Concept Cars Home
Image Left 1969 5001971 500L Image Right
 

1970 Fiat 500 news, pictures, and information

Coupe
Chassis Num: 2555231
 
Sold for $15,400 at 2010 RM Auctions.
This 1970 Fiat 500L is a left-hand drive example with just 38,200 kilometers and a folding sunroof.

The Fiat 500 was introduced in 1957 and it was even smaller than its predecessor, the Topolino. The 500 was designed by Dante Giacosa and featured an air-cooled rear-engine design. The powerplant was a 479cc two-cylinder unit that was later upgraded to 499.5cc.

Production of the Cinquecento would last for 18 years and remain virtually unchanged. Importation to the USA continued through 1961. In 1965, the 'F' variant arrived with several changes, including front-hinged doors, a slight power increase and other detail updates, mainly to the driveline and the heater. In mid-1968, the 'L' or Lusso (Deluxe) model was introduced. Though there were no mechanical changes, this upscale model featured radial-ply tires, revised hubcaps, modernized speedometers, two-spoke steering wheel, and additional brightwork. Other changes included additional storage pockets, revised door handles and switchgear, reclining front seats and full carpeting.

In 2010, the car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $20,000 - $30,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $15,400 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010
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

Next Generation European Compact Car From Nissan To Be Manufactured By Renault In Europe
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the replacement for the current Nissan Micra compact car will be manufactured at a Renault plant in Europe. Due to start production in 2016, the vehicle will be exported across Europe's left-hand drive markets. Under the Nissan Power 88 six-year business plan, the company will launch, on average, one new model every six weeks for the duration of the plan. Consequently, available capacity across the relevant plants in the Nissan manufacturing networ...[Read more...]
Coys True Greats London Sale
Coys round off their 2012 auction calendar with their world-famous True Greats sale of important collectors cars, classic film posters and the Keeler Collection of rare models. With some 400 lots coming under the auctioneer's hammer on 4th December, this sale offers a superb choice of entries for any car collector. Among the great entries include two Lamborghini Miuras, a rare Aston Martin DB5 Vantage in left-hand drive, accompanied by its sister models a DB4 and a DB6, and from Germany a be...[Read more...]
A Piece of Hollywood and Jaguar History
Clark Gable's 'Best in Class' 1949 XK120 This weekend, a very special XK120 graced the judging field at the 62nd Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance. This particular XK120 is significant, not only because it was named 'Best in Class,' but because its first owner was none other than Hollywood icon Clark Gable, a devoted Jaguar enthusiast. Gable's XK120, chassis No. 670003, was judged 'Best in Class' in the 'Postwar Sports Open' category. The car is owned by Mr. Jeff Lotman, of Los Ang...[Read more...]
Cherished Classics From The Pettit Collection Will Be Offered Without Reserve
• The 1929 Duesenberg 'Blue J' and 11 collector cars from the William A. C. Pettit, III Collection will be sold at Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach Auctions
• Estate Proceeds will benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children®-Tampa
Gooding & Company, the acclaimed auction house celebrated for selling the world's most significant and valuable collector cars, is honored to present the finest automobiles of the William A.C. Pettit, III Collection at its Pebble Beach Auctions on Aug...[Read more...]
Auctions America By RM's Spring Carlisle Auction Kicks off 2012 Northeastern U.S. Collector Car Season
Auctions America by RM will return to the Carlisle Expo Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on April 26-27, 2012, to kick off the collector car season for the Northeastern U.S. with its Spring Carlisle auction. Featuring nearly 300 American hot rods, muscle cars, classics and memorabilia during its two-day sale, the Spring Carlisle auction is held in conjunction with the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet & Corral (April 25-29), hosted each year by Carlisle Events. The auction is one of se...[Read more...]

Arrow Right 1970 Fiat models
Fiat 124

Similar Automakers
Alfa RomeoCitroen
LanciaMorgan
OpelPeugeot
RenaultSeat
SkodaVauxhall
Similarly Sized Vehicles from 1970
Fiat 595

 
Fiat: 1960-1970
Similar Automakers
Fiat History
Other models by Fiat
Manufacturer Website

Related Articles and Event Coverage
Concorso Italiano
RM Auctions - Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey
2011 Detroit Auto Show

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 1969 5001971 500L Image Right
© 1998-2012. All rights reserved. The material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.