For the second half of the 20th century, these FIAT trucks were a common sight on the road and wherever there was work to be done in continental Europe. The 241 along with its sibling, the 238, served as the Turin firm’s answer to the VW Type 2 Bus as the multipurpose platform on which to mount numerous functional body styles. Both were the successors to the 1100T introduced in 1957 and the twins served very much the same purpose as simple, dependable transportation. Unlike the Volkswagen, Fiat employed two separate drivetrain setups between the 241 and 238. The former being a rear-drive with the motor-mounted midship between the seats, while the latter was front-drive with the motor similarly located under the passenger bench. This allowed for endless variation and further provided customers the opportunity to purchase exactly what they needed. 241’s are all powered by 4-cylinders either in 1.5-liter gasoline or 1.9-liter diesel form. 

While many different shapes exist behind the cab, upfront the familiar friendly face shared by many FIATs of the period can be found and makes for a charming look. It is a clean design that provides excellent visibility out of the wide front windscreen and is surely a feature appreciated by all that had to maneuver the small truck through the medieval streets of Continental Europe. Having served as delivery vehicles, work trucks, and even within the military, it is only fitting that these multipurpose FIATs can now serve as members of fine classic automobile collections.

The 1978 Fiat 241 offered here, chassis 241ATN070816, was first registered for use on Dutch roads in 2018 according to the documents on file. Sometime thereafter, the vehicle was exported and joined a collection located in the Pacific Northwest. Beyond these details, little is known about the FIATs whereabouts prior to this time. That being said, the wonderful condition exhibited by the truck today indicates that this 241 was well taken care of over the course of many decades, and the roughly 46,000km present on the odometer all but certifies this. Within the past couple of months, the vehicle was coaxed back into life, and after simply juicing the batteries back up, the diesel motor fired back into life. 

A relatively common body style, this 241 features a traditional 2-seat cab with a pickup bed out back. Highly functional, the corrugated metal sides are all hinged to drop down and provide easier access to the cargo. While some dent repair work was recently finished, we believe the FIAT to be highly original with both its interior and most of the paint still present. As a consequence of its former commercial duties, areas of paint that have been touched up appear to have been done so with a brush. This is common of the period and yet another detail that adds to the many endearing qualities of the truck. Additionally, the Saint Gobain glass shows to be all original and matching with even the proper seals still in place. While the many decades have largely been kind to the truck, there are some minor flaws present in the way of scuffs, chips, and small spots of surface corrosion. The interior shows in very much the same way, however, the seat upholstery has held up incredibly well with even small scratches being difficult to find. Shifting the transmission is completed via the column while a basic binnacle housing Veglia instrumentation provides the operator a speedometer and fuel gauge. It must be said there is little in the way of creature comforts but this only bolsters the raw and pure driving experience- especially with the diesel churning a foot away.  All of these little details add to create a charming and usable finish that will be appreciated by those who care for preservation. 

We can further happily report that the switches, gauges, lights, and respective components are all functioning as intended. The motor runs strong and the transmission shifts smoothly. Overall the FIAT operates as intended and will be ready to use for its next owner. It should be noted however that the tires are beginning to age, and should be replaced sometime in the near future. 

A slightly larger and fantastic alternative to some of the Kei Trucks now making their way onto our shores, the FIAT 241 offers all of the practicality but with some additional Italian charm. The vehicle is complete with its spare tire and jack but also features an instruction manual in Dutch for those looking to brush up on their low country vernacular. Perfect as a shop truck or even a bike hauler, this FIAT will most certainly be a trusty tool for its next owner.

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