1968 Fiat Background Info
The 1968 Fiat Vibe
1968 was a year of pure Italian soul. You had the 124 Sport Spider tearing up the coastline and the nimble 850 proving that you didn't need a massive block to have a massive personality. While the world was starting to experiment with some pretty wild palettes, we've focused on the ultimate survivor in our database: White. It's the clean, timeless look that defined the Italian streets before the 70s turned everything avocado and brown. It's not just a color; it's the canvas for all that chrome and character.
Paint Health Check
Back in '68, we weren't spraying that thin plastic film they use today. Your Fiat left the factory with thick, single-stage enamel. It's honest paint, but it's got a shelf life if you neglect it. The legend is that Italian steel from this era started rusting the moment it smelled salt air, but the paint has its own battle: Oxidation. Since there's no clear coat to shield the pigment, the sun eventually turns that glossy white into a dull, chalky mess. If you rub your hand across the hood and it comes away looking like you just finished a round of billiards, your paint is literally starving for protection.
Restoration Tip
Because this is the Single Stage Era, your repair strategy is all about depth and sealing. When you're touching up those chips, you aren't just filling a hole; you're restoring the "skin" of the car. Once you've leveled your repair, remember the Golden Rule for 1960s steel: It needs wax or it dies. Without a modern clear coat to do the heavy lifting, a high-quality carnauba wax is the only thing standing between your Fiat and a one-way trip to Chalk-Town. Seal it early, seal it often, and keep that white reflecting the Mediterranean sun.