1950 Fiat 500 Topolino

Fiat produced the Model 500, commonly known as Topolino (Italian for 'little mouse') from 1936 to 1955. It was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Power was from a 569cc four-cylinder, side valve, water-cooled engine mounted in the front of the front axle. The radiator was placed behind the engine which allowed for a lower nose profile offering exceptional forward visibility.

The suspension in the rear was initially quarter elliptic rear springs. Later models received an extended chassis at the rear which allowed for more robust semi-elliptic springs.

Nearly 520,000 examples were sold. In 1955, the mid-size rear wheel drive Fiat 600 was introduced and would become the design basis for the new Fiat 500, the Nuova 500.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2016