Description
The Dolce Vita, such an ideal!
The FIAT that became a myth, a piece of Italy!
History
Launched in July 1957, the Fiat 500, originally known as the “Le Cinquecento”, was introduced by Fiat in July 1957 and produced in this form until 1975.
Designed by Dante Giacosa, the FIAT 500 was marketed as an inexpensive, practical and economical city car for post‑war Italy.
Small size, big appeal
The original FIAT 500 measured just over 2. 75 m long and was powered by a 479 cm3 two‑cylinder engine, and was regarded as one of the first “city cars”.
Despite its small size, the FIAT 500 proved very popular and almost four million were produced from launch to 1975.
The original FIAT 500 had a rear‑mounted engine which gave the little car the agility it needed to manoeuvre in the city.
1958–1960: Fiat 500 Sport
During the two years following the initial launch, Fiat promoted a “Sport” version of the popular car.
The Fiat 500 Sport had a 499 cm3 engine with 21. 5 bhp and a fully metal roof (as opposed to the canvas folding roofs found on standard models).
You can buy the Sport version in the now iconic crème palette, with red stripes along the sides.
1960–1975
The Fiat 500 underwent a few revisions during this period, mainly cosmetic, such as a sunroof that only folded partly (Fiat 500 D) and a estate version (Fiat 500 Giardiniera).
1965: Discontinuation of the “suicide doors”
Safety wasn’t the top priority with the original Fiat 500. In fact, the car became famous for its “suicide doors” (rear‑hinged doors).
In 1965, the company dispensed with the suicide doors with the Fiat 500 F. It was to the great dismay of many men, who complained they could not look at the legs of women as they got in and out of the car!
1968–1972: Fiat 500 L or Lusso
The Lusso model was mechanically very similar to the 500 F, but there were a few notable cosmetic changes.
The Lusso features an additional chrome bar at the front and rear, and a more modern interior, which included a new black steering wheel, a plastic dashboard, reclining seats and carpeting.
1972: Bigger engine
In 1972, Fiat launched the 500 R or Rinnovata, which had a larger engine of 594 cm3, capable of producing 23 hp. The R had a synchronized gearbox, which allowed smoother driving.
1975: End of production
Fiat ceased production of the 500 in favour of the new Fiat 126, which never achieved the same popularity.
Description
We offer for sale this little Italian from 1971 which has undergone a complete restoration and shows great reliability.
The car starts very well and is very lively to drive; braking is effective. The openings close well, the doors align with the body indicating a car in good line. The windscreen is in very good condition, everything on the dashboard works. Easy to use, the driving position is comfortable, allowing you to stretch your legs and be at the wheel of a lively little city car.
The car is concours, all mechanical components have been rebuilt, the car has only 260 km since restoration and presents itself as a new Fiat.
The upholstery is new, everything works, it’s a delight to use. The leather‑trimmed upholstery is true to the originals.
All the chrome, the bumpers, the lights are new and therefore in excellent condition.
In terms of bodywork, the car is in excellent condition. The underside photos speak for themselves.
A complete file of invoices and photos on USB key will be given to the future owner, MOT OK. Collectors’ registration card.
Our opinion
A little slice of Italy, in superb condition for this timeless FIAT!”
