Descripción
Oakmere are delighted to offer this very rare 1954 Fiat 500C Topolino Belvedere for sale from our Northwich, Cheshire Showroom.
Introduced in 1936, the Fiat 500 was an advanced design for its day. Able to boast such niceties as Lockheed hydraulic brakes, independent front suspension, and 12v electrics, the newcomer helped redefine buyers' expectations in the small car market. With a compact 569cc four-cylinder engine positioned ahead of its front axle, the baby Fiat had a somewhat distinctive snout and was soon nicknamed the ‘Topolino' (or little mouse). Reputedly capable of 50mph and 50mpg despite a modest 13bhp power output, the 500 quickly established itself as an integral part of contemporary Italian culture (a process helped by its antics at various sporting events including the Mille Miglia). Debuting at the March 1949 Geneva Motor Show, the 500C was visually distinguished by its ‘wide-mouth' grille and near flush-fitting headlamps sunk into the front wings. While under the skin, it benefited from a new aluminium cylinder head and improved heating/ ventilation system. Only in production for five years, the 500C nevertheless secured an impressive 376, 371 sales.
The Belvedere was a steel-bodied three-door wagon built on the hugely successful Fiat 500 'Topolino', with the example offered manufactured in 1954. Presented in the iconic and attractive Belvedere colour scheme of two-tone Grey paintwork with a Black sliding soft-top, and complementing Brown vinyl interior upholstery, power is provided by the 569cc overhead-valve inline-four engine. Chassis ‘484731’ was supplied new in its native Italy in left-hand-drive configuration and reportedly saw limited use from new. Discovered in c. 2006 by the restorer, a retired Italian who owned one many years previously and had fond memories of trips around the Italian lakes, he rescued the Fiat following a long period of layup. When inspected, the Topolino was said to have been in very solid, complete, and original condition, and thereafter was provided with a comprehensive restoration across the following two years, to the original specification.
The Fiat was completely stripped down with every part of the Topolio said to have been provided with high-quality restoration works, including a professional chassis renovation and a bodywork restoration and repaint. Covering less than 2, 500 kilometers since the completion of the renovation,
A beautiful and super rare little Fiat !
Oakmere Motor Group is situated in the heart of Cheshire and has long been established as one of the premier family owned motor groups in the North West of England. Established in 1978 as a Lotus specialist, we are now very proud to boast full dealer franchises for Lotus, Morgan, Caterham, Mazda and Toyota. We are also delighted to be an approved Volkswagen Service centre. We have a completely customer-focused approach to everything we do and are always here to help. Many of our staff have served with us for over 20 years and we genuinely believe it is them who make us truly unique. Whether at our state of the art showrooms in Northwich or on the road at the numerous events we undertake throughout the year, we are always delighted to talk anything motor car related to both existing and prospective customers.
