1947 Fiat 500

Built from 1936 to 1955, production of the Fiat 500, nicknamed the 'Topolino', spanned WWII, it was one of the smallest cars in the world during this time. A 569 water-cooled engine producing about 16 horsepower was mounted in front of the front axle. Advertising touted the car's ability to go 60 mph and return 60 mpg although the latter frugality seems unlikely. Interestingly, the car's radiator was mounted behind the engine, not in front of it as convention would dictate. This permitted the front of the car to be sloped, improving aerodynamics and forward visibility and presumably didn't induce overheating.

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 Torino, began in 1899 and was 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 three 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