When Fiat announced that it would be replacing its old, pre-war 500cc Topolino in 1957 with a new 500cc model, not all car enthusiasts were terribly excited. An ultra-utilitarian car with a tiny two-cylinder engine designed as economical transport for impecunious Italian city-dwellers was not the sort of thing one immediately imagines tearing up hill-climbs and race circuits, but anyone who was so dismissive soon realised that they had underestimated it.
In standard form, the Nuova Cinquecento was rather nippy around town, but when tuned its potential was phenomenal. Most famously, the performance versions of the 500 were developed by Fiat’s close tuning partner Abarth, but it’s wrong to overlook the work of Giannini of Rome, which started tuning 500s almost as soon as the original version was launched in 1936, and constructed a number of out-and-out racing variants.
Giannini was already selling aftermarket tuning parts for the Nuova 500 when it introduced its own 500 TV in 1963 and this was perhaps the company’s golden age, sadly brought to an abrupt end by the death of Domenico Giannini in 1967.
While it’s difficult to estimate how many Giannini 500 TVs might have been constructed or survive, they’re probably rarer than Abarths, which are not ten a penny themselves; the number in Britain can probably be counted on your fingers. Standing out for its racy little alloy wheels, sports steering wheel and prominent Giannini badges, this example is not only extremely rare, it’s also in excellent condition. Why settle for any Fiat 500 when you could be the new owner of this?10.JPG2.18 MB
The History and Paperwork
Imported from Italy by the present owner and first registered with the DVLA in November 2018
Lately kept in professional storage as part of a small private collection
Sold with its current V5 and its Italian number plates
Though it may not have an abundance of amenities, this Fiat’s interior is overflowing with charm, which is enhanced by how correct it all looks. With Gianninis being as rare as they are, it’s difficult for us to say whether or not everything is original, but it certainly looks right, and there is nothing to suggest it has been altered in any way.
The vinyl bucket seats, in their attractive dark green, are really superb. Some extremely mild discolouration of the white piping gives away their age but, apart from that, we would not hesitate to describe them as like-new. The rear bench seat is equally as good, as is the vinyl of the door cards.
Fittings such as the window winders and door handles are excellent, with just a little light patina, while the dash panel and all its fixtures leave us most impressed. The painted dash looks to be virtually free from blemishes, and the steering wheel displays just a few light marks on the spokes and some superficial wear around the wooden rim.
Since the paint on the panel below the rear seat is presumably original, it suggests that the rest of the interior has been repainted at some point.
The rubber floor mats may very well be original. In any case they look correct and are most appropriate for a sports version of a basic economy car.
The small luggage area under the bonnet is neatly presented, with some patina in places and a spare wheel in good condition.
It is evident that this car has been the recipient of a high-quality respray, probably not all that long ago, and as a consequence the paint presents extremely well. Apart from some of the tiniest marks and chips, e.g. around the hinges of the engine lid, it is pretty much impossible to fault, although we did observe an unusual blue mark on the nearside front wing, as may be seen in the photographs. Whether or not it can be easily removed, we cannot say, but it is discreet and would not spoil our enjoyment of a car which is otherwise close to perfect.
The sunroof is so good that it likes almost like new; it may have been replaced when the car was repainted. All the chrome on the car is in excellent condition, with only a very light patina such as one would expect to see on any classic car. The rare and eye-catching Giannini badges are in good condition, although there is some slight damage to the enamel of the one on the engine lid.
The Fiat sports a few aftermarket accessories which really have been chosen very tastefully. The bullet rear-view mirror and Carello half-moon spotlights are discreet period touches which really enhance its appearance and sporty character, without appearing ostentatious.
The alloy wheels are another defining characteristic of the Giannini cars. They appear to have been produced in a variety of styles, so we can say little more about these except that they look great, are rare, and are in superb condition. The Fiat centre caps have a little bit of patina, but you’d scarcely believe the wheels themselves are over 50 years old.
Performance-tuned version of the 500cc Fiat engine
Has been part of a prestigious private collection
Starts and drives as it should
A 500cc twin-cylinder engine might not sound like much for a car, but the Fiat 500 was small and light and, being designed for cities, its emphasis was on quick acceleration rather than outright speed. Find some empty city streets and you’ll be able to appreciate why it really is a lot of fun, even in standard trim. However, warm the engine up a bit, and it’ll be a veritable rocket. We don’t know exactly what the Giannini will do, but Abarth squeezed 75mph out of it, so we’re sure it’s no sluggard.
From its humble origins, the Nuova Cinquecento has now become an extremely desirable collector’s car, even when it is only in standard trim. Throw a name like Giannini into the mix, and things really start to get interesting. This very rare, performance-oriented take on the 500 promises to be lots of fun, and you can see for yourself just what good condition it’s in, cosmetically and structurally.
It may need some recommissioning before you can started whizzing around like you’re in the Targa Florio, but once you’re out on the road, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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