 1952 500 |
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1953 Fiat 500 news, pictures, and information | ||
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This 1953 500C model wears Mouse Gray paint. The 500C was a post-war version. This car was purchased at the Bonhams auction at The Quail Lodge in 2005.
 | Station Wagon Chassis Num: 411762 Engine Num: 416165 | |
| Sold for $26,400 at 2013 Gooding & Company. | ||
The Fiat 500 was low in price but fitted with advanced engineering with its four-speed manual gearbox (with synchromesh on 3rd and 4th gears), hydraulic brakes, and independent front suspension. After the Second World War, the design was updated for 1948 with the 500B heralding an overhead-valve cylinder head plus other improvements. For 1949, Fiat introduced the 500C which brought with it wider frontal treatment. This design would continue through 1954. In addition to coupe and cabriolet (sliding sunroof) body styles, the 500 line included an estate wagon in wood-trimmed Giardiniera, and all-steel Belvedere guises. The Belvedere also had an unlikely association with motor sports, serving as a course car at the Targa Florio and even competing in the 1954 edition of the Mille Miglia.
This 1953 Fiat 500C Belvedere is an original right-hand-drive, export model. Its early history includes a number of years of use in the Horn of Africa in Eritrea and more recently, former owner Paul Tortolani of the United Kingdom entered the Belvedere into a number of hill climbs to great fanfare. The present owner acquired the car in 2002 from Mr. Tortolani. Since that time, the car has resided in the current owner's Florida beach home.
Refinished by the former owner prior to acquisition by the current owner in medium grey with contrasting light grey panels, the Belvedere features a large sliding sunroof, rear-hinged doors, and a well preserved and unrestored interior with aluminum fittings. There is a side-opening rear door and plenty of interior room capable of carrying four adults
The 567cc overhead valve four-cylinder engine is fitted with a single 2-barrel Weber carburetor. The 16.5 horsepower produced by the engine is sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual gearbox. There are hydraulic drums at all four corners.
In 2013, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $35,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $26,400 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2013
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
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe 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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 1953
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| 1952 500 |
