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1963 Fiat 500 news, pictures, and information

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The Fiat 500 (In Italian, Cinquecento) was in production from 1957 through 1975. The design was courtesy of Dante Giacosa and introduced as the Nuova (meaning new) 500 in July of 1957. The vehicle was an inexpensive, practical, utilitarian vehicle that was perfect for families. There was seating for two adults and three children's. It measured just 10 feet long and powered by a 479cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine offering 13 horsepower. Later models switched to conventional front-hinged doors (while the earlier models had 'suicide doors'). The engine displacement size also increased to 499cc, and eventually to 549cc.

The 500 was also available as the 'Giardiniera' station wagon which had its standard engine laid on its side, with a wheelbase that was 10 cm longer. In this guise, there was a usable rear seat.

Sport models were produced by Abarth, as well as Giannini. An Austrian variant, produced by Steyr-Daimler-Puch, the Steyr-Puch 500, had a motorcycle-derived Puch boxer twin motor offering up to 41 horsepower.

After almost 4 million units produced, the Fiat 500 was replaced by the Fiat 126. In 2007, the 50th anniversary of the original 500's launch, Fiat launched a similar styled, longer and heavier front wheel drive car, also called the Fiat Nuovo 500.

This particular example began its life in New Zealand and was built under an exclusive arrangement with the New Zealand Government that required at least 51% of all parts to be locally sourced. The body was welded together in Italy and final assembly took place in Auckland, using New Zealand glass, NZ tires, NZ seatbelts, NZ rubber gaskets, etc. The car was imported to California in December of 2000. The car sat under a tree for several years before it was purchased and given a complete restoration. Before the work was completed, the car was listed for sale on craigslist as 'a project.' The current owner purchased the car and performed a spectacular restoration, bringing it back to its original glory.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011
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
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Average Auction Sale: $28,154

 
Fiat: 1961-1970
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Concorso Italiano

Fiat
Monthly Sales FiguresVolume
May 20134,051 
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 
(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

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