The "1500" in its name refers to its engine—a derivation of the legendary . Crucially, while most passenger Fiats used petrol engines, the P1500-00 was conceived almost exclusively as a diesel-powered commercial unit . The "-00" suffix typically indicated the base, short-wheelbase chassis-cab version, intended for aftermarket bodybuilders to add flatbeds, box vans, or minibuses.
If you have access to one of these rare chassis, check the stamped code on the right-hand side of the frame rail—"1500-00" confirms you have the genuine article, not a later variant. fiat p1500-00
For the collector who values soul over speed, and torque over tech, the P1500-00 offers a genuine, unvarnished slice of 1960s Italian industrial life. It asks for nothing more than diesel, patience, and a strong right leg for the brakes. The "1500" in its name refers to its
Introduction: Decoding the Model Code
| Attribute | Detail | |-----------|--------| | Production | 1963–1967 | | Engine | 1,501 cc Fiat diesel, 40 bhp | | Transmission | 4-speed manual | | Wheelbase | 2,300 mm (approx) | | Payload | 1.2–1.5 tonnes | | Top Speed | 80 km/h | | Fuel Economy | 6–7 L/100 km | If you have access to one of these
Visually, the P1500-00 shared its cab and front sheet metal with the Fiat 1100T and the later 238 van. It featured a distinct, upright "flat-nose" design with a small, horizontal grille. The cabin was spartan: a single bench seat, a large two-spoke steering wheel, rudimentary gauges, and a heater as an optional extra.
As of 2025, the Fiat P1500-00 is a . A rust-free, running example with original bodywork might fetch €8,000–15,000 at auction in Italy or France—far less than a comparable petrol car, but rising slowly.