The Fiat 642 is a lorry produced by Fiat Veicoli Industriali from 1952 to 1963, when it was replaced by the Fiat 643. It was developed through several series, from the N2 of 1955 to the N65 and T65 of 1960, and its chassis was also used for a bus, the 642 RN, with a lowered frame.
Fiat 642 at a glance
| Production | 1952–1963 |
|---|---|
| Type | lorry, also built as a bus chassis |
| Manufacturer | Fiat Veicoli Industriali |
| Replaced by | Fiat 643 |
| Engine | Fiat 364 six-cylinder, 6,032 cm³ |
| Power | 92–100 CV at 2,000 rpm |
| From 1960 | 7,298 cm³, 120 CV |
| Combination weight | 23 tonnes |
| Trailer weight | 12 tonnes |
| Bus version | 642 RN with lowered chassis |
based on one source
History of the Fiat 642
Development
The 642 entered production in 1952. Its early versions were powered by the Fiat 364, a six-cylinder engine of 6,032 cm³ that produced between 92 and 100 CV at 2,000 rpm. From 1960 the engine was enlarged to 7,298 cm³ and produced 120 CV.
In 1955 the lorry received a new cab, known as baffo after its new grille, and was designated N2. The mechanicals were updated a little but the engine stayed at 92 CV at 2,000 rpm. Later the N6, N6R and T6 models were introduced: the last two were uprated to 100 CV at 2,200 rpm, while the N6 remained at 92 CV with slight mechanical and bodywork changes compared with the N2.
The last update came in 1960 with the N65, N65R and T65. The engine grew to 7,290 cm³ and 120 CV, and the differentials were either single-reduction on the N65 or double-reduction on the N65R and T65. The maximum combination weight was 23 tonnes and the towable weight 12 tonnes.
The 642 RN bus
The Fiat 642 RN is the bus version derived from the lorry, fitted with a lowered chassis, which explains the letter R in the designation. It was replaced in 1958 by the Fiat 309, another bus designed from scratch like the 306, rather than a particular body on lorry mechanicals.
The 642 RN was available in line and gran turismo versions. It was bodied by several coachbuilders, among them Barbi, which also produced a particular panoramic version, and Carrozzeria Bianchi & C., already a supplier of vehicles to the Holy See, which built three special church buses.
Design and features
- Six-cylinder power: the Fiat 364 engine, later enlarged to 7,298 cm³ and 120 CV.
- N and T series: the N2, N6, N6R, T6 and later N65, N65R and T65 versions.
- Heavy duties: a 23-tonne combination weight and 12 tonnes towable.
- 642 RN bus: a lowered chassis made the lorry suitable for bus bodywork.
- Coachbuilt buses: Barbi built a panoramic version and Bianchi three church buses.
Fiat 642 versions
- 642 (1952): original lorry with the Fiat 364 engine.
- N2 (1955): new baffo cab and updated mechanicals.
- N6, N6R and T6: later series, the R and T versions with 100 CV.
- N65, N65R and T65: 1960 update with 7,290 cm³ and 120 CV.
- 642 RN: bus derivative with a lowered chassis.
The 642 RN bus was replaced by the Fiat 309, and the lorry itself by the Fiat 643; the later Fiat 682 is covered separately. More cars are in the Fiat collection.
Sources
- Fiat 642, Italian Wikipedia: production, N and T series, engines, weights, 642 RN bus
