| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1967 |
| Production Years: | 1966 - 1982 discontinued in 1982 |
The Fiat 238 Serie, produced from 1966 to 1982, is a classic minivan that offered versatile utility and compact dimensions suited for both commercial and recreational uses during its era. As a minivan, the Fiat 238 combined practicality with style, catering to a broad range of customers in the growing commercial vehicle market of the late 1960s through the early 1980s. Its design was characterized by a boxy yet functional silhouette, maximizing interior space for passengers and cargo while maintaining a manageable overall footprint. While specific exact dimensions can vary slightly depending on the model and configuration, the Fiat 238 commonly measured approximately 4.5 meters (about 177 inches) in length, offering ample room for a mid-sized minivan of its time. The width generally hovered around 1.7 meters (approximately 67 inches), and the height was about 1.9 meters (around 75 inches), dimensions that allowed for good interior volume without compromising maneuverability on narrow city streets or highways. The 238 Serie's construction focused on robustness and ease of maintenance, traits valued by businesses and families alike. The vehicle's utilitarian approach included a relatively straightforward chassis and mechanical components, ensuring its popularity with users who needed reliability. Across its 16-year production run, the Fiat 238 became a symbol of practical vehicle engineering from Fiat, bridging the gap between passenger vans and commercial utility vehicles. Enthusiasts and collectors today recognize the 238 Serie for its historical significance in the European minivan segment, reflecting the automotive design trends of the 1960s and 1970s. Overall, the Fiat 238 Serie stands out as a noteworthy representative of classic Italian utility vehicles, blending compact size with considerable interior space, making it a versatile choice for a variety of needs.
Discover the standout features that make the 1967 Fiat 238-serie a leader in its class
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The Fiat 238-serie, produced from 1966 to 1982, measures approximately 4,255 mm (167.5 inches) in length, 1,690 mm (66.5 inches) in width, and around 1,950 mm (76.8 inches) in height. These dimensions made it a compact yet practical minivan for its time, allowing maneuverability in urban environments while still offering sufficient internal space for passengers and cargo.
The Fiat 238-serie has a wheelbase of about 2,450 mm (96.5 inches). This moderate wheelbase length provides a balanced compromise between stability and maneuverability. The relatively short wheelbase allowed the vehicle to navigate narrow streets and tight corners effectively while providing enough interior space to accommodate passengers comfortably, particularly in a minivan configuration.
The Fiat 238-serie's curb weight is approximately 1,100 to 1,200 kg (2,425 to 2,645 lbs) depending on the specific configuration and equipment. This relatively lightweight construction contributed to decent fuel efficiency for its era and allowed the vehicle’s engine options to deliver adequate performance for city driving and light cargo transport, making the 238-serie a practical choice for commercial and family use.
The Fiat 238-serie was designed as a versatile minivan with a spacious interior optimized for cargo and passenger transportation. While exact volume figures vary with seating arrangements, the vehicle typically offered ample loading space whether configured for commercial deliveries or as a family minivan. Its flexible interior allowed for seats to be removed or folded, increasing cargo space and making it practical for various transportation needs.
The Fiat 238-serie's height of approximately 1,950 mm (76.8 inches) might be slightly taller than many modern passenger cars but generally fits into a typical residential garage, which often has a clearance height of around 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) or more. Its compact length and width also enable it to fit comfortably, although clearance should be verified depending on the specific garage dimensions, especially with any roof racks or modifications.
With a width of 1,690 mm (66.5 inches), the Fiat 238-serie is relatively narrow compared to some contemporary minivans. This narrower profile facilitated easier driving through narrow European streets and tighter parking situations, making it well-suited for urban environments. However, the relatively compact width may have slightly limited shoulder room inside the cabin when compared to wider, more modern minivans designed with more spacious interiors.
The Fiat 238-serie was introduced as a successor to the earlier Fiat 1100T and similar commercial vans. Compared to its predecessors, the 238 featured a more modern design, improved chassis, and slightly more compact overall dimensions. It offered a more efficient use of interior space and more versatility for passenger and cargo configurations, reflecting evolving needs for urban transport and small business use during its production period.
During the 1960s and 1970s, many European minivans were larger and bulkier, while the Fiat 238-serie retained a relatively compact footprint with practical height for cargo flexibility. Its smaller width allowed easier maneuverability on narrow roads in Europe, and its robust build made it reliable for various uses. This balance of size and utility allowed the Fiat 238 to compete effectively with vehicles like the Volkswagen Type 2 and the Ford Transit of the era.
The Fiat 238-serie stands at about 1,950 mm (76.8 inches) tall, with a boxy shape that maximizes interior volume. Its flat roof design generally supported the addition of roof racks or carrying external cargo loads, enhancing its utility as a commercial vehicle. This feature was particularly valuable for carrying ladders, long goods, or additional luggage, making the vehicle versatile for both family and business uses.
The Fiat 238-serie typically accommodated between six and nine passengers, depending on configuration. Its interior was designed for practicality rather than luxury, featuring simple seats and straightforward layouts. Compared to contemporary minivans, the 238 offered competitive seating numbers but with more utilitarian comfort levels, focusing on durability and space rather than plush amenities, which aligned well with its commercial and family-oriented use cases.
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