1996 Fiat Cinquecento Trofeo Sporting

Footnotes

In 1991 FIAT introduced the Cinquecento (five hundred), a front-wheel-drive three-door hatchback, replacing the preceding FIAT 126. Although conceived as an everyday 'shopping car' like the original FIAT 500, the Cinquecento was soon being thrashed around Italy's city streets by a generation of speed-crazed youngsters. Perhaps inspired by this revelation of the Cinquecento's hitherto untapped potential, FIAT introduced the Sporting version in 1992. Intended as a cheap means of entering motor sports, the car gained its own one-make rally championship (the Trofeo FIAT Cinquecento) and hence the Cinquecento Trofeo Sporting was born.

For the competition version, the power output of the 899cc engine was raised to 55bhp and a heavy-duty clutch fitted. The running gear was up-rated with Bilstein suspension, Abarth wheels and Michelin tyres, while the interior featured bucket seats, a Sparco steering wheel, and a roll cage.

The Trofeo would turn out to be an immense success - some 70 drivers took part in the first race at Mugello in 1993 - and the idea soon spread to encompass races in almost every country in Europe. At the season's end the best drivers from each country would race each other for the opportunity to compete in the Monte Carlo Rally in a factory-entered Cinquecento. The series ran for several years and only ceased when FIAT released the Cinquecento's successor, the Seicento, in 1997.

A Rally of Sardinia participant in 1998, the Cinquecento Trofeo Sporting offered here has had only one owner and currently displays a total of 2,009 kilometres on the odometer. Preserved in original condition, the car comes with complete documentation, Italian plates and paperwork, CSAI Passport, and a Press Kit.

Please note that this vehicle has less than 6,000 kilometres recorded on the odometer, is considered to be a New Means of Transport under EU law and will incur a VAT liability if sold to an EU country other than Italy. The current Italian VAT rate of 22% will be applied on the hammer price and added to the invoice total.