1:16 Fiat

[Mike Holland]

I don't believe there are many 1:16 Fiats out there. This fellow, Nahuel Gomez, prints nice bodies. This one needed other than the usual sanding/smoothing, very little. The rear was radiused though to fit the slicks Revell better.

The chassis was copied from the owner's own project, with his approval. His Fiat is an all metal beauty, even has a dashboard! Donovan powered, the car was fired up for the first time this past spring.

The model was finished end of February.

[John B.]

Very cool!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Always an inspirational treat to see scratch-built brass chassis work.

[Mike Holland]

Moving on now....

Firewall, motor plate and Chrysler 8 3/4 rear. I just like Mopar.

[Mike Holland]

@John B., thanks much for your approval. More to come.

Mike..

[Mike Holland]

On 10/16/2025 at 3:24 PM, Ace-Garageguy said:

Always an inspirational treat to see scratch-built brass chassis work.

I agree 100%. The brass medium is kind of like a 'dare me' invitation. Also, these just look very good on the shelf in my opinion. Thanks for your attention.

Mike..

[iBorg]

First off amazing work. You've done a lot of very nice work. looking at the frame I'm reminded of a stalled project to recreate the Mike Sullivan blue and white Fiat. I'd love to find detail photos of the chassis. I may use your design as a starting point in recreating that one.

[Mike Holland]

6 hours ago, iBorg said:

First off amazing work. You've done a lot of very nice work. looking at the frame I'm reminded of a stalled project to recreate the Mike Sullivan blue and white Fiat. I'd love to find detail photos of the chassis. I may use your design as a starting point in recreating that one.

Thank you, Mike. I could easily offer, the chassis builds for this car were unique, being a brand-new car. I could offer, real chassis photos of the most famous Fiat cars. Just, this would not agree with my promise of keeping these to myself. The 'Mike Sullivan' stretched Fiat files are out there. I have these, surely. The works are out there. This model shown, is from the real car, just I've applied the early days for a 94" WB. 

[Straightliner59]

Nice metal work! I'll be looking in!

[Mike Holland]

On 11/11/2025 at 10:57 AM, Straightliner59 said:

Nice metal work! I'll be looking in!

Thanks Daniel, Mike here, you know..... Just new makeup. Still the same, just older.

[Mike Holland]

UPDATE: Front end, axle. The goal was to have the original 94" wheelbase, anno 1968. Not easy...the motor is big. I don't use machines, all being 10 fingers.

 

 

[Straightliner59]

8 hours ago, Mike Holland said:

Thanks Daniel, Mike here, you know..... Just new makeup. Still the same, just older.

Actually, I didn't realize, until you said so! That explains the fantastic work!

[Kanada Kustoms]

Amazing metal work!

[AmericanMuscleFan]

On 11/10/2025 at 10:06 AM, Mike Holland said:

I just like Mopar.

16 hours ago, Mike Holland said:

I don't use machines, all being 10 fingers.

I have to say that I've been struck by the same illness... 😁

Your last statement only adds to the merit of your project; the machine alone does nothing more than what the hand and imagination can do!  You clearly have talent and dexterity, sir! 👌  I'm coming on the trip!

[Mike Holland]

On 11/16/2025 at 8:55 AM, Straightliner59 said:

Actually, I didn't realize, until you said so! That explains the fantastic work!

Yep, seeking here a breath of fresh air. Plus, really feeling a 1.16 Fiat has a coolness factor. Daniel, finally after 4 years in neutral, was able to get this one finished. Hence, showing now.

Mike..

[Mike Holland]

On 11/16/2025 at 1:48 PM, Kanada Kustoms said:

Amazing metal work!

Thanks dearly, Jon. This model being special to me, in that finally able to get back to the bench and build once more. Interesting here, having copied the chassis of a brand-new car, built in England, from Europe's fastest racer. His cars are very cool. This new Fiat was fired up last spring. Thanks for your interest and commenting. Mike..

[Mike Holland]

On 11/16/2025 at 5:42 PM, AmericanMuscleFan said:

I have to say that I've been struck by the same illness... 😁

Your last statement only adds to the merit of your project; the machine alone does nothing more than what the hand and imagination can do!  You clearly have talent and dexterity, sir! 👌  I'm coming on the trip!

Yes, brass has a special way towards addiction. Viewing your expertise, easily understood. Hello Francis.

Mike..

[Mike Holland]

Moving on now, getting the front axle set up to the chassis. This model is a true scale, 94" WB from back in the day. Things get really tight up front. Of course, the hood nose needed massaging. Only needing a low stance for this model. Please look....

PS: the shown crummy spoked wheels up front are only for getting things sized up. 

Thanks for looking.  Mike..

 

 

[AmericanMuscleFan]

The body fits like a glove Mike, your excellent work on the chassis is paying off! 👌

[Mike Holland]

On 11/18/2025 at 5:45 PM, AmericanMuscleFan said:

The body fits like a glove Mike, your excellent work on the chassis is paying off! 👌

Very kind of you, Francis. This project was put aside for 4 years, due to personal issues. Daily, walking past this unfinished Fiat on the shelf, it seemed to shout out.....here! 

I don't know exactly why, but something good bit me and the model was finished quickly, having the same old build tempo as always....piece by piece,  as if nothing had happened.

Thank you, Francis. 
Mike..

 

[Mike Holland]

 UPDATE; Interior, aluminum sheet, using 0.3mm, sturdy enough to handle, but thin enough to cut easily. First off though, cutting thin cardboard and  using scissors, cutting to size. Look;

Of course the panels for now, held in place with usual thin tape.

Thanks for viewing.  Mike..

 

[Straightliner59]

Tinwork looks beautiful, my friend! I'd expect nothing less! 

[Mike Holland]

1 hour ago, Straightliner59 said:

Tinwork looks beautiful, my friend! I'd expect nothing less! 

Daniel, this segment of scratch building is maybe my favorite part of all. Only knowing, other than looking decent on forum photos...this real metal gleam on cars, on the shelf, just shines like nothing else. Glad to have lots of these!

Thanks for commenting!

What's on your bench these days?

Mike..

[Straightliner59]

6 hours ago, Mike Holland said:

Daniel, this segment of scratch building is maybe my favorite part of all. Only knowing, other than looking decent on forum photos...this real metal gleam on cars, on the shelf, just shines like nothing else. Glad to have lots of these!

Thanks for commenting!

What's on your bench these days?

Mike..

I love doing sheet work, too. Actually pretty much metal work, in general. You're so correct; nothing looks more like metal, than metal! 

Currently, I am building this Porsche 914. My neighbor across the hall, unbeknownst to me, at the time, ordered a new laptop for me, after all my "internet" computers crashed. One day, he just handed me a shipping box with a brand-new Asus, in it. I asked him what his favorite car was, and he said 914 Porsche. I said, "I have one!" He appreciates the artistry, so, he's as excited, as I was. The orange device on the passenger seat is a doggie harness, for his pooch.