Fiat 1900 car range and history 

Vehicle technical details
Manufacturer:	Fiat
Production:	1952 to 1958
Class:	Luxury car
Top speed:	130-145 km / h
Body and chassis
Body styles:	Saloon , Coupé , Cabriolet
Doors:	2-4 door
Chassis/body:	steel
Engine and Powertrain
Drive:	Rear
Engine Type:	4-cylinder in-line
Displacement:	1.9 liters
Engine location:	front
Engine power:	60-80 hp (43-59 kW)
Transmission:	4-5 speed gearbox
Fuel:	Gasoline
Weights and Dimensions
Wheelbase:	2425 mm
Length:	4335 mm
Width:	1655 mm
Height:	1590 mm
Weight:	1130-1240 kg

The Fiat 1900 was a model of the car manufacturer Fiat , which was produced from 1952 to 1958.

History

In the late 1940s, Fiat, as one of the few manufacturers in Europe, already had a comprehensive range of models that covered different market segments, from the small car ( 500 C ) to the middle class ( 1500 ). The upper class of Italy, however, was occupied only by competitors such as Alfa Romeo and Lancia . Vittorio Valletta , since 1939 managing director of the manufacturer, decided to close this gap. Background was his idea to serve with a large car in addition to the domestic and the US market. 

The Fiat 1900 was officially presented in 1952. Ultimately, it was an evolution of which appeared in March 1950 1400 . The shape and chassis of the sister model needed little revision to reach luxury level. Therefore took over the 1900 largely body and technology of the 1400th Striking was only a modified grille with integrated rectangular indicators. 

The water-cooled 4-cylinder in-line engine was also taken over. The stroke was increased from 66 mm to 90 mm, which yielded 1901 cc capacity with initially 42.5 kW, later 44 kW. In test mode, this increase in output led to vibrations at higher speeds. Fiat countered this problem with the installation of a hydraulic clutch and a 5-speed gearbox with a quickly translated fifth low gear. The vehicle had a steering wheel circuit. The first gear was only needed under heavy load or on the mountain. The full elasticity of the translation, however, was noticeable in fourth gear, which was able to stay in the car from about 30 to the top speed of 130 km / h. 

The interior of the 1900 was elaborately designed in the style of American vehicles and richly equipped. If the vehicle was two-tone on the outside, both colors were also reflected in the dashboard finish. The instrument unit included a clock, tank and oil pressure gauge and warning lights for the water temperature and charging voltage. The speedometer had a trip meter and offered the possibility to calculate the average speed. Later he was replaced by a classic variant. Due to a changed back seat, the available space was a few centimeters larger compared to 1400. 

In addition to the four-door sedan came with the Fiat 1900 Granluce at the same time a two-door hardtop - coupe was on sale. Outside Italy , it was called the Grand Vue. It was based on the 1400 Cabriolet, but had only the doors together with this, which made possible with its above-average width of 1 360 mm,this gave comfortablet space for rear passengers on  boarding. Opposite the sedan, the stylists had lowered the roof by 7 cm and provided with a three-part panoramic rear window . The coupe had no B-pillar ; the rear side windows were retractable. Outwardly larger bumpers , a modified rear end and another grille with round Fog lights on. As standard there was a car radio of the type Autovox RA 15. The antenna could be with a small crank in the footwell of the driver and retracted.

Prices were well above the other Fiat vehicles, but just below what competitors demand for comparable cars has been.  Since the 1900 in comparison but lacked charisma and reputation, sales remained low. That's why the car was not exported to the US.Especially for the Italian police Fiat produced a small series, which was referred to as 1900 Torpedo Veloce. This was nothing else than the 1400 Cabriolet , equipped with the more powerful 1900 engine and classic power transmission. This faster version had a maximum of 135 km / h . Until the introduction of the Fiat 1900 A, a total of just over 10,000 units of all three model variants were built together. 

Fiat 1900 A 

In 1954, the model was slightly revised and was now 1900 A. The sedan followed essentially the already made in 1400 changes. In the interior, many improvements were made. Most striking was the redesigned dashboard. Outside, especially the enlarged rear window was worth mentioning. The front fenders were reshaped and with larger headlamps. The front grille was again a revision, after which now two round fog lights were integrated in the middle. New hubcaps and trim completed the optical retouching. Through a compression increase from 6.7: 1 to 7.5: 1 and modifications to the dual carburetor, the power increased to 51 kW at 4 500 / min. Enlarging the tank from 48 to 55 liters and optimizing fuel consumption from 11.5 to 10.5 l / 100 km brought the customer's desired increase in range.The Granluce received the same rework, but there was again a separate grille version. Rectangular fog lights were integrated below the headlights. Furthermore, the panoramic window was enlarged.. Overall, the second series came to a total of 7 027 vehicles. 

Fiat 1900 B 

The replacement by the 1900 B took place in 1956.For the sedan, there were only a few changes. Again, a modified grille was used, in the middle of which now sat a single fog light. For the Granluce it stayed with two fog lamps, but these were struck here in the lower part of the grill. The fenders overall were different in comparison to the sedan. They now had small arched overhangs above the headlights.Also the rear and the bumpers were changed. The interior was upgraded according to the contemporary taste with contrasting elements and the introduction of a belt speedometer.

Both variants benefited from increased engine power. It now stood at 59 kW at a top speed of 145 km / h.For the third series were still about 2 500 buyers.  Therefore, ended in late 1958, the production of 1900. Overall, About 20,000 manufactured vehicles rather moderately successful. 

Fiat 1900 in Austria 

Shortly after its presentation in Italy, 1900 in Austria came on the market in 1953 through the company Steyr , with whom a cooperation based on an assembly contract existed. The only difference in addition to the Fiat Steyr emblems was the installation of a 2-liter Steyr engine, which was stronger and more revving with 48 kW at 4000 rpm. Accordingly, the vehicle was also marketed as Steyr 2000 . Available were both the sedan and the coupe Grand Vue. Plans to realize their own convertible silted up in the planning phase.Since no technical changes were made, the Steyr also had the hydraulic clutch of the 1900, which was not absolutely necessary, but noticeably increased comfort. But was also offered as a Steyr 2000 standard variant with a normal clutch from the Fiat 1400th