Zastava 1300 / 1500 History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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Launched in 1961 following Fiat's introduction of its 1300 and 1500 saloons, the Zastava 1300/1500 — colloquially called 'tristać' (three-hundred) — was built as a licensed version of those Fiat models in Kragujevac. It offered rear-wheel drive, all-around disc brakes on higher specs, and up to 72 hp from its 1,500 cc engine.
Fiat ceased production of the 1300/1500 in 1967, but Zastava continued building the car independently, adding DeLuxe and 1300E trim variants through the 1970s. It was regarded across Yugoslavia as the definitive upscale family car — the 'Jugoslovenski Mercedes' — before production closed on 20 December 1979 after 201,160 units.
Generations
First generation · Licensed Fiat 1300/1500
Direct Fiat-licensed production of the 1300 and 1500 saloon, the first Zastava to genuinely compete with Western European family cars.
Second generation · Independent production (DeLuxe / 1300E)
Zastava-continued production after Fiat ended the 1300/1500 in Italy; upgraded with DeLuxe and E-spec trims through the 1970s.
Body styles
- Saloon
- Estate (wagon)
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