[4] It was powered by a 1,493 cc (91.1 cu in) overhead valve straight-six engine, producing 45 PS (33 kW; 44 hp) at 4,400 rpm.

In 1946, after World War II, Fiat resumed production of pre-war models, the 500, 1100 and the 1500 C. Since the ongoing development of all-new cars would take some years, improvements were made to keep these vehicles of 1930s vintage competitive on the market.

[9] The engine had been equipped with a twin-choke Weber 30 DCR carburettor, had a higher 6.2:1 compression ratio and other changes, pushing output to 47 PS (35 kW; 46 hp); top speed rose to 120 km/h (75 mph).

[8] The fifth and final version of the 1500, the 1500 E, was first shown at the 1949 Fiera del Levante in Bari, together with the similarly updated 1100 E.[10] The main distinguishing feature of these "E" models was their luggage compartment, accessible from outside the car; the previously rear-mounted spare wheel had to be carried inside the car, bolted inside the newly acquired boot lid.

In the case of the 1500, the body aft of the rear doors was redesigned: the sloping back, almost unchanged since 1935, gave way to three-box styling.

[10] Other notable revisions were made to the transmission: the clutch was strengthened, synchromesh was added to second gear, and inside the cabin there was a column-mounted shifter.