– By Eric Fantin – The Fiat 1800/2100/2300/1500L was the top-of-the-line model in the big Fiat family in the 60’s. It was produced in various guises from 1959 to 1969 as a sedan or wagon. Production was not very high by Fiat standards, around 140,000 units for Italy. This pales in comparison to the Fiat 500 or 600 which was produced in the millions. Other production facilities included South America and in Spain, under the Spanish branch of Fiat, Seat, where a cheaper 4-cylinder version was made from 1961 to 1972.
The big Fiat (by European standards), was a modern up-to-date car with the typical Pininfarina angular, taught lines of that era. The same family of “body style” could be seen in the Peugeot 404 and the Austin Cambridge. The car has a 6-cylinder engine of various displacements with an alloy head, torsion bar front suspension, and disk brakes all around in latter models.
As many car enthusiasts of the nostalgic-type will relate, I have been smitten with this model since I was 10 years, (it takes all kinds). I was able to own a 1965 2300 Berlina in Europe when I was young and was forced to sell it when I moved to US in the mid-eighties (to my great despair). The car was only imported into the US in 1960/61 as the Fiat 2100 model. After 25+ years of combing classifieds I finally found one in Denver, Azuro Medio in color, somewhat tired, but original, in running condition. It’s the only I have ever seen for sale on this side of the pond.
Since acquiring it I have made it more useable, but one nagging issue was rust under the windshield, an ugly problem requiring careful surgery. I finally tackled the problem this winter with trepidation. It requires obviously, removing the windshield, keep in mind if broken, the part is not available anywhere but in Europe at a great cost not even factoring in the shipping.
After the windshield was removed (still in one piece!), I was able to tackle the welding and re-created part of the lip destroyed by the rust (almost starting a fire in the process!).
Once everything was primed and painted, I was able to source a new seal and gingerly installed the windshield with the old fashion rope process, as some of you will relate to. After many hours of potentially heart-attack-inducing work, involving a lot of soapy water, the windshield was in! Nothing broken!!
I felt as exalted at the time as if I had completed the ascension of Mount Everest!! Mouldings were again fastened to the seal. I was also able to blend the rest of the paint surround the windshield and fenders to create the slight worn out look the car has. I have no intention to paint the whole car anyway, and I want to keep the original overall feel of the car as it was. Now, one these days, I will rebuild the worn out engine…
Eric Fantin can be reached at straigh8@gmail.com if you have any questions about this project or would like any help working on your own automotive treasure.