The F600CBR doesn’t rely on nostalgia or spectacle to make its case. At first glance, it references a familiar shape—the Fiat 600—but beyond that visual cue, everything about the car points in a different direction.
Developed by Collino Motors, the F600CBR is a ground-up concept car built around lightweight engineering, mechanical clarity, and a motorsport-driven mindset. Rather than restoring or modifying an existing vehicle, the project reinterprets a classic silhouette through modern performance principles, resulting in a machine that prioritizes intent over convention.
Starting from a Shape, Not a Platform
The Fiat 600 silhouette serves only as a visual starting point. Mechanically, the F600CBR shares nothing with its inspiration.
Instead of adapting a production chassis, the team designed a custom tubular steel spaceframe from scratch, paired with a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. This architecture places the car closer to contemporary race cars than to any classic road vehicle, emphasizing balance, rigidity, and packaging efficiency.
From the outset, the objective was clear: create a compact performance car capable of operating on both road and track without compromise.
Engineering with Intent
Power comes from a Honda CBR1000RR four-cylinder motorcycle engine, mounted transversely behind the driver. The choice reflects a focus on high-revving character, low mass, and immediate throttle response rather than headline power figures.
The chassis was also engineered to accept automotive four-cylinder engines up to 2.0 liters, allowing flexibility for future development. Suspension is fully independent at all four corners, following competition-inspired geometry aimed at predictability and control at the limit.
Inside, the philosophy remains unchanged. Racing bucket seats, five-point harnesses, and motorcycle-derived digital instrumentation define an interior stripped to essentials. Nothing is present without a clear function.
Design That Favors Function Over Drama
Visually, the F600CBR avoids excess. The composite bodywork maintains the recognizable proportions of the Fiat 600 while subtly widening the stance and integrating functional aerodynamic elements.
Aerodynamic development was led by motorsport engineer Luciano Monti, whose background in high-level competition is evident in the car’s restraint. Rather than exaggerated wings or theatrical surfaces, the design emphasizes efficiency, balance, and coherence.
It’s a car that rewards closer inspection rather than demanding attention.
Built Through Persistence
Behind the engineering lies a story that adds depth without overshadowing the car itself.
During development, José “Beppy” Collino, one of the project’s key figures, suffered a partial leg amputation. He continued working on the car throughout his recovery, eventually fabricating a custom aluminum prosthetic to remain active in the workshop.
That determination became part of the project’s identity. The F600CBR was shaped by hands-on problem-solving, resilience, and a refusal to accept easy limits.
Digital Development, Real-World Execution
The F600CBR was developed entirely using CAD and 3D modeling, allowing structure, packaging, and aerodynamics to be validated before physical fabrication began. This digital-first workflow enabled rapid iteration while maintaining precision across the build.
In 2024, the same digital assets were used to introduce the F600CBR as a drivable vehicle in the racing simulator PISTA Motorsport, extending the project into the virtual world while preserving its physical characteristics.
Public Debut and Exhibition History
The F600CBR’s first public appearance came in late 2023, when the project was officially unveiled at Motorshow Buenos Aires, held at the La Rural exhibition center. The debut marked the end of a multi-year development process and the first time the car was seen outside the workshop as a complete, functional vehicle.
Following its debut, the F600CBR appeared at a range of automotive and cultural events, each offering a different context—and a different audience—for the project. One of the most symbolic was its exhibition at the Museo del Fitito, the official Fiat 600 museum located near the former Fiat factory. Displayed alongside historic examples of the model that inspired its silhouette, the F600CBR highlighted the continuity between heritage and contemporary engineering.
The car’s reach extended beyond traditional automotive spaces. In 2025, it was showcased at AgroActiva, one of Argentina’s largest industrial and agricultural exhibitions. Surrounded by heavy machinery and a non-enthusiast audience, the F600CBR drew significant attention, illustrating its ability to resonate well outside conventional car culture.
That same year, the project participated in the Caravana Solidaria event in Córdoba, where static display was combined with on-track activity. The event reinforced the emotional connection between the car and the public, positioning the F600CBR as more than a technical exercise—something closer to a cultural reference point.
The project was also involved in Misión Owen, a collaborative initiative centered on historical restoration and tribute. In this context, the F600CBR formed part of a broader narrative where engineering, memory, and identity intersect.
Across these appearances, the F600CBR consistently functioned as a conversation piece—not because of spectacle, but because of contrast. Whether displayed in exhibition halls, museums, open-air events, or unexpected environments, the car invited questions not only about how it was built, but why.
A Project Defined by Focus
The F600CBR was never intended as a mass-production vehicle. Instead, it serves as a focused exploration of what can be achieved when engineering decisions are guided by clarity rather than compromise.
Potential future paths include limited production or a factory-supported kit format, but the underlying philosophy remains unchanged: build fewer things, but build them with intent.
Why Projects Like This Endure
In an automotive landscape increasingly shaped by complexity and abstraction, the F600CBR stands out for its restraint. The focus remains on engagement over convenience, structure over spectacle, and engineering over narrative.
Official Project Channels
For ongoing updates on the F600CBR—along with other projects developed by Collino—official content and announcements can be found through the following channels:
- Instagram (Collino Performance Products): @collino.ar
- Instagram (Leo Collino): @leo.collino
- YouTube: Collino Motors
External Sources & Further Reading
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Caravana Solidaria – Córdoba
Coverage of the F600CBR’s participation in the Caravana Solidaria event, highlighting its public presence and cultural impact beyond traditional automotive settings.
https://collino.us/blogs/power-tour/cordoba-caravana-solidaria -
F600CBR in PISTA Motorsport
International coverage detailing the inclusion of the F600CBR as a drivable vehicle in PISTA Motorsport, connecting the physical concept car with the sim racing world.
https://traxion.gg/collino-f600cbr-concept-coming-to-pista-motorsport-in-free-update/