Better equipped than many cars twice its size, the FIAT 500 - soon nicknamed ‘Topolino’ (mouse) - brought a degree of refinement hitherto unknown to small cars when launched in 1936. Lockheed hydraulic brakes, independent front suspension and 12-volt electrics were all features, while an engine mounted ahead of the front axle helped maximise cabin space. The 569cc, four-cylinder, sidevalve motor produced a modest 13bhp, but as the Topolino weighed little more than half a ton it could nevertheless manage a respectable 50mph-plus under favorable conditions. For most buyers though, the frugal, up-to-50mpg fuel consumption would have been the major attraction. Introduced in 1946, the 500B featured a more powerful (16.5bhp) overhead-valve engine that would be carried over to the Topolino’s final incarnation - the re-styled 500C of 1949, the first FIAT model to offer a heating/de-misting system as standard. At the same time as the 500B was introduced, a Giardiniera station wagon was added to the range, joining the original cabriolet model. Equipped with the superior overhead-valve engine, these later Topolinos were genuine 60mph cars, though no less economical than their predecessors. Testing a FIAT 500C in June 1951, The Autocar magazine reported that, “The latest FIAT 500 is compact, economical, easy to park and easy to maintain. It has a surprising carrying capacity. It is a thoroughly roadworthy small car with a performance adequate for the needs of very many people, and when enterprisingly driven can hold its own with more powerful cars even over indifferent surfaces,” all of which remains thoroughly commendable today. Finished in grey with red vinyl interior, this left-hand drive example is described as an ‘older restoration’ and reported as driving well. The vehicle is offered with expired State of California Certificate of Title. Without reserve.
Better equipped than many cars twice its size, the FIAT 500 - soon nicknamed ‘Topolino’ (mouse) - brought a degree of refinement hitherto unknown to small cars when launched in 1936. Lockheed hydraulic brakes, independent front suspension and 12-volt electrics were all features, while an engine mounted ahead of the front axle helped maximise cabin space. The 569cc, four-cylinder, sidevalve motor produced a modest 13bhp, but as the Topolino weighed little more than half a ton it could nevertheless manage a respectable 50mph-plus under favorable conditions. For most buyers though, the frugal, up-to-50mpg fuel consumption would have been the major attraction. Introduced in 1946, the 500B featured a more powerful (16.5bhp) overhead-valve engine that would be carried over to the Topolino’s final incarnation - the re-styled 500C of 1949, the first FIAT model to offer a heating/de-misting system as standard. At the same time as the 500B was introduced, a Giardiniera station wagon was added to the range, joining the original cabriolet model. Equipped with the superior overhead-valve engine, these later Topolinos were genuine 60mph cars, though no less economical than their predecessors. Testing a FIAT 500C in June 1951, The Autocar magazine reported that, “The latest FIAT 500 is compact, economical, easy to park and easy to maintain. It has a surprising carrying capacity. It is a thoroughly roadworthy small car with a performance adequate for the needs of very many people, and when enterprisingly driven can hold its own with more powerful cars even over indifferent surfaces,” all of which remains thoroughly commendable today. Finished in grey with red vinyl interior, this left-hand drive example is described as an ‘older restoration’ and reported as driving well. The vehicle is offered with expired State of California Certificate of Title. Without reserve.
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.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
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