Description
26th Jul, 2023 13:00
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
1956 Fiat 500 Topolino
Estimate
£7, 000 - £9, 000
Lot details
Registration No: SXP 154
Chassis No: 481863
MOT: Exempt
UK-Supplied Fiat 500 ‘Topolino’
Restored in the late 90s
History file including continuation book from 1961
Introduced in 1936, the Fiat 500 was designed by Dante Giacosa and Antonio Fessia. Positioning its 569cc four-cylinder engine ahead of the front wheels’ axis not only allowed the newcomer to accommodate four people within a diminutive 6ft 7in wheelbase but also saw it nicknamed Topolino (Mickey Mouse in Italian). More advanced than many rivals, the Fiat featured independent front suspension, 12-volt electrics, four-speed all-synchromesh transmission and fixed roof rails with a roll-back canvas top (the latter facilitating al fresco motoring). Reputedly capable of 55mph and 45-50mpg, the 500’s UK price tag of £120 was barely more than that of an Austin Seven. A deservedly strong seller, some 112, 000 were produced before the model underwent its first major revision in 1948.
First registered on 01 June 1956, this UK-supplied Fiat 500 ‘Topolino’ is presented in a lovely shade of Blue with contrasting Brown interior. There is little known of the first four years of the car’s life, but we do know it was in ownership of a Jack Knight of Sevenoaks until it passed to a William Lowther of Cranbrook in 1965. Lowther would own the car until at least 68 according to the continuation book supplied within the history file. ‘SXP 154’ was reportedly restored in the late 1990’s along with an engine rebuild.
Now showing 79, 349 miles on the odometer, accompanied with the vehicle is a history file containing an original continuation logbook from 1861, an MOT certificate from 1972 along with a number of furthermore recent MOT certificates, some literature on the vehicle and the current V5C document which displays 2 former keepers.
