1951 Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 was first introduced in 1936 and offered adequate interior space by having its 596cc four-cylinder engine in front of the front wheels' centerline. With its jutting prow, rounded fenders and raised headlights, it was given the nickname Topolino, the Italian Mickey Mouse.

For 1948, the engine was modified with overhead valves and power grew by 3.5 horsepower in the 500B. Two years later, it was succeeded by a thoroughly revised 500C. The car would be the mainstay for Fiat production for the next six years.

The 500C had a re-designed nose and a more modern horizontal air intake system. The headlights were recessed into the front fenders. Other changes were made to the bumpers, dual taillights and a lighted center registration plate. A new integrated heating system was a first for the small but functional 500. It used heated air from behind the radiator and was fed through defroster/defogger outlets below the windshield.

The suspension was comprised of wishbones, a transverse leaf spring and telescopic shocks and a live rear axle suspended by semi-elliptic leaf springs, telescopic shocks and an anti-roll bar.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2017