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LOT 38 Ω

1953 Fiat 500 C Topolino Belvedere Chassis no. 479003

Sold for US$11,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 38Ω

1953 Fiat 500 C Topolino Belvedere

1953 Fiat 500 C Topolino Belvedere
Chassis no. 479003


569cc Inline Four-Cylinder Side-Valve Engine
Single Downdraft Weber Carburetor
16.5bhp at 4,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle with Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*A charming and practical Italian Peoples' Car
*Lovingly preserved restoration in appealing colors
*Full-length sliding sunroof
*Authentically detailed and delightful to drive

THE FIAT 500 C "TOPOLINO"

Peoples' cars like the Ford Model T, Austin 7, and VW Beetle occupy a unique space in the hearts of countless motoring enthusiasts. For Italians, the cheeky and cheerful Fiat 500 transcended socioeconomic status to become an iconic symbol of four-wheeled freedom. Better known by its sobriquet – Topolino, literally "Little Mouse," the original Fiat 500 of 1936 was much more than just a cute face. The work of the great engineer Dante Giacosa, it was one of the most advanced small cars available, with independent front suspension, hydraulic brakes, an overhead valve engine, and 12-volt electrics.

Buyers responded with glee in the post-war recovery era – snapping up over 376,000 examples of the little mouse through the end of production in 1955.

THE CAR OFFERED

This 500 C Belvedere is a fine example of Italy's beloved everyman car. Finished in a classic two-tone green color scheme that conjures journeys in the Tuscan countryside, it features pleasing touches such as cream wheel centers, chrome bumpers, and a full-length Webasto sliding roof. Wearing a well-maintained older restoration, it has an honest and authentic character. The consignor reports that he acquired the car from an Italian lawyer who lived in the exclusive Coppede neighborhood in Rome, using the Topolino there for approximately 15 years. In recent months, the current owner has done some maintenance to include brake servicing, fitting new sunroof material, new replacement chrome bumpers, and new window rubbers. Up to four passengers can cozy up in the minimalistic cabin, which is trimmed with authentic materials. The four-speed gearbox is shifted via a floor-mounted lever, allowing the driver to extract the most from the 569cc 'four. An original jack and various spares are included in the sale.

In 1936 Fiat touted the 500 as the "great new little car to save money and work." It remains widely loved, and this eminently appealing Belvedere wagon will surely provide endless delight as you motor around the village, farm, or country estate.

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ΩImport Duty
Lot is subject to US Customs duty or tariff and/or related import fees payable by the buyer as part of the purchase price. Please refer to the Specialist Department managing the auction for details.

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