Fiat made quite an impact in 1959 when they released the 1800 series as a prestigious limousine that sported not only a self-supporting body but also a then highly popular trapezoidal shape. Identified as “Grigio medio”, or “Medium grey” in English, the paintwork of the original now adorns the WIKING classic under the black paint of the roof. The model largely owes its wealth of contemporary style to its intricately imprinted ornamental trim – a richness in detail that speaks volumes of how forward-looking Italian auto makers were in the nineteen sixties. Even before its WIKING model was first introduced in 1962, the prototype of the six-cylinder automobile had already earned the reputation of Italian’s principal import limousine. Quickly finding its place among Europe’s top-of-the-line limousines, the medium-power model 1800 set new standards for design with its striking Turin style. Given an overhaul in 1961, the 1800 rolled off the line until 1968. Its WIKING model counterpart was removed from the line-up in the same year.
