1957 Fiat 'Nuova' 500

500cc OHV Inline 2-Cylinder Engine
Weber Twin-choke Carburetor
Est 20bhp at 4,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Beautifully restored example of the charming and iconic FIAT 500 'Cinquecento'
*Upgraded with more powerful, later-production engine and Weber carburetor
*Striking Mouse Grey and Red livery with Abarth badging
*Open-top motoring in true 'Dolce Vita' style

The FIAT 500

Replacement for FIAT's much-loved 500 'Topolino', the 'Nuova' 500 debuted in 1957. A radical departure from its predecessor's essentially pre-war design, FIAT's new baby featured unitary construction, an opening fabric roof and all-independent suspension while carrying its engine at the rear. The 479cc power unit was an air-cooled overhead-valve twin and the gearbox a four-speeder. The austerity of the basic 500 - it was known as the 'Economica' - was not well received, prompting the swift introduction of a revised and better equipped model, which first appeared towards the end of 1957 at the Turin Show. Refinements incorporated in this less Spartan 'Nuova' version included wind-down windows, an upholstered rear seat, column-mounted switchgear stalks and hubcaps. An immense success for FIAT, the 500 remains as popular today as it ever was and was voted 'Sexiest Car' by the readers of Top Gear magazine.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

But of all the many versions, the FIAT 'Nuova' 500 model of the pure and original design remain among the most iconic of the long-running FIAT 500 - or 'Cinquecento' - as they are named in the mother tongue. The lovely example presented here is from the very first production year of 1957, and features the folding fabric sunroof, rear seats, wind-down side windows, and numerous other distinctive details. The charming FIAT has been treated to a beautiful restoration, and is today presented in the era-evoking Mouse Grey exterior color, neatly treated with red accents down the sides, and matching red 12-inch wheels shod on appropriate Pirelli Centurato tires. Abarth decals are fitted to give the little 'Cinquecento' some additional attitude, which indeed is carried on into the engine compartment of the car, where a later production, larger engine is fitted breathing through a sizable Weber twin-choke carburetor. Inside, a neatly matching red interior is fitted, and the sparse dashboard is color-coded to the exterior of the car. The folding sunroof gives the occupants a real convertible feel, and one must imagine that this car would put a smile on the face of anyone out for a spin, especially when it comes time to fill up the gas tank! Iconic, charming and inexpensive to run, this beautifully restored FIAT 500 is ready for the Hampton Beach House or Marina.