Germany had the Beetle, France had the 2CV, but when it came to motoring for the masses it was the Fiat 500 that was Italy’s ‘people’s car’. And while many people associate the name with the cuddly Nuova 500, it was its predecessor (with the same name) that truly got Italy on the road.
Affectionately known as the Topolino, or ‘Little Mouse’, the baby two-door saloon saw over half-a-million sales in the late 1930s and immediate post-war period. It was an advanced car for its day, with a water-cooled four-cylinder engine, 12-volt electrical system, independent front suspension, a four-speed gearbox with synchromesh on third and fourth gears, and hydraulic brakes. All of which make it quite driveable today.
This one is a post-war Model B example, with a 16hp engine and in standard two-seat saloon layout. Built in 1948, it’s an original right-hand-drive car in great condition, having been restored to a high standard several years ago.
The History and Paperwork
UK V5C
MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Original RHD car, imported from Australia in 1988
Extensively restored over a three-year period and kept in private collections
Excellent paint finish – no visible dents or panel damage
Some small chips to paintwork around bonnet closures
All original chrome and trim, including spare wheel cover
Minor pitting to chrome finish on rear light surrounds
Underside appears to be in excellent order with no signs of any damage or notable corrosion, undersealed during restorations
Two-seater saloon with luggage storage behind seats
Seats retrimmed in cream leather
Smart brown carpets, renewed during restoration
Headlining in good order
Door cards recovered in two-tone leather finish and look really smart
Dials are sun-bleached but still legible
The Mechanics
570cc water-cooled 4cyl
Four-speed manual gearbox with syncromesh on third and fourth
Engine fully rebuilt during restoration
More powerful Type B model with 16hp
Although believed to be in good working order, the car has been in long-term storage as part of a private collection and the engine is currently a non starter and will need a bit of TLC to roar back to life
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
