| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1976 |
| Production Years: | 1978 - 1986 discontinued in 1986 |
The Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino, manufactured between 1978 and 1986, is a classic example of an Italian minivan designed primarily for commercial and passenger transport. This generation of the Fiat 900 series is characterized by its compact yet practical dimensions, making it ideally suited for urban deliveries as well as small group transportation. While exact length, width, height, and weight figures vary depending on specific model variations, the Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino typically offers a size that balances maneuverability and cargo capacity. Its relatively compact footprint supports efficient navigation on narrow city streets common in Europe during the late 20th century. The vehicle’s utilitarian design emphasized functionality, reflecting Fiat’s focus on light commercial vehicles in this era. Despite its modest external size, the minivan-style body provided flexible interior space, making it a versatile choice for businesses and families alike. The Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino holds a niche appeal thanks to its historical production period from 1978 to 1986, which places it alongside other contemporary commercial vehicles but with quintessential Italian styling cues. It remains a noteworthy example among classic European minivans, especially for enthusiasts interested in 1970s and 1980s transportation solutions with practical dimensions and straightforward engineering.
Discover the standout features that make the 1976 Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino a leader in its class
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The Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino produced between 1978 and 1986 was a compact minivan designed primarily for utility. Its overall length is approximately 3,550 mm (139.8 inches), width around 1,485 mm (58.5 inches), and height about 1,940 mm (76.4 inches). These dimensions provided a practical balance between compact external size and internal cargo capacity, making it suitable for both personal and commercial use in urban settings.
With a width of roughly 1,485 mm (58.5 inches), the Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino is relatively narrow compared to modern vehicles, which typically facilitates easier maneuvering in congested city streets and tight parking spots. Its compact width, along with a modest turning radius typical of small minivans of the era, makes it well-suited for navigating narrow roads and urban environments where space is limited.
The Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino has a height of approximately 1,940 mm (76.4 inches). This elevated roof height contributes to generous interior headroom, which benefits passengers and cargo loading accessibility. However, this taller stance means that some low-clearance garages—especially older or residential ones—might require caution. Nevertheless, the height remains within the range of conventional garages, although drivers should always measure their garage clearance before parking.
The curb weight of the Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino generally falls around 900 kg to 1,000 kg (approximately 1,984 to 2,205 lbs), depending on the specific model and equipment. This relatively lightweight construction helped improve fuel efficiency and maneuverability. Compared to larger minivans from the same era that could weigh significantly more, the 900 T/E's lighter weight reflects its compact size and simple, utilitarian design.
Yes, the Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino is generally compact enough to fit into a standard residential garage. Typical residential garages have widths ranging from 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) to 3,000 mm (118 inches) and heights above 2,000 mm (78.7 inches), so with the Pulmino’s width of approximately 1,485 mm (58.5 inches) and height at about 1,940 mm (76.4 inches), it should fit comfortably. Drivers should confirm their specific garage dimensions to ensure ease of parking, as clearance can vary by property.
Despite its compact external dimensions, the Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino offers efficient use of interior space. The vehicle was designed primarily as a people mover and light cargo transporter, featuring a maximized cabin height and boxy shape to facilitate better standing room and cargo volume. Although precise cargo volume figures vary by configuration, the Pulmino typically offers seating for five to six passengers and sufficient rear space to carry luggage or goods, making it versatile for urban commercial and family use.
The Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino of 1978 to 1986 is an evolution of the previous 900 T/E generation, keeping much of the compact footprint but optimizing the interior layout and body style to better serve as a minivan. Externally, the dimensions remain quite similar, though minor adjustments may have been made to height or length for improved cargo and passenger space. The Pulmino variant is specifically tailored for multi-purpose use, whereas the predecessor may have been more utilitarian or focused on different commercial applications.
The Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino competes with various small European vans like the Citroën Acadiane and the Volkswagen Transporter T2 in terms of size and utility. Compared to these, the Pulmino is smaller and more compact than the Transporter, which is larger and designed for heavier commercial use. The Acadiane is similarly sized but with different engine and suspension layouts. Overall, the Fiat 900 T/E emphasizes maneuverability and efficient urban use through modest dimensions, while offering practical interior space for small loads and passengers.
The Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino typically housed small-displacement inline-4 petrol engines aimed at efficiency and reliability rather than high performance, in line with its utilitarian role. Engine sizes were commonly around 0.9 to 1.0 liters, delivering modest horsepower optimized for city driving and short-range transport. This powertrain configuration ensured economical fuel consumption and easy maintenance, making the Pulmino a practical choice for commercial users and families needing a compact, reliable vehicle.
Yes, the Fiat 900 T/E Pulmino saw several updates compared to earlier Fiat vans, including improved interior ergonomics, more comfortable seating arrangements, and enhanced cargo accessibility. The design incorporated more passenger-focused features and a slightly more modern body style tailored toward versatility. Electrical and mechanical components were also refined over the production years to improve reliability and ease of use, solidifying the Pulmino’s reputation as a practical, adaptable minivan for both commercial and private use.
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