1949 Fiat 500 Topolino

The Fiat 500 was commonly known as the 'Topolino' which translates as 'little mouse' in Italian. It was among the smallest production cars in the world and produced from 1936 to 1955. Launched in 1937, by Dante Giacosa, three models were produced until 1955. Power was from a 569cc four-cylinder, water-cooled, side-valve engine mounted in front of the front axle. It produced 13 horsepower and had a top speed of just over 50 mph, with a fuel economy rating of nearly 40 mpg. Horsepower rose to 16 hp with the introduction of the Model B.

The Model A was produced from 1937 to 1948, and the Model B was produced in 1948 and 1949. Bodystyles on the Model A included a 2-door saloon, 2-door convertible saloon (saloon with folding roof) and a 2-door van. The Model B was available in these same body styles, along with a 3-door estate. The Model C was introduced in 1949 and given a restyled body and powered by the same Model B engine.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: 137801

This Fiat 500 B Topolino is powered by a 569cc overhead-valve four-cylinder engine with a single Downdraft carburetor. There is a four-speed manual synchromesh gearbox and hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners. In 2016, the car was imported from Italy. Up to this point in history, the car had only been cosmetically restored. After arriving in the U.S., it was given a professional overhaul with attention to correct mechanical components, refined interior details, high-quality finishes, and minor updates.

by Dan Vaughan

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 Dan Vaughan