"The tractor for the small farms big jobs. And the big farms small jobs"

The affectionately named "La Piccola" Fiat 18 came to market in 1957. It was an instant success with small farmers, and the farming community in general.
In it's first year alone it sold 2.500 examples. Compared to Landini's total tractor sales of 1.832 that year, and Same total sales of 2.192 the same year.
The success was due to Fiat tractors reputation for simple reliability, La Piccolas practical attractive design and proportions, and a price that undercut its competitors considerably, making it the perfect first tractor for many small farmers, who were finally able to afford such a machine.

The machine was constructed using a box section steel frame. In one end attached to the gearbox and differential casing. The other end would split into two half's and embrace the engine, while resting on the front axle.

The gearbox was a simple but easy to use six forward and two reverse. And came as standard with two rear PTO's.

Except for the VB (later RB), all models had a two cylinder, water-cooled, diesel engine of 1.135 cc, capable of 18,9 hp at 2200 rpm (Later 20 hp). In practice it was half the engine of Fiats 614 light-duty truck.
The VB was powered by a four cylinder, water-cooled, petrol engine of 1.221 cc, capable of 20 hp at 2200 rpm. It was derived from Fiats 1200 sedan.

"La Montanina" was the name given to the Fiat Montanina Calzolari 4md (Motrici e Direttrici).
The Montanina 4md was the succesor to the Fiat 25 Calzolari. But unlike the Fiat 25 Calzolari, that had been designed and build by Calzolari for Fiat, the Montanina 4md was developed in collaboration with Fiat, using the Fiat 18 La Piccola as the base for Calzolaris four-wheel drive and steering system.
The special components for this design were made by Calzolari, but the tractor was now assembled at Fiats own factory, alongside the two-wheel drive Fiat 18 La Piccola.
From 1959, it would be known as the Fiat 251R.

The Fiat 18 "La Piccola" was only in production for two years, before the tractor was renamed as the "200-series", to fit with the new 300, 400 and 500 series Fiats arriving in 1958/1959.
It would continue in production to become part of Fiats "Diamond-series", and "Golden Ribbon series".
The tractor played a big part in the mass-mechanization that took place in the 1960's, and over its 21 years in production, and through 17 different types and models, the tractor would in agricultural circles always be known as the "Piccola".