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

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History

The Fiat Topolino was produced from 1937 through 1955 with nearly 520,000 constructed. The name 'Topolino' was chosen in honor of Mickey Mouse - the name 'Topolino' means 'little mouse.'

The Fiat Company, Fabbrica italiana Automobili Torio, began in 1899 and formed by Giovanni Agnelli. Very early on, the company merged with Ceirano, a bicycle-maker who had switched to auto production. The first Fiat automobile was built by designer Aristide Faccioli and powered by a horizontal twin-cylinder engine that produced 3 horsepower. The company continued with modest success throughout the years. By the 1930s, the prosperity of the company had increased and entered into a whole new realm of popularity. A contest was arranged by Chairman Agnelli who challenged all to create a design for a new small car that could be a suitable rival for the Porsche 'People's Car.' Oreste Lardone, Fiat's chief designer, produced an example that was powered by an air-cooled engine. On its first test drive, the vehicle caught on fire. Agnelli had been onboard during the fire and upon exiting from the car, dismissed Lardone. Dante Giacosa was given the position and produced designs for what would become known as the Fiat 500.

There were three models produced during its production lifespan. All brought with them minor mechanical and cosmetic improvements over their predecessor. In 1955 the Fiat 500 was replaced by the rear-wheel drive Fiat 600 and became the basis for the next generation of the Fiat 500, the 500 Nuova.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2007

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