1953 Fiat 500 Station Wagon

The Fiat 500 Topolino (or 'Little Mouse') was a simple and economical vehicle aimed at Italy's masses. Fiat chair Giovanni Agnelli solicited proposals for the new car from the Italian public. The production design, however, was eventually chosen from that of renowned Fiat engineer Dante Giacosa.

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 motorsports, 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 was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $26,400 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2013