Why Americans are only now allowed to drive a Fiat Multipla

The Fiat Multipla is considered by many to be the ugliest car of all time. Because of this, the controversial Italian has become a style icon. At least in Europe. Because in America they are only allowed to drive the Multipla since this year.

By the Multipla we mean the model that has been in production since 1998. The 1956 Fiat 600 Multipla has been allowed to drive around America for a while. This is because this car went into production much earlier. We explain exactly how this works below.

Americans are only now allowed to drive a Fiat Multipla

Why are Americans only allowed to drive a Fiat Multipla now? In the US there is a law designed to protect American automakers from gray imports.

Since 1998, no cars may be imported into the United States that were not originally shipped to the country. Such a car is only allowed into the country after 25 years, because then it is “collectable”.

While of course it’s no fun if you can’t import your dream car just yet – although that won’t be so bad with the Multipla – it’s nice that new old models become available every year when you live in America. This year, in addition to the Fiat Multipla, the Alfa Romeo 166, Mitsubishi Lancer EVO V, Subaru Impreza 22B and Rover 75 will also be there.

The classic

Although such a Multipla has an iconic design, the 600 Multipla is a much smarter model. This old Italian was also a practical MPV. For example, it was used as a taxi.

Geer van den Berg fell in love with the design some thirty years ago and imported the practical yet compact Italian himself. In the video below he tells how he bought the car and his experiences with the characteristic classic car.