1953 Fiat 500 Topolino
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Specifications:
Engine: 569cc Transmission: 4 speed manual Features: Older restored car in lovely patina condition |
The Topolino was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Launched in 1936, three models were produced until 1955, all with only minor mechanical and cosmetic changes. It was equipped with a 569 cc four-cylinder, side-valve, water-cooled engine mounted in front of the front axle (later an overhead valve motor), and so was a full-scale car rather than a cyclecar. The radiator was located behind the engine which made possible a lowered aerodynamic nose profile at a time when competitors had a flat, nearly vertical grille. The shape of the car's front allowed exceptional forward visibility.
Rear suspension initially used quarter-elliptic rear springs, but buyers frequently squeezed four or five people into the nominally two-seater car, and in later models the chassis was extended at the rear to allow for more robust semi-elliptic springs.
With horsepower of about 13 bhp, its top speed was about 85 km/h (53 mph), and it could achieve fuel consumption of about 6 litres per 100 km of petrol. The target price given when the car was planned was 5,000 lire. In the event the price at launch was 9,750 lire,[5] though the decade was one of falling prices in several parts of Europe and later in the 1930s the Topolino was sold for about 8,900 lire. Despite being more expensive than first envisioned, the car was competitively priced. Nearly 520,000 were sold.
Three models were produced. Model A and B shared the same body, but the engine of model B had 16 hp, compared to the 13 hp of Model A. Model A was produced from 1937 to 1948, while B was produced in 1948 and 1949. Model A was offered as a 2-door saloon, 2-door convertible saloon (saloon with folding roof) and a 2-door van, while Model B also introduced a 3-door estate under the name 500 B Giardiniera ("estate car").
Model C was introduced in 1949 with a restyled body and the same engine as the Model B, and was offered in 2-door saloon, 2-door convertible saloon, 3-door estate and 2-door van body styles. Model C was produced until 1955.
In 1955 the larger rear-wheel-drive Fiat 600 was launched by Fiat and that would become the design basis for the new Fiat 500, the Nuova 500. These two models ended up replacing the original 500.
This little car was restored many years ago and spent most of the last years in a museum. After the museum closed, we acquired it and set about recommissioning the car and making it ready for use. We completely recommissioned the car, including chemi-cleaning the tank, overhauling the carb, new battery, new soft top, and making sure everything works, which it now does. Some might argue that the little mouse is cuter than its slightly younger Fiat 500 brother, but this is the O'G (as they say) and is definitely one for the true Fiat enthusiast. You could not restore a car like this for the price, and if you wanted a straight, rust free example, you will battle to find one. Our little car is ready to go, and is a lovely driving car.
Price is R150,000
Rear suspension initially used quarter-elliptic rear springs, but buyers frequently squeezed four or five people into the nominally two-seater car, and in later models the chassis was extended at the rear to allow for more robust semi-elliptic springs.
With horsepower of about 13 bhp, its top speed was about 85 km/h (53 mph), and it could achieve fuel consumption of about 6 litres per 100 km of petrol. The target price given when the car was planned was 5,000 lire. In the event the price at launch was 9,750 lire,[5] though the decade was one of falling prices in several parts of Europe and later in the 1930s the Topolino was sold for about 8,900 lire. Despite being more expensive than first envisioned, the car was competitively priced. Nearly 520,000 were sold.
Three models were produced. Model A and B shared the same body, but the engine of model B had 16 hp, compared to the 13 hp of Model A. Model A was produced from 1937 to 1948, while B was produced in 1948 and 1949. Model A was offered as a 2-door saloon, 2-door convertible saloon (saloon with folding roof) and a 2-door van, while Model B also introduced a 3-door estate under the name 500 B Giardiniera ("estate car").
Model C was introduced in 1949 with a restyled body and the same engine as the Model B, and was offered in 2-door saloon, 2-door convertible saloon, 3-door estate and 2-door van body styles. Model C was produced until 1955.
In 1955 the larger rear-wheel-drive Fiat 600 was launched by Fiat and that would become the design basis for the new Fiat 500, the Nuova 500. These two models ended up replacing the original 500.
This little car was restored many years ago and spent most of the last years in a museum. After the museum closed, we acquired it and set about recommissioning the car and making it ready for use. We completely recommissioned the car, including chemi-cleaning the tank, overhauling the carb, new battery, new soft top, and making sure everything works, which it now does. Some might argue that the little mouse is cuter than its slightly younger Fiat 500 brother, but this is the O'G (as they say) and is definitely one for the true Fiat enthusiast. You could not restore a car like this for the price, and if you wanted a straight, rust free example, you will battle to find one. Our little car is ready to go, and is a lovely driving car.
Price is R150,000