General description :
The Fiat 500, commonly known as "Topolino" (Micky Mouse in Italian) was manufactured from 1936 to 1955.
The Topolino was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Launched in 1937, 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 cyclcar. 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 grill.
Three models were produced. Model A and B shared the same body, only the engine of model B had 16 hp, vs. 13 hp of model A. Model A was produced from 1937. till 1948., while B was produced 1948. and 1949. Model A was only a 2-door sedan, while Model B also introduced a 3-door wagon under the name 500 B Topolino Giardinetta ("station wagon, estate car"). Model C started in 1949. with restyled body and the same engine as Model B, and was offered in 2-door sedan and 3-door wagon versions. Since 1952., Giardinetta was renamed Belvedere ("A turret or other raised structure offering a pleasant view of the surrounding area", referring to its sunroof). Model C was produced until 1955.
Specifications
Bodywork
Length: cm (in):
Width: cm (in): 324 (127.8)
Height: cm (in): 138 (54)
Wheelbase : cm (in) : 200 (78.7)
Weight: kg (lb): 610
Mechanics.
Displacement: inline four 569 cc (35 cui), front-mounted
Valve gear: 8
Fuel system: 1 Solex carburettor
Gearbox : 4-speed, manual
Driven wheels: rear-wheel drive
Maximum power: 13 hp at 4400 rpm
Maximum torque: 29 Nm at 2900 rpm
Maximum speed: 90 km/h (57 mph)
Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (FIAT to you and I) was founded by Giovanni Agnelli in 1899. Their first car 3 ½ CV had a strong resembledence to contemporary Benz, only 25 examples were built. By 1910 Fiat had established itself as Italia's biggest car manufacturer and expanded to the US, where a new plant was built in Poughkeepsie, NY.
At that time Fiat cars were big and luxurious barges for the wealthy or barking mad racing cars like S76 , The beast of Turin, with its 290HP 28.5-liter, four-cylinder engine.
However, today Fiat is better reknown for its small symphatic peoples carriers, Topolino, 500 "Cinquecento" and 600.
What ever your favorite Fiat is, you'll find it for sale here at www.classicdigest.com