Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 28th April 2026 from 12pm
Auction: Wed 29th April 2026 from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
1965 Fiat Nuova 500
Extremely rare, suicide door example
Estimate
£16, 000 - £20, 000
Registration No: CHM 130C
Chassis No: 770613
MOT: Exempt
Described by the vendor as being in superb condition
Uprated to the popular 594cc air-cooled engine
Finished in tasteful Red bodywork over Red and White leather interior
Self-evidently the subject of much past restoration and maintenance
A masterpiece of minimalist motoring, the Dante Giacosa designed 'Nuova' 500 was launched in 1957 to replace the famous and much loved 500 'Topolino'. Not so much styled as designed around the mechanicals and space for 2 adults and 2 (very small!) children the tiny bulbous body gave the 500 huge character and was an instant success both at home and abroad. Powered by a miniscule twin-cylinder 499cc air cooled engine and with a four speed crash gearbox the 500 was not as basic as it seemed with all independent suspension, and in later years a heater, headlamp flasher and full length sunroof as standard when many much more expensive cars still listed these as options. Progressively refined, though never substantially altered throughout an 18 year production run which lasted until 1975, even an estate model called the Giardiniera was produced which was surprisingly spacious due to the fact that the rear mounted engine was laid on its side.
In single family ownership since 2004 when it registered just 55, 591 miles, this extremely rare suicide door example comes with extensive history including photos showing a full body restoration shortly before acquisition, along with numerous maintenance and service bills including from respected specialists Middle Barton Garage. Fitted with a 594cc engine (not converted for unleaded fuel) in place of the original 497cc unit, it benefits from a gearbox overhaul and new carburettor in 2010, along with electronic ignition and many other documented component replacements. The current mileage is c. 56, 900 and the little Fiat has been stored in a dehumidified garage. Supplied with an instruction book and various other quality books and manuals of the period.
