Descrição
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 20th May from 12pm
Auction: Wed 21st May from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
1954 Fiat 500 C Topolino Belvedere
Entered from the Loch Lomond Collection
Estimate
£8, 000 - £10, 000
Registration No: 422 UYS
Chassis No: 484731
MOT: Exempt
Steel-bodied three-door wagon built on the hugely successful Fiat 500 “Topolino”
Subject to a comprehensive, two-year long restoration
Less than 2, 500 kilometers covered since the completion of the renovation
Potentially eligible for the prestigious Mille Miglia Storica
Entered from the Loch Lomond Collection, a collection made up of excellent examples of predominantly 1950s, 60s, and 70s classics
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, the 500 C was imported into the United Kingdom in 2016. Purchased into the Loch Lomond Collection shortly afterward, the Loch Lomond Collection is one made up of excellent examples of predominantly 1950s, 60s, and 70s classics. Seeing very sparing use while a resident of the collection, a degree of recommissioning may be required; however, the Fiat started readily, and ran and drove well for the recent photography session. The Belvedere is offered with numerous photographs of the restoration, information on the restoration, and a current V5C document. Potentially eligible for the prestigious Mille Miglia Storica, this very nicely presented 500C is lots of fun, for comparably modest outlay!
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
