1962 FIAT 500D 'Trasformabile'

Footnotes

Apart from a Ferrari, no car is more recognisable as classically Italian than 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, a full-length opening (trasformabile) fabric roof and all-independent suspension while carrying its engine at the rear. The 479cc power unit was an air-cooled overhead-valve twin, the first such used by FIAT, 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 version included wind-down windows, an upholstered rear seat, column-mounted switch gear stalks, and hubcaps. Introduced in 1960, the 500D used the 499.5cc engine of the 500 Sport in de-tuned form, which nevertheless brought with it a small gain in horsepower. With the introduction of the 500D, the short sunroof first seen on the Sport became available on the standard saloon.
The Nuova 500 was an immense success for FIAT, and by the time production ceased in 1975 almost 3,000,000 of these adorable little cars had been sold. The original FIAT 500 remains as popular today as it ever was and recently was voted 'Sexiest Car' by the readers of the UK's Top Gear motoring magazine.
This FIAT 500D Trasformabile was delivered new in Rome, Italy in 1962 where it has spent its life until now and comes with its current Italian registration papers. Presented in the lovely original colour scheme of Verde Chiaro over a red cloth and vinyl interior the car has benefitted from an extensive restoration in 2021-2022.
During this restoration the car has been taken to bare metal and a full body respray has been executed. The car still has its original floors and sills which is remarkable for a Cinquecento of this age and a testament of how well the car has been preserved. The engine has been rebuilt and the car has a fresh MOT from August 2022. It features period accessories like a steering lock, bonnet lock and comes with its original "libretto di uso e manutenzione" and Italian registration documents. The car is a real eye-catcher and is ready to be enjoyed.