Unveiled at the 1956 Brussels Motor Show, the Dante Giacosa-designed Fiat 600 Multipla was a marvel of clever packaging.

Thanks to a forward cabin positioned above the front axle and the absence of a front boot, the Multipla could accommodate up to six adults in relative comfort despite sharing the same wheelbase as the standard 600 saloon and measuring little longer than a Mini Cooper.

The Multipla became a staple of Italian metropolitan street scenes for the following two decades, owing to exterior dimensions that were perfectly suited to narrow city roads, and the genius use of internal space.

As versatile as it was practical, the Fiat 600 Multipla was put to work in countless different ways.

While many were used as taxis—particularly in the service of hotels—some saw action as fire engines and even ambulances.

Chassis 080017 is an example of the latter, and was converted for medical use by Carrozzeria Coriasco of Turin.

The cabin was completely re-worked to accommodate a full...