FIATS FINE 2300 COUPE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29637, 6 October 1961, Page 11

FIATS FINE 2300 COUPE

A COUPE version of the ‘‘Fiat 2300 has recently been announced in Europe. A fast, luxury ear in the grand touring style, it is available in two version: the standard version equipped ■with an engine producing 105 b.h.p. and the 2300 S. version with a twin • carburettor power-plant delivering 136 bh_p. The standard 2300 Is claimed by the makers to be capable of attaining a top speed of more than 109 miles an hour, while a top speed in excess of 116 miles an Mur is claimed for the 2300 S.

The six-cylinder 2279 c.c. engines of the two coupes are derived from that of the 2300 saloon, but differ in

several details. Compression ratio has been increased to 95 to 1, a thermostaticallycontrolled fan has been fitted, the 2300 standard coupe has one dual-barrel downdraught carburettor and the 2300 S. has twin horizontal carburettors. Disc Brakes The coupes are fitted with servo-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels. A footrest is provided for the driver’s left foot and the front, passenger’s seat is complete with a footrest. There is a grab on the dashboard. The dashboard itself is completely padded and all switches ana instruments fit flush. The instruments include a tachometer reading to 8000 r.p.m. water temperature and oil pressure gauges, a speedometer complete with trip recorder, a fuel gauge, an oil thermometer and an electric clock.

There are tell-tale lights for the direction indicators, warning lights which show when parking lights high beam lights, carburettor choke and hand brake are on, and generator charge, low oil pressure, and fuel reserve warning lights. Piano-key type switches are grouped at the lower edge of the instrument panel and the facia

include* a lockable glove box with an automatic in. terior light

Heating The coupes are fitted with heating and ventilating equipment which Includes windscreen and rear window demisting fans. Courtesy lights are fitted on both sides of the Interior and in the rear vision mirror. A red parking light, located in the door jamb and visible from the rear, warns approaching motorists that a door is open. The number plate light is combined with the reversing light. The two-door body contain* bucket seats in front and a bench seat for two passengers at the rear. The line of the roof is elongated to blend with the rear win. dow and to provide extra

bead room for back-seat passengers.

There is a large boot and at the side of each fender is a warm air outlet from the engine. The bonnet is hinged at the front

The upholstery is of cloth, but the car Can be ordered with leather upholstery and an electrically-operated window control. The large sports-type steering wheel has light alloy spokes and wooden handgrips. The horn, controlled by a push-button, in the centre of the wheel, has two tones.

The coot of the coupe in New Zealand is not known, and in any case they are at present only made in lefthand drive, although a R.H.D. model could be produced in the future.