for this old ’64 FIAT. Unsurprisingly, the 1.6L OHV Hemi 2T fits naturally in the former space, though no specifics are given on what else may be Toyota-sourced. The 2Ts came in several states of tune (from 75HP to 102HP), and not knowing the specifics of this one’s origin, no idea where it falls in that range. Still, even in its most modest form its output has to be close, and perhaps, above the original 1.3L or 1.5L FIAT mill.
Then again, looking at the condition of this set up, I wouldn’t bet this is working in tip top shape.
Not sure if there’s a local shop doing Toyota-Fiat conversions (if so, it must have little business; not many Fiats around here), but soon after, this Fiat pickup conversion showed up, also with a Toyota engine and the most unconvincing fake hood scoop I’ve ever seen.
There it is, in all its spray-painted glory. I’m no expert on Toyota engines, but it looks like another 1970s Hemi T engine.
I wish I had better photos to share, but as one can tell by this conception’s condition, a finesse for details ain’t part of this owner’s repertoire. In any case, easy for all to see that this one used to be a late 1970s Fiat 4-door sedan (a 124 or 125?), now turned to pickup duties, and with a strictly “impossible to recline seat” cabin. Pickups around here are plentiful, so I’ve no idea what desperate thinking was behind this contraption’s creation. Must be an interesting story.
At least the ’64 owner had a better eye for photography. Among other curiosities, the ’64’s owner claims the car comes with electric windows (!). A curious world of electric windows and no exterior door handles? Well, when it comes to used goods, special instructions often apply. And in the case of these two FIwATs, those must make up a whole manual.
(As for the listing, both vehicles seem to be gone. Sorry y’all, you’ve missed your chances!)Â
Back when I was in college I used to browse classic car listings on the internet and fantasize about what car I would buy. I once found a Triumph TR6 that had the drive train from a Toyota Celica transplanted into it. Although this one I suspect wasn’t out of necessity, but rather someone wanted an old school British roadster, but didn’t want to deal with old British car reliability.
Interesting pics of what could have been found in Montevideo many years back. The 1500 might be either Italian or Agentinian, not enough details present (and probably too much dilapidation altogether). I think I detect some kind of door handle there, perhaps from a Russian car. Definitely not the original ones. As for the 125 “pick up conversion”, again could be Italian or Argentinian. If it was from Argentina, this shell with those door handles and general lines was built from around 1970 to 1981. It could also be a Fiat 1600, very similar to the first generation 125. In any case, it’s not a 124. It’s interesting to note that both the 1500 and the 125 were built in Argentina in a pick up version, called the “Multicarga”.
That remind me of the Fiat 124 who was built under licence in India by Premier automobiles and get a Nissan engine under the hood. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_124#India
Well the 1500C and 125 were almost identical floor-wise – a 124 ‘top hat’ was dropped on with a slightly extended rear.
So it’d make sense. I think FSO in Poland made a proper pick-up.
Using a part-spherical Toyota unit in place of Lampredi’s polyspherical one seems to be sort of in keeping.
Another weird and wonderful (?) hack job from Centro America .
I remember many like this or even worse in Guatemala .
-Nate