One of the Weirdest Looking Cars Ever: The Fiat Multipla, 12 Years On
Find out why the Fiat Multipla is one of the weirdest cars ever—and why it's become a bit of a collector's item since it went out of production 12 years ago.
, most people want a reliable and affordable model, usually a Toyota Camry or Honda Civic.
However, if you’re looking for something a little less ordinary, the Fiat Multipla is worth considering. Never heard of it? That’s not surprising.
Fiat has a strange relationship with the U.S. Back in the day, the Italian brand had a reputation for poor quality and sales were poor. Subsequently, Fiat pulled out of North America in 1983, only returning in 2009 with the
During its U.S. hiatus, Fiat produced the Multipla MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) for sale in Europe. It went out of production 12 years ago, but the car’s unique design has led to it becoming something of a collector’s item.
Here’s a closer look at one of the weirdest—and ugliest—cars of all time.
In production from 1998 to 2004, the original Fiat Multipla was based on the Fiat Bravo/Brava, but was significantly shorter and wider.
This stocky frame enabled two rows of three seats, with additional cargo room. If it was released today, people would call the Multipla a compact SUV, but there really is no North American equivalent.
, the Multipla had oversized windows, with the windscreen set atop a bulbous ridge that gave the car a unique profile. Visibility was excellent, but critics said it looked clumsy and unappealing.
The Multipla had other unusual features, including a double sunroof, two glove compartments, and sun visors so big you could block out the entire view.
The rear center seat could fold down into a small table, and a popular modification was to remove it altogether, in favor of a small fridge. Told you it was weird!
In response to flagging sales and some body shaming, Fiat redesigned the Multipla in 2004. The facelift softened the lumpy frame, but sales remained flat, and Fiat pulled the plug altogether in 2010.
In its heyday, the Multipla was considered a reliable family car, but most people thought it was ugly. Kids would be embarrassed if their parents turned up in one at the school gates.
Now, 12 years after its retirement, the Multipla is finally starting to get some recognition. The narrative is shifting to frame it as a unique and memorable vehicle.
Sure, it looked a bit like a frog with a muffin top, but it did its own thing, and that’s cool, right?
Whatever your opinion, the Fiat Multipla was unusual enough to become a sought-after collector’s item. In good condition, a used Multipla costs about £10,000 in the UK ($14,000).
Not bad, considering these models are pretty old, and once upon a time they were about as desirable as a stubbed toe!
Insurance for a Fiat
But there is a problem. As with any Fiat, the Multipla wasn’t necessarily the safest or most reliable car. So, if you decide to invest, it’s vital to have the right car insurance. For that, try the
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