 1947 500 | 1949 750 MM Topolino  |
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1948 Fiat 500 Topolino news, pictures, and information | ||
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The Topolino (Italian for 'little mouse') was built from 1936 to 1955 as models 500, 500B and 500C. The 500B was built in 1948 and 1949, with 21,200 produced. Approximately 1,000 Topolino's were imported to the United States, and about half of them were 500B's. They were powered by a 569cc (36 cubic-inch) 4-cylinder overhead valve engine producing 16 horsepower. It was advertised as capable of 60 miles per hour and 60 miles per gallon. The original selling price was just over $500.
The car displayed here was acquired by the current owners fifty years ago, in 1957. The restoration project was put on the back burner while parts were acquired and fabricated, but the ground-up restoration began in earnest in 1992 and was completed nine painstaking years later. The entire project was a family affair, with sons and daughters fully involved. This little piece of Italy, now painted Ferrari red, is enjoyed daily.
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The Topolino engine is a 567cc, water-cooled, overhead valve, 4-cylinder that develops 16.5 horsepower.
The Fiat Topolino was produced from 1937 through 1955 with nearly 520,000 constructed. The name 'Topolino' was chosen in honor of Mickey Mouse - the name 'Topolino' means 'little mouse.'
The Fiat Company, Fabbrica italiana Automobili Torio, began in 1899 and formed by Giovanni Agnelli. Very early on, the company merged with Ceirano, a bicycle-maker who had switched to auto production. The first Fiat automobile was built by designer Aristide Faccioli and powered by a horizontal twin-cylinder engine that produced 3 horsepower. The company continued with modest success throughout the years. By the 1930s, the prosperity of the company had increased and entered into a whole new realm of popularity. A contest was arranged by Chairman Agnelli who challenged all to create a design for a new small car that could be a suitable rival for the Porsche 'People's Car.' Oreste Lardone, Fiat's chief designer, produced an example that was powered by an air-cooled engine. On its first test drive, the vehicle caught on fire. Agnelli had been onboard during the fire and upon exiting from the car, dismissed Lardone. Dante Giacosa was given the position and produced designs for what would become known as the Fiat 500.
There were three models produced during its production lifespan. All brought with them minor mechanical and cosmetic improvements over their predecessor. In 1955 the Fiat 500 was replaced by the rear-wheel drive Fiat 600 and became the basis for the next generation of the Fiat 500, the 500 Nuova.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2007
The Fiat Company, Fabbrica italiana Automobili Torio, began in 1899 and formed by Giovanni Agnelli. Very early on, the company merged with Ceirano, a bicycle-maker who had switched to auto production. The first Fiat automobile was built by designer Aristide Faccioli and powered by a horizontal twin-cylinder engine that produced 3 horsepower. The company continued with modest success throughout the years. By the 1930s, the prosperity of the company had increased and entered into a whole new realm of popularity. A contest was arranged by Chairman Agnelli who challenged all to create a design for a new small car that could be a suitable rival for the Porsche 'People's Car.' Oreste Lardone, Fiat's chief designer, produced an example that was powered by an air-cooled engine. On its first test drive, the vehicle caught on fire. Agnelli had been onboard during the fire and upon exiting from the car, dismissed Lardone. Dante Giacosa was given the position and produced designs for what would become known as the Fiat 500.
There were three models produced during its production lifespan. All brought with them minor mechanical and cosmetic improvements over their predecessor. In 1955 the Fiat 500 was replaced by the rear-wheel drive Fiat 600 and became the basis for the next generation of the Fiat 500, the 500 Nuova.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2007
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| 1947 500 | 1949 750 MM Topolino |
