Car & Classic is currently auctioning on its website, until October 27th, an EV-converted 1963 Fiat 600 Multipla with just over 53,000 miles on the clock which is expected to sell for between £40k and £50k.

When any Fiat Multipla is the topic of conversation, your mind is immediately drawn to the 1998 version which was equally memorable as it was controversial. TopGear.com described it as “having a face only a mother could love.” A six-seater MPV, it offered tremendous space and practicality, despite the obvious styling flaws.

However, the Fiat 600 Multipla that we see here was pioneering, setting the tone for what was to emerge decades later at the height of the MPV trend. As a six passenger vehicle on a 2m wheelbase that was only 50cm longer than a classic mini, it intrigued customers with its innovation.

This example up for auction is even more intriguing as it had the EV conversion treatment in its home country in 2020. This was done using a motor and battery kit from Newtron which have been sympathetically placed in the rear of the vehicle where the engine used to be. Although despite the removal of the original engine, the Multipla’s four-speed manual transmission has been retained giving a similar feeling of progressing through the gears. Later in the same year of its conversion, it made its way to the UK with the V5 that comes with the car showing that it was correctly registered as an EV on UK roads meaning it is tax exempt and ULEZ compliant.

Inside the 600 Multipla there has been an equal amount of work done to give it a refresh. Fully retrimmed soft red leather seats, new red carpets and a refurbished original dash are married with an integrated digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, displaying all relevant information from its new EV powertrain. Red is the theme here as a striking paint scheme matches the red wheels and red interior.

“When launched, the Fiat 600 Multipla was forward-thinking and ahead of its time. This EV-converted example refreshes that characteristic for the 21st century,” says Car & Classic head of SEO and marketing Helen Parker. “EV conversions are a great way to modernise beloved classics and our site is witnessing more of these niche vehicles being created and offered.”

EV conversions may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they allow classic vehicles to live on for years at a significantly lower long term running cost. As the 2030/35 date approaches, more petrolheads may be tempted to pursue this avenue of thought in order to keep the cars that they love most on the road.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Car & Classic