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1958 Fiat 500 news, pictures, and information

Sedan
Chassis Num: 110 032738
 
Sold for $68,750 at 2012 RM Auctions.
The Fiat 500 Jolly was produced in limited quantity and cost nearly twice as much as the standard model. They wore coachwork by Carozzeria Ghia and it had very little practical use. Introduced in 1957, they were intended primarily for enjoyment. It became popular with those wealthy individuals who had a yacht and were seeking a small vehicle that could be easily stowed on the vessel.

The car weighed only 1050 pounds and had a top speed of nearly 60 miles per hour. Gas mileage was exceptional, at around 52 mpg.

This example has been given a meticulous body-off restoration which included stripping the body down to bare metal and repairing or fabricating new panels as necessary. It has been finished in the factory color of Celeste Mediopaint. All chrome was either re-plated or replaced, all aluminum was straightened and polished, all rubber gaskets and seals were renewed, and new emblems were installed.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at RM Auction's sale in Amelia Island, Florida. It was estimated to sell for $40,000 - $60,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $68,750 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2012
Sedan
Chassis Num: 51332
 
Sold for $43,408 (€33,600) at 2012 RM Auctions.
The Cinquecento was initially introduced with a 479cc two-cylinder engine and lived through various technical modifications over the course of its 18-year production run. The styling, however, remained essentially unchanged. The Nuova was replaced in 1960 with the 500D. The main difference between the two was a larger 499cc engine, previously used on the Sport models.

This Fiat 500 Nuova is powered by a 479cc two-cylinder engine offering 13 horsepower. There is a four-speed unsynchronized manual transmission and four-wheel drum brakes. The car has been given a complete rotisserie restoration and sports a period correct green cloth interior. It has its original registration documents, manuals, jack and a complete set of tools in their original Fiat roll.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at RM Auctions in Monaco where it was estimated to sell for €22.000-€28.000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of €33.600, inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 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 1958 Fiat models
Fiat 1100 TV
Fiat 600 Multipla
Fiat Jolly 500
Fiat Viotti Sport

Similar Automakers
Alfa RomeoCitroen
LanciaMorgan
OpelPeugeot
RenaultSeat
SkodaVauxhall
Similarly Sized Vehicles from 1958
Fiat Jolly 500
Fiat Viotti Sport
King Midget Series III

Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1958
Volkswagen Beetle ($1,555-$2,050)
Morris Minor ($1,550-$1,650)
Fiat 600 Multipla ($1,590-$1,590)
BMW 600 ($1,400-$1,400)

Average Auction Sale: $56,079

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

Related Articles and Event Coverage
RM Auctions at Monaco
RM Auctions at Amelia Island, Fla

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
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