1961 Fiat 2300
The six cylinders in line have only been around since the 1800 was introduced in 1959. Its displacement is increased to 2.1 liters, but the body remains the same. This is different with the Fiat 2300. Here, once again,
the stroke has been increased from 77 to 78 mm and the bore from 73.5 to 79.5 mm.
With these dimensions, the intake valve plates and the cross-sections in the intake system increase in size. The 2300 now has a Weber twin carburetor, which, unlike the one in the 2100, is equipped with a choke instead
of an automatic starter.
Accordingly, the compression also remains unchanged. The engine is considered to be extremely powerful in the lower rev range, even in the lower three gears. And even if it gets loud at high speeds, surprisingly little of
this can be heard inside the passenger compartment.
The slightly higher fuel consumption typical of a six-cylinder engine of that era (e.g., also at Mercedes) is countered by an electrically operated gear with a longer transmission ratio, which can only be meaningfully used in
fourth gear.
It is interesting to note that it can be deactivated by pressing down hard on the accelerator pedal. Typical for a company that is so progressive and sometimes even courageous in its approach to car bodies, but tends to be
rather conservative in the luxury class. The 2300 doesn't look particularly sporty.
When designing the bodywork, Dante Giacosa adhered even more strictly to the trapezoidal shape than Mercedes, for example, at that time. It stands out from its smaller siblings only through a modified front mask and
more chrome. The fact that these already had disc brakes, which were reinforced here, is quite remarkable.
In contrast, the rear axle has been simplified because it has been redesigned and therefore no longer features lateral guidance via a Panhard rod. So, we assume that this vehicle is intended for a slightly less sporty
driving style.
In contrast, the rear axle has been simplified because it has been redesigned and therefore no longer features lateral guidance via a Panhard rod. Here too, it is common to use fittings to create a continuous lying surface.
Comparable to the Mercedes 220, with dual headlights for low beam and high beam.
The seats also typically offer little lateral support, and the suspension is considered too hard for this class. Incidentally, in Germany it comes with a sunroof as standard. In other markets, it is even available with automatic
transmission.
The station wagon version, which Mercedes would never have offered for any amount of money, had the same interior as the Fiat 2300. And while we're on the subject of money, a Mercedes with a six-cylinder engine is
practically half a class higher and noticeably more expensive.
However, these differences are also reflected in customer satisfaction, albeit in the opposite direction. Although Fiat sold well, mainly in Italy, it never reached the level of Mercedes it was aiming for. Luxury car customers
are simply more critical.
| In 1963, the more luxurious 2300 Speziale with an 8 cm longer wheelbase was launched. |
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