To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Fort Lauderdale event, April 1-3, 2016.

Chassis No.
5156250

Estimate:
$ 12,000 - $ 18,000 US

Moretti Motor Company is a former Italian based automobile manufacturer that was founded in 1925. Moretti Motors produced a variety of models at different times including sports cars, motorcycles, microcars and several commercial vehicles.

A major shift in Moretti Motors' operations came in the latter part of the 1950s when they ceased designing and building complete cars. In an effort to reduce costs and overhead, the company switched to using Fiat mechanicals and chassis for all of its conventional automobiles. Thanks to the friendship between Giovanni Moretti and Gianni Agnelli, Moretti Motors was able to strike a favorable agreement with Fiat to continue using the Fiat chassis for a series of special/low volume models.

In 1967 Moretti produced only 2,600 cars, in 1973 only 3,292 were produced, and by 1974 production was down to only 1,071. In the seventies, Moretti switched to building mini off-roading vehicles on Fiat platforms. The Fiat 500-based "Minimaxi" first appeared in 1970, and was later adapted to take 126 mechanical components.

After battling through several years of decline, the Moretti Motor Company officially ceased operations in December 1989.

This restored “Minimaxi” represents the variant that is based upon the Fiat 126 platform. A 39.8-cid two-cylinder engine matched with a four-speed manual transmission powers this uncommon offering. The body displays angular lines with two large side doors, a targa-type hoop, and distinctive “channels” that wrap the sides and rear, including the small tailgate. The windshield is hinged to lie flat and the soft-top can be deployed with side curtains. Wood trim surrounds the windshield, targa hoop, upper doors and rear bed area. Headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals help provide driving confidence for this otherwise nothing-but-fun Italian runabout.
1978 Moretti 126 Minimaxi "Beach Cruiser"