There’s no denying it—the Fiat Multipla is one of the most polarizing vehicles ever created. Having graced European roads from 1998 to 2010 and maintained its presence in China until 2013, it’s a minivan often cited as one of the world’s ugliest, yet paradoxically commended for its innovative 6-seater cabin layout.
To commemorate its 25th anniversary, Stellantis has unveiled plans for a one-of-a-kind special edition featuring a whimsical cartoon-themed design. This unique model that is intended for sale as a collector’s item, will likely be based on a restored example of the original.
Contrary to its name, the Fiat Multipla 6×6 isn’t a six-wheeler conversion but rather a special edition themed around six cartoon personas. These creations are the brainchildren of Roberto Giollito, the designer of the Multipla, who currently leads the Stellantis Heritage department. He unveiled his latest creation through a series of hand-drawn sketches in the video below.
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The 6 characters were originally made for the Italian MPV’s launch back in 1998, showcasing the diverse characteristics of its target audience and highlighting its unique 3+3 seating arrangement. The cartoons driving their own Multiplas can be found on the hood and sides of the vehicle, while they also individually appear on the seats.
In the front row, we find an adventurer driver, an attractive woman co-driver, and a baby racer in the middle. Second-row passengers include a businessman on his laptop, a meditating monk, and a hippie relaxing thanks to the individually reclining seatbacks.
The bodywork of the Fiat Multipla 6×6 is painted in a special light blue color called Bio Turquoise, combined with a light grey-white shade for the originally unpainted bumpers, moldings, and wheels. The interior theme features the same material for the doors and dashboard, with a contrasting dark blue fabric upholstery for the seats.
The Fiat Multipla 6×6 was only shown in sketches as the actual model is “currently under production” and will be exhibited at the Milano Auto Classica Show between November 17 and 19. After that, the one-off will be offered for sale as a collector’s car.
The Multipla represents the second installment in Stellantis’ Heritage projects, with the first being the recently announced one-off Alfa Romeo 4C Designer’s Cut. Given the extensive heritage of brands such as Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and Abarth, it is safe to assume that similar projects will follow in the future based on other discontinued models.
The six-seater minivan was sold in Europe between 1998 and 2010, although the 2004 facelift traded the controversial split headlights of the original for a more conventional (and boring) design. During the announcement of the one-off special, Giollito described his creation as being “too forward-thinking and innovative to be accepted”. The designer added that today there are clubs restoring Multiplas to their original specifications, as people seem to understand it better now than they did back then.
