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1959 Fiat 500 news, pictures, and information

Sedan
 
The Jolly 500 was introduced in 1957. The coachwork is by Ghia. Carrozzeria Ghia SpA 'Ghia' was established in 1915 in Turin, Italy and was noted for their famous Italian design and coachbuilding firms.

The Jolly is noted for its canvas surrey top and wicker seats. The Fiat Jolly was marketed for resort areas and used for sight-seeing. The 500 model is the successor of the Topolino. The engine is a 479cc 2-cylinder that develops 16.5 horsepower and has a top speed of about 60 mph. The Jolly weighs 1,050 pounds making it fuel efficient at approximately 42 mpg.
Sport Coupe
Chassis Num: 018663
 
Sold for $31,900 at 2012 Russo & Steele.
Sold for $40,700 at 2012 Russo & Steele.
The Autobianchi Bianchina Transformabile Series 2 was produced from 1959 to 1961. Only 10,000 of these semi-convertible 'transformabile' models were produced.

This vehicle, which has been given a show quality restoration, is powered by an original 479cc air cooled, rear-mounted engine delivering 17 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox, 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

The car is finished in brilliant red with cream accents and rides on Pirelli tires.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012
The Fiat 500 was introduced in 1957 as a successor to the Topolino model. (Topolino means 'mouse'). The designer was named Dante Giacosa, an individual who would later become an automotive legend for his contributions to the industry. The 500 was a two-seater, rear engine, utility car that was built as an economical means of transportation void of luxury items or sports-car intentions. It featured a 479cc overhead valve engine mated to a four speed gearbox. With 13 horsepower the 500 never set any land speed records. It had a top speed of 85 km/h.

To help improve the performance of the 500, Carlo Abarth offered bolt-on aftermarket parts and accessories. These additions helped with increasing the horsepower and performance of the engine as well as improving the handling and making the vehicles more fun to drive and competitive on the streets.

In 1957, the 500 received 2 extra horsepower, bringing the total to 15. Wind-up windows were now standard.

From 1958 through 1960, Fiat offered a Sport version. These Sport versions offered a 21 horsepower engine, and a one piece roof. The standard 500 version had a fold-back sunroof.

In 1965, the 500F lost its suicide doors in favor of the more popular hinged doors. The horsepower rating was once again improved and now offered 19. The top speed was 95 km/h.

From 1969 through 1975, a Lux version was offered. This featured full carpeting and plastic revised dashboards.

In 1975 production of the Fiat 500 ceased. 3.6 million examples had been produced during its life span. In 2004, Fiat created a concept car that was similar in design and style to the Fiat 500. It was called the Fiat Trepiuno and featured front wheel drive.

The 500 endured a successful life span due to it economical size, excellent fuel economy, easy to repair, styling, competitive price, and city-friendly driving characteristics. Due to its small size, it was easy to navigate and drive in the small, Italian streets. Thanks to its short wheelbase and length, the vehicle could manuever easily into cramped parking spaces.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2006
For more information and related vehicles, click here

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Arrow Right 1959 Fiat models
Fiat 600
Fiat Jolly 600
Fiat Tipo 682/RN-2 Transporter

Similar Automakers
Alfa RomeoCitroen
LanciaMorgan
OpelPeugeot
RenaultSeat
SkodaVauxhall
Similarly Sized Vehicles from 1959
Autobianchi Bianchina
Elva 100 Formula Series
Fiat Jolly 600

Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1959
Morris Minor 1000 ($1,560-$1,770)
Vespa 400 ($1,100-$1,100)
Fiat Jolly 600 ($1,395-$1,465)
BMW 600 ($1,400-$1,400)
Volkswagen Beetle ($1,550-$2,730)
Berkeley B95 ($1,590-$1,590)
Fiat 600 ($1,400-$1,460)

Average Auction Sale: $40,925

 
Fiat: 1951-1960
Similar Automakers
Fiat History
Other models by Fiat
Manufacturer Website

Related Articles and Event Coverage
Russo and Steele - Scottsdale
31st Annual Ault Park Concours d'Elegance

Fiat
Monthly Sales FiguresVolume
April 20133,899 
March 20133,807 
February 20133,302 
January 20132,503 
December 20123,707 
November 20123,603 
October 20123,720 
September 20124,176 
August 20124,150 
July 20123,710 
June 20124,004 
May 20124,003 
(More Details)

 
1100
1200
124
128
131
1500GT
500
508
600
60HP
850
8V
Balilla
Barchetta
Bravo
Cinquecento
Croma
Dino
Freemont
Panda
Punto
Ritmo
Tipo 6
Topolino
Type 56
Ulysse
Uno
X 1/9

Image Left 1958 Viotti SportImage Left 1958 Jolly 500Image Left 1958 5001960 500 Image Right
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