Fiat 642 N2 and mustache interior
From 1952 to 1963, Fiat Veicoli Industriali produced a series of heavy trucks. Fiat 642 which has decreased in models over the years 642 N (from 1952 to 1955), 642 T (from 1953 to 1955), 642 N2 (from 1955 to 1958), 642 T2 (from 1956 to 1958), 642 N6 (from 1956 to 1960), 642 N6R e 642 T6 (from 1958 to 1960), 642 N65, 642 N65R, 642 T65 (from January 1960, 1963 to May XNUMX, XNUMX).
Recall that at that time the letters after the number indicated "Oil" for N, "Tractor with a semitrailer" for T and "with a trailer" for R.
Mustache cabin
In 1955, the first model 642 underwent a restyling, the engine remained from the Fiat 364, a 6-cylinder engine with a volume of 6.032 cc, producing from 92 to 100 hp. at 2.000 rpm. new rounded cab called "mustache" which debuted the same year and was given the acronym N2.
La improved cab The mustache Fiat became the emblem of the Fiat VI trucks from '55 to '74 and was designed to match new road code Italian (1952), which introduced new vehicle regulations in accordance with the Geneva Convention (1949) in relation to international traffic.
Laughing truck
For twenty years they have been produced three generations of this type of cab, but from the first (from 55 to 60) the characteristic chrome crossbar debuted, which horizontally cuts through the grille of vertical chrome bars.
The mustache also reminded many of a smile, for which the Fiat truck was nicknamed "Laughing Truck".
In addition to the Fiat 642 N2, the first generation of mustachioed cabins were equipped with the Fiat 639N, Fiat 682N / T, Fiat 642N, Fiat 671N / T, Fiat 645N and Fiat 690N / T.
Salon Fiat 642 N2
The interior was very well organized. insulated hood which covered the engine, go right and a passenger seat with an integrated headrest.
Behind the long-range versions one or two bunk beds in accordance with the rules of the time, in order to limit the duration of driving and to ensure the safety of both drivers.
Il dashboard it consisted of a metal plate grouped together with a speedometer with contachylometry day and general e tachometer, plus warning lights: headlights, turn signals, parking brake and brake compressor control.
La change camera he included 4 forward and reverse gears, then was semi transmission lever.
In this first version, the lever was used for manual control engine brake acting directly on the exhaust valves to prevent abuse of the service drum brakes.
Another small lever wasmanual choke, to maintain the regime at the start-up stage in very harsh climatic conditions.
*Special thanks to Alberto Ceresini, who allowed us to photograph his beautifully preserved Fiat 642 N2.
